From Feb. 1-28, 2025, students and faculty across career and technical education programs among Limestone County and Athens City Schools will celebrate Alabama Career and Technical Education Month. The celebration will feature a variety of activities, including local competitions among Career and Technical Education Student Organizations and an open house at the district’s CTE center on Sanderfer Road.

John Wilson, one of the Career and Technical Education Directors for the Limestone County School System, expressed the school district’s strong relationship with local and regional business and industry partners.

“We will be hosting local and district SkillsUSA competitions, in collaboration with industry representatives, where students will have the opportunity to showcase the program-specific skillsets that they have acquired through the district’s first-class CTE programs. We are equipping young individuals to become effective career professionals and community leaders,” he said.

CTE plays a vital role in the education system, offering students valuable learning experiences that help them explore various career paths while preparing for future employment and independent living. Programs utilize real-world scenarios within classrooms and laboratories, alongside supervised work experiences such as internships, practicums, cooperative education and apprenticeships.

While many associate high school extracurricular activities with athletics, band and clubs, the significance of student-led organizations in advancing quality CTE programs is often overlooked. CTSOs are not merely clubs for a select few; they serve as essential instructional tools that enhance the CTE curriculum when integrated by dedicated instructors. CTE educators recognize the importance of offering students more than just technical knowledge; they strive to provide engaging activities that foster personal and social development, leadership abilities, and employability skills. The mission of CTSOs is to create optimal learning environments that support students in honing their leadership and technical skills within their chosen fields of study.

Participation in CTSOs offers numerous advantages for students, including the chance to build positive self-esteem, social skills, problem-solving capabilities, communication skills, leadership qualities and occupational competencies — attributes that employers universally value. Additionally, students gain a sense of belonging through their involvement in these organizations.Lastly, CTSOs facilitate learning experiences, provide opportunities for recognition, and contribute to the holistic development of each student. They prepare students for active participation in our democratic and free enterprise society. Limestone County and Athens City students receive numerous state and national awards each year. Career and Technical Education remains a priority across both districts.

Career and Technical Student Organizations Chartered through Limestone County Schools:

— FFA (1928): To make a positive different in the lives of young people by developing their potentials for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

— FCCLA (1945): To promote personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education.

— FBLA (1937): To bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

— SkillsUSA (formerly VICA, 1965): Dedicated to providing experiences and opportunities for the total development of the individual through the development of citizen and leadership qualities as well as through the development of occupational knowledge and skills.

— Technology Student Organization – TSA (1965): Fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in technology, innovation, design and engineering.

— Health Occupations Students of America – HOSA (1976): an integral part of health occupations programs and provides health occupations students with learning experiences that help them to develop leadership, citizenship and occupational knowledge and skills required to enter jobs and careers in the health occupations field.