Student Organizations Unite Wisconsin

The positive impact of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) on students, school districts, communities, and employers shines bright throughout Wisconsin even as people are staying “Safer at Home.” Wisconsin’s six CTSOs are cocurricular/intracurricular student organizations that provide leadership, teambuilding, organizational skills, and community service to more than 46,000 participating members (see latest figures). During this challenging time, participating in a CTSO is still one of the most successful paths to achieve the Department of Public Instruction’s vision: Every Child a Graduate, College and Career Ready.

Here are just a few outstanding examples of how CTSOs are currently providing unique opportunities to stay united and positively impact their local communities and Wisconsin:

• DECA – Appleton East DECA developed a “Virtual Spirit Week” that provided their members leadership skills, communication, and fun!
• FBLA – Read all about how Muskego FBLA partnered with a local business to develop “Muskego Strong” t-shirts with the profits going to support local businesses!
• FCCLA – FCCLA chapters around the state are buckling down to make masks for their communities, including Westosha, Brillion, and Siren.
• FFA – Slinger FFA sold “Dairy Strong” yard signs to residents in Washington County to help local food banks purchase dairy products!

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  HOSA – Find out how New London HOSA joined together to write thank-you notes to health care workers at Wisconsin hospitals to show their appreciation and support!

• SkillsUSA – Wittenberg-Birnamwood SkillsUSA decided to redirect chapter funds set aside for the State Leadership and Skills Conference and, instead, donated them to the Wittenberg Food Pantry.

CTSOs have a lot to offer year-round. Victor Frasher, Director of Community Engagement for Educators Credit Union and a 15-year Wisconsin DECA judge, had the opportunity to experience DECA and Cooperative Education (COOP) in high school:

“The skills that students obtain by being a part of a CTSO program are tangible real-world life skills. Not only do they instill leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and the buzz word of soft skills, they also teach confidence and resilience. I had the opportunity to experience DECA and Cooperative Education (COOP) in high school, and I can tell you honestly that I would not be the professional that I am today if not for those two vital high school programs.”

Confidence and resilience are two important skills that will help everyone stay united and stronger while we stay “Safer at Home.” Learn more about the six Wisconsin CTSOs.

—Submitted by Tim Fandek, Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship Education Consultant, Wisconsin DECA Chartered Association Advisor, Career and Technical Education, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction