This article originally appeared in the January 2024 Issue of Pasco Post.

Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)

A Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) is a student-led group that provides opportunities for individuals to develop leadership skills and enhance their technical and career-specific competencies. These organizations are often associated with career and technical education (CTE) programs in schools and colleges.

The benefits of joining a CTSO are quite diverse. They offer a platform for students to apply and reinforce the skills they are learning in their CTE courses in a real-world context. Through competitions, workshops, and other activities, members can showcase their talents and gain recognition for their achievements. This is the time of the year when many of our Pasco County CTE students are participating in district and regional CTSO competitions. 

CTSOs also foster a sense of community and camaraderie among like-minded individuals. Students can network with peers who share similar interests and career aspirations, creating valuable connections that may be beneficial in the future. 

Leadership development is another key advantage. Members often have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the organization, organizing events, managing projects, and developing their teamwork and communication skills. 

Furthermore, CTSOs frequently provide access to industry professionals and experts. This exposure can be instrumental in helping students explore potential career paths, gain insights into industry trends, and even secure internships or mentorship opportunities. 

Overall, joining a CTSO can be a rewarding experience that not only complements academic learning but also prepares students for success in their chosen careers. 

These are the active CTSOs in Pasco and the programs and school that offer them.  

Click on each CTSO's acronym to visit their national or Florida website: 

FBLA – Future Business Leaders of America 

• Business at AAI (grades 6-12), CCHS, HHS, JWMHS, LOLHS, PHS, WCHS, WRHS, ZHS 
• Accounting at SLHS 
• Marketing at RRHS 

FCCLA – Family, Career and Community Leaders of America 

• Culinary Arts at WRHS 

FFA – Future Farmers of America 

• Agriculture (required by FLDOE standards) at CENMS, HAC, HHS, PMS, PHS, PVMS, RBSMS, TEWMS, WCHS, ZHS 

FFEA – Florida Future Educators of America 

• Principles of Teaching @ Pasco eSchool and RRHS 

FPSA – Florida Public Service Association 

• Criminal Justice @ CCHS, FHS, ZHS 

HOSA – Health Occupations Students of America 

• Middle School Health Science courses at JLMS 
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at GHS, JWMHS, SLHS, WRHS 
• Patient Care Technician (PCT) at KRAI, MTC, WKTHS 
• Biomedical Sciences at WKTHS 
• LOLHS – no Health Sciences programs – independent CTSO 

SkillsUSA 

• Culinary Arts at LOLHS, MTC