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Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are for students enrolled in a Career and Technical Education program that engages in CTE activities as an integral part of the instructional program. Through CTSO programs, Illinois CTE students develop leadership skills, build employability and career skills, and engage in experiential learning. The CTSOs in Illinois offer local, regional, and state student-led leadership teams, competitive skill-based events that can lead to scholarship and grant opportunities, and student-oriented activities that often involve authentic student interactions with industry partners and employers. ​

The ISBE CTE team supports a state-level CTSO Student Board. The CTSO Student Board members represent a variety of the CTSO organizations and are critical to ensuring the student perspective and voice are included when the ISBE CTE team is developing new initiatives. Each year, during CTE Month in February, the CTSO Student Board participates in a panel at the regular meeting of the ISBE Board of Education to provide an overview of Illinois CTE programs and answer questions from ISBE Board members. ​

Career and Technical Student Organization Month Proclamation

Through the dedicated advocacy and hard work of former CTSO Student Board members, Governor JB Pritzker has officially proclaimed February 2026 as Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) Month in Illinois. This recognition highlights a significant milestone for the state's educational landscape, as participation has successfully risen to 63,127 students during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

By formally recognizing the impact of organizations like FFA, DECA, FBLA, TSA, BPA, FCCLA, SkillsUSA, HOSA, Illinois Science Olympiad, and Illinois Educators Rising, the Governor emphasizes the vital role these programs play in bridging the national skills gap. These organizations ensure that Illinois students are uniquely prepared for critical and growing fields such as STEM, health science pathways, business administration, and agricultural education.

This proclamation serves as a testament to the leadership and technical skills students develop during their formative years, ensuring that the next generation of the Illinois workforce is equipped to lead a strong and bustling economy. We celebrate the commitment of the student leaders who made this official recognition a reality and encourage all residents to become familiar with the immense benefits offered by career and technical education.​​