Career & Technical Student Organizations – CTSO
Welcome!
Over 40,000 students participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO). These dynamic organizations develop academic success through applied academics, promote choice and identification of career options and foster interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications human relations and social interactions. They also encourage excellence in scholarship, build character, promote citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism, endorse cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people and provide opportunities for state, national and international travel through internships, camps and leadership conferences. The eight Arizona CTSO’s are Arizona Thespians, DECA, Educators Rising, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, and SkillsUSA.
Arizona Thespians
Arizona Thespians, a Region I Chapter affiliated with the International Thespian Society and the Educational Theatre Association, is dedicated to promoting theatre education in our schools and community. It is our mission to create the leaders of tomorrow through the educational and theatrical experiences of the performing arts to develop strong communities. Arizona Thespians has over 130 Thespian Troupes with over 3700 members. 3500 Thespians participated in our various Festivals throughout the year. For more information, contact, Jenell Riordan (480) 984-8947 ext. 256 or go to www.arizonathespians.com.
DECA
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Arizona DECA has over 6,250 members, with over 225,000 DECA members internationally. For information, contact Francisco Ortiz y Davis, State Advisor, at (602) 542-5354 or go to www.azdeca.org.
Educators Rising
Educators Rising Arizona (formerly FEA – Future Educator’s Association) is the career and technical student organization for Education Professions and/or Early Childhood Education programs that focus on providing personal and professional development opportunities for high school students who aspire to become future educators. Educators Rising (EdRising) has over 1300 members. For information, contact the State Advisor at (602) 542-5315 or go to www.edrisingaz.org.
FBLA
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest and oldest business student organization in the world, with a quarter million students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields! FBLA is in over 125 schools in Arizona and has 5,500 members. This year, more than 2,000 students, advisers, and community volunteers attended their State Leadership Conference. For information, contact Missey Boucher-Goodman, State Adviser (602) 364-2339 or go to www.azfbla.org.
FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) helps young people become leaders with student-directed learning in Family And Consumer Sciences (FACS) education in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Fashion & Interior Design, Hospitality Management. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities. Arizona FCCLA has over 4,600 members; 1,000 members attended their state conference this year. For information, contact Andrew Kuntz (602) 542-3040 or go to www.azfccla.org.
FFA
“Future Farmers of America” (FFA) was founded to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways, including biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Arizona FFA has over 10,000 members. For information, contact Bethany Matos (602) 542-5564 or go to www.azffa.org.
HOSA
HOSA–Future Health Professionals is a student-led Career and Technical Student Organization that provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition for middle school, secondary, postsecondary, and collegiate students interested in a career in healthcare. AzHOSA has over 9,400 members; over 1,700 members attended their state conference this year. For information, contact Aden Ramirez (602) 228-5281 or go to www.azhosa.org.
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce, emphasizing total quality at work: high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA Arizona has over 15,000 members and over 3,000 members at State Championships. For more information, contact Michelle Martinez (602) 542-5565 or go to www.azskillsusa.org or www.skillsusa.org.
