CTSOs are intra-curricular and aligned with program objectives, offering students vital opportunities for leadership development, technical skill application, and competitive engagement. CTSOs connect students with business professionals, allow them to participate in community service, and build a sense of belonging and purpose. These organizations are supported by dedicated CTE staff who ensure alignment with standards and meaningful student participation.
At the SkillsUSA competition, I had the opportunity to co-lead the Technical Team Problem-Solving event alongside Gracen. This experience reinforced how CTSOs serve as platforms for student engagement and skill development. By organizing and facilitating the competition, I gained insight into how students think critically under pressure and apply their classroom learning in dynamic, team-based scenarios. The competition required teams to collaborate, communicate effectively, and solve a real-world technical problem within a limited timeframe. It was evident that these students were building essential employability skills like adaptability, leadership, and teamwork. Watching them delegate roles, brainstorm solutions, and present their ideas confidently demonstrated how CTSO activities directly align with workforce readiness. In addition, the event promoted industry connections. Judges from local businesses provided students with authentic feedback, helping them understand professional expectations. This real-time input offered students a unique learning opportunity that bridged school and career environments. Co-running this event allowed me to see the direct impact of structured competition on student growth. CTSOs like SkillsUSA don’t just build resumes—they build capable, confident individuals prepared for future challenges.
While working with the Dawes SkillsUSA club, I had the privilege of guiding students through their submission for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, where they designed a walking cane aid to assist individuals with mobility challenges. This project exemplified how CTSOs can be deeply integrated into the CTE program and serve as powerful vehicles for meaningful student engagement. Throughout the project, students applied engineering, design, and presentation skills in an authentic, community-focused context. They researched, brainstormed, prototyped, and problem-solved collaboratively—all while staying grounded in the goal of helping others. Their work reflected genuine passion and innovation. As a facilitator, I supported them in organizing tasks, setting goals, and aligning their ideas with the competition requirements. The project offered opportunities for students to develop technical and employability skills such as critical thinking, communication, and project management. What stood out the most was how the students took ownership of their learning. They saw the relevance of their work and the potential for real-world impact. Through this initiative, the Dawes SkillsUSA club became more than an extracurricular—it became a space where students could explore careers, build confidence, and make a difference.
