Student Leadership
Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)
CTSOs give students hands-on opportunities to build career and college readiness through leadership, personal growth, and engagement with employers and the community. CTSOs are an important part of high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, extending learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Through CTSOs, students explore careers, develop professional skills, and grow as leaders by participating in programs, competitions, conferences, and events.
CTSOs are nationally recognized, non-profit organizations with state and local chapters, and they support teachers with professional development and curriculum resources.CTE students can take on leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels, helping plan events, advising adults, representing their organization, and encouraging peers to get involved.
CTSOs provide students with opportunities for:
- Career exploration and preparation
- Leadership development and student officer roles
- Community service and civic engagement
- Participation in competitions, awards, and scholarships
- Access to instructional resources and teacher training.
By joining a CTSO, students gain experiences that strengthen skills, build confidence, and prepare them for both college and careers.
Our Local Chapters
DECA
DECA is available to all high school students who are currently enrolled in marketing and entrepreneurship education courses. DECA members have the opportunity to enhance their working knowledge of vocational skills, community service, leadership development, and social intelligence. DECA competitive events participants compete in written papers, tests, and role-playing events that simulate actual business situations. They are judged by business people in the specific occupational area.
Schools:
- Ashley
- Hoggard
Future Business Leaders of America
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. FBLA competitive events prepare students for successful careers in business by providing opportunities to apply classroom concepts in a workforce-simulated competitive environment.
Schools:
- Ashley
- Murray
- WECHS
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) functions as an integral part of the Family and Consumer Sciences education curriculum. FCCLA members make a difference in families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues. Members develop real world skills, become future-ready, and explore career pathways in education and human services, hospitality and tourism, and visual arts and design.
Schools:
- Ashley
FFA
FFA is the agricultural education youth organization that prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success.
Schools:
- Hoggard
- Holly Shelter Middle
HOSA
HOSA’s mission is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration, and experience. HOSA actively promotes career opportunities in the health industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. More than 50 competitive events include health science, health professions, emergency preparedness, leadership, teamwork, and recognition events.
Schools:
- 4 traditional
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA serves students who are preparing for careers or further education in trade, technical, and skilled occupations. SkillsUSA develops champions at work by partnering with industry to implement a variety of local, state, and national opportunities that include leadership development conferences, industry-driven competitive events, and local chapter activities that provide students with the opportunity to lead and grow in their schools and communities.
Schools:
- SEATech
- Hoggard
New Hanover County Schools and its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age or disability, in its activities and programs, including employment policies and practices.
Las Escuelas del Condado de New Hanover y su Programa de Educación en Carreras Técnicas no discrimina a ninguna persona de sus actividades o programas, incluyendo prácticas de empleo, por razones de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, o discapacidad.