How to Start a New CTSO Chapter at Your School

Start a CTSO chapter at your school.

You can start a new Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) at your school to enable students to learn valuable job-related skills they need to enter the workforce. CTSOs help students develop professionally and build leadership traits while fostering a sense of community and citizenship. There are several CTSOs that you can start, including Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Business Professionals of America (BPA) and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

Instructions

1. Decide which CTSO chapter you feel will best benefit the school and attract the most participation from students. Choose the national, international or state organization whose objectives meet the needs of the student body and whose mission does not conflict with the school.

2. Plan the objectives of the group and obtain information from the national, regional or state level of the organization. Your plan should include the group's mission and objectives and an overview of how the chapter will benefit the students of the school.

3. Pitch the plan for the group to school administrators to obtain permission to start the group. Depending on the school, an approval process may be needed. A copy of the plan from Step 2 should be made ahead of time for each administrator who will be present when you present the proposal. It is advisable to have additional copies on hand. The proposal should be professional as well as brief and to the point.

4. Apply to start a new chapter with the CTSO. Most CTSOs allow you to apply on their websites by clicking the "Advisor" or "Affiliate" links. Some of the sites also provide demos to ensure you do not have difficulty completing the forms. Fill in all required information and be prepared to provide the name of the school administrator who authorized the chapter, the mailing address of the school and your contact information.

5. Post information about the new CTSO on school bulletin boards, in the school newsletter and any other place around campus that might generate interest. The postings can also serve as recruitment for chapter officers to assist in running the group or for teachers to assist in the management and supervision of the group.

References

• Temple University: Investigate the Opportunities and Benefits Available Through Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)

Resources

• Business Professionals of America
• Health Occupations Students of America
• Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America
• Future Business Leaders of America
• DECA: International Association of Marketing Students