Student Organization Leaders Meet Oklahoma Leaders

By Paula Bowles
Oklahoma Department of CareerTech

Leaders of tomorrow got a chance Feb. 13 to see today's leaders in action during CareerTech Student Organization Day at the Capitol.

CTSO leaders from across Oklahoma met legislators, observed the legislative process and toured the Capitol.

“This event provided student leaders an opportunity to learn about the legislative process, touch up on Oklahoma history and hear from state leaders who were once leaders in a student organization,” said Valeri Terry, leadership and professional development specialist at the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

“The presence of CTSO state officers at the Capitol is primarily a learning opportunity for the students, but it also provides a chance for decision makers to see the outcome of their efforts in the legislature.”

CareerTech Student Organizations and their associated programs include FFA, Agricultural Education; BPA, - Business Professionals of America, Business and Information Technology Education; FCCLA -Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Family and Consumer Sciences Education; DECA, Marketing Education; HOSA, Health Careers Education; TSA –Technology Student association, Technology Education; and SkillsUSA, Trade and Industrial Education.

CTSOs provide students junior high age and older with the opportunity to develop skills vital to success in the today's workplace. CTSO members take part in leadership development, team-building activities, skills competitions, public speaking, community service, academic enhancement and career exploration. More than 74,000 Oklahoma students are members of CTSOs.

Many CareerTech graduates credit their participation in student organizations combined with skills training for success in the workplace.

“Graduates of CareerTech full-time programs make a significant contribution to the state’s economic vitality,” said Phil Berkenbile, state director of ODCTE. A recent study by the Center for Applied Economic Research at Oklahoma State University helped quantify the contributions of CareerTech graduates of full-time programs.

The study concluded that CareerTech graduates add $2 billion annually to the state’s economy. The study also revealed that CareerTech graduates earn and save more money during a lifetime than those with only a high school diploma.

Researchers determined that CareerTech graduates are hired sooner and advance quicker in their careers than those with only a high school education and that the entry wage of CareerTech graduates is about 15 percent higher than high school graduates.

“Career Tech Student Organizations contribute to the economic impact our students are making in the state,” said Berkenbile. “Students are gaining important skills that will help them succeed in their careers and be productive citizens in their communities.”