Recognizing the need for a trained workforce to meet the needs of the 21st century, the Carl Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 identifies the need for Career Technical Student Organizations. The Career Technical Leadership Program provides New Mexico Activities Association state sanctioned activities for CTSO members.

What is a CTSO?

CTSO stands for Career and Technical Student Organization. CTSO’s serve career and technical education students throughout the United States. The following CTSO’s are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are active in New Mexico:

After completion of their career training, graduates enter a highly competitive labor market. Success will be enjoyed most by those who possess the competitive edge that participation in a CTSO provides.
By providing a leadership lab (local chapter) in which students can develop, practice and refine skills that distinguish them from others in the workforce, the career and technical classroom and curriculum can be energized. A major goal of career and technical education and career technical student organizations is to provide students with the very best preparation available to enhance their job performance and educational initiatives in their chosen profession. Students who are not “leadership ready” may not be as valuable in tomorrow’s workforce. By fully integrating the career technical student organization into the classroom and curriculum, career and technical education programs are able to provide students with the edge needed to be adaptable, innovative and competitive in the workforce.