Level Up Your Future: Why Colorado Students Are Joining Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) 

High school opens the door to discovering passions, building confidence, and gaining real-world experience. At Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA), students can do exactly that by joining Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). 

These student-led clubs connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences, leadership development, competitions, community service, and industry networking. Whether students are interested in healthcare, engineering, media arts, business, or agriculture, CTSOs provide a powerful opportunity to explore future careers while still in high school. 

Through CTSOs, CODCA students gain practical skills, collaborate with peers across the state, and build the confidence needed to pursue college, technical training, or careers after graduation. 

Healthcare, Education & Human Services, Criminal Justice & Public Safety: HOSA 

Students pursuing careers in healthcare, education, human services, or criminal justice can expand their knowledge through HOSA – Future Health Professionals. HOSA gives students the opportunity to connect their classroom learning to real-world health and service careers through leadership activities, competitions, and community outreach. 

Participants build skills in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking while exploring career pathways in fields that make a direct impact on communities. 

Ms. Shari Bossmann, CTE Health Science Teacher, is reshaping how healthcare is taught and said, “My goal is to give students the best of both worlds. Strong foundational learning online and meaningful, hands-on experiences that bring those lessons to life. Through our mobile clinical lab, students can practice real healthcare skills, build confidence, and see themselves in future medical careers. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them realize that what they’re learning today can truly shape their future.”   

“I’m passionate about helping students see how what they learn in the classroom connects to real careers and meaningful ways to serve their communities. Through our Criminal Justice and Public Safety pathway and organizations like HOSA, students gain valuable skills, explore career possibilities, and build the confidence they need to pursue their future.” emphasized Beth Vasquez, CRE Instructor, Legal and Law Enforcement/School Counseling and Mental Health Pathways, HOSA Co-Advisor 

Media Art: SkillsUSA 

For creative students interested in design, media production, and visual storytelling, SkillsUSA offers a hands-on pathway to explore the creative industry. 

CODCA students recently had the chance to see real-world creativity in action through events like a tour of Sign Shop Illuminated, where they learned about the signage industry and even built their own personalized signs using professional tools and materials. 

SkillsUSA members also participate in leadership conferences, community service projects, and fundraising efforts that support participation in statewide competitions like the State Leadership & Skills Conference. 

“SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to grow not just technically, but personally. Through competitions, leadership training, and hands-on projects, students develop creativity, confidence, and the real-world skills they’ll carry into their future careers. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them discover what they’re capable of and pursue pathways they’re truly passionate about,” said Jolene Masek, SkillsUSA Advisor, CTE IT Digital Design 

SkillsUSA welcomes students from all programs who want to explore creative industries and leadership opportunities. To see all the fun, watch the video here. 

Business, Marketing, Hospitality & Outdoor Leadership: DECA 

Students interested in business, entrepreneurship, marketing, hospitality, or leadership can take their ambitions to the next level through DECA. 

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs by helping students develop business knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through projects, competitions, and professional networking. 

Engineering, Technology & IT: TSA 

For students passionate about STEM fields, Technology Student Association (TSA) provides an exciting pathway to explore engineering, technology, and innovation. 

Agriculture: Ag Club 

Students interested in agriculture, sustainability, and environmental science can grow their knowledge through CODCA’s Agriculture Club. 

Ag Club introduces students to agricultural careers while building leadership, teamwork, and goal-setting skills. Members explore industry pathways, participate in community service projects, and connect with professionals working in agriculture-related fields. 

Why CTSOs Matter 

CTSOs give CODCA students a chance to explore careers early, develop leadership skills, and build experiences that strengthen college and career readiness. 

Through networking with professionals, competing in regional and national events, earning industry certifications, and collaborating with peers across the state, students gain skills that go far beyond the classroom. 
 
For many students, CTSOs are where confidence grows, passions are discovered, and future careers begin to take shape. 

Ready to get involved? Reach out to the CODCA CTSO advisors and take the first step toward supercharging your future. 

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