Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) are a vital part of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE). CTSOs play an integral role in preparing students to become college and career ready members of society who hold productive leadership roles in their communities. CTSOs are committed to the growth of students in all CTAE career pathways.

These organizations provide motivation, leadership training, and career development opportunities for students enrolled in Career, Technical and Agricultural Education programs in middle and high schools and enhance their occupational, employability and leadership skills through various activities such as conferences, award programs, service projects, and competitive events. These organizations conduct activities and events at the local, state and national levels in which students can participate and compete.

When integrated into the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education curriculum, the CTSO is a powerful instructional tool which offers organized curriculum-oriented activities that help students maximize employability, gain leadership opportunities, and develop personal skills which enable them to develop into productive members of society. 

CTSOs are co-curricular organizations with leadership programs and competitive events which reflect current curriculum standards and competencies for the instructional programs they serve. Teachers infuse the CTSO's activities into the instructional activities, thereby helping students see the real world value of their academic studies.