As someone who has spent nearly two decades working with Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) first as an advisor, then as a state director, and now at the national level, I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing impact CTSOs have on students and educators.
In iCEV’s recent Classroom to CTSO Connections virtual session, I had the opportunity to share impactful strategies for connecting classroom learning with CTSO opportunities, including:
- Why CTSOs Matter More Than Ever
- How to Bring CTSO Competitions into Your Classroom
- Overcoming Barriers to CTSO Accessibility
Whether you’re new to advising or a seasoned leader, this article will give you fresh ideas, practical tools, and inspiration to strengthen the connection between your classroom and CTSO opportunities.
Why CTSOs Matter More Than Ever
Bringing a CTSO into your classroom isn’t just another item on the to-do list—it’s a gateway to opportunities for your students.
Students gain exposure to careers they might never have imagined, discovering pathways and industries beyond what they see in their own communities. Daily CTSO involvement builds leadership and employability skills, giving students hands-on practice in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Perhaps most importantly, CTSOs help students develop future-ready skills, preparing them for jobs that may not even exist yet while keeping them aligned with emerging industry needs.
How to Bring CTSO Competitions into Your Classroom
One of the best ways to align CTSOs with your teaching is by embedding competition standards directly into classroom instruction. Competitions should not be seen as “extra.” They are intracurricular, a natural extension of what you already teach.
What this means for you as an advisor is that what you’re already teaching every day in class can easily be turned into a competition, creating a dynamic learning environment for your students.
Here’s how to get started:
- Map standards to your curriculum - Compare contest guidelines with your state or local standards to identify overlap.
- Use competitions as assessments - Instead of a written test, ask students to demonstrate their skills in a contest-style format.
- Start small - Choose one contest or even a single section of a contest to try in your classroom.
- Engage your community - Invite administrators or local industry partners to serve as judges. This not only validates your students’ work but also builds program support.
The most important thing to remember: CTSO competitions are not just about sending a few students to state or national conferences. The real impact happens when every student in your classroom has access to these experiences.
Overcoming Barriers to CTSO Accessibility
During the Classroom to CTSO Connections webinar, 70 CTSO advisors and supporters answered: “What is the biggest barrier to CTSO participation for your students?” The results:
- Funding/Costs: 34.3%
- Lack of time: 28.6%
- Student interest/Awareness: 22.8%
- Other: 14.3%
These challenges are real, but solvable. Based on the conversation during our webinar, here are the three most common barriers to CTSO accessibility and actionable first steps for each:
- Time – Start small. Implement one activity at a time. You don’t need to do it all in your first year.
- Funding – Explore Perkins V funding, grants from your CTSO, and partnerships with local employers. Many alumni are also eager to give back once they see the impact.
- Student Interest – Integrate CTSO activities into class projects to increase engagement and curiosity.
Over time, these small steps add up to stronger chapters, more engaged students, and more support from your community.
And remember, you’re not alone. CTSOs are designed with resources to support you, from competition guides to professional development opportunities. Above all, serve as an example for your students of what lifelong learning looks like. When you lead by example, students will follow.
A Call to Action for All CTSO Advisors
Regardless of which CTSO you advise—SkillsUSA, FFA, HOSA, DECA, FBLA, or other you are doing far more than preparing students for contests. You are helping them discover their strengths, build confidence, and envision their futures.
As advisors, we’re not just training students for today—we’re preparing them for tomorrow. So, keep showing up, keep encouraging, and keep connecting students to opportunities that will shape their lives.
Looking for more ways to better engage students in your classroom to boost the impact of your course and student interest in your CTSO? Download your Keeping Students Engaged in CTE Guide for FREE bell ringers, active learning games and more designed to help students thrive in your program.
