The Relationship of CTSOs to Education
The United States Department of Education recognizes 10 national career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) as integral to career and technical education. CTSOs provide a uncommon experience for middle/junior high, high school and college students, including: leadership development, employability skills training and the importance of being a responsible American citizen.

Each year millions of working adults join one or more professional associations in specific and general career fields. CTSOs are NOT "clubs". SkillsUSA is the first professional organization students can join. An integrated SkillsUSA section includes a wide range of activities that model "adult" professional organizations, including: gaining community support, networking, supporting your local community, and work experience. In other words, a CTSO works best when it is utilized as part of the program of instruction and is administered by a teacher (Advisor) who is committed to development of the entire student (i.e. technical skills, leadership skills, employability skills, etc.)

The Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act defines career and technical education as “organized educational programs which are directly related to the preparation of individuals in paid or unpaid employment . . . and vocational student organization activities as an integral part of the program.”

For more information on the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act and career and technical education training visit these websites: www.acteonline.org. For more information on the School to Work Opportunities Act click here: http://ed.gov/offices/OVAE/CTE/perkins.html

Career Preparation programs (formerly Level 3 & 4 Programs) More ►)
SkillsUSA programs on the national level are designed for Level 3 & 4 students. All students and teachers in Level 3 & 4 programs are required to join national SkillsUSA. More information is here.

Career Preparation Beginner programs (formerly Level 2 Programs) More ►)
SkillsUSA--Arizona has developed programs for state only participation. Visit here for Level 2 information.

Membership information is located here with all other types of membership.

Career Exploration programs (formerly Level 1 Programs)
SkillsUSA--Arizona has developed programs for state only participation. Level 1 Programs are for middle school and junior high school students. In a few districts, Level 1 programs are taught at the ninth grade level and that allows those students to be involved in SkillsUSA--Arizona's Level 1 Programs. Visit here for Level 1 information.

Membership information is located here with all other types of membership.

Balanced SkillsUSA Program
A balanced SkillsUSA program means every member is participating in a variety of activities throughout the school year. A section’s activities should involve each main area at least once during the school year. The elements are listed below:

• Professional Development Activities

• Community Service Activities

• Ways and Means Activities

• Skills Competition Activities

• Employment

• Public Relations/Publicity Activities

• Social Activities

Download a more detailed description  (Word, PDF)

This award will be presented to secondary and/or postsecondary educators involved in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations courses, and who have achieved prominence at local, state or national levels. One such award will be presented annually.

Eligible individuals are individuals who are currently employed by high schools, postsecondary institutions, career centers, area vocational technical schools, etc.  Contributions and achievements on which the nomination is based should have been made within the past ten years. The nominee must be a paid professional member of SkillsUSA.

Nominations will be accepted again next year. Check back for more information.