Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) provide students with hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities and the chance to compete in events related to their career paths. All approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs include a co-curricular CTSO component, allowing students to apply their skills beyond the classroom and gain a competitive edge for their future careers.
At Valley Park High School, students can take their learning to the next level by joining a variety of CTSOs, including:
HOSA (Future Health Professionals) – Perfect for students interested in healthcare careers, HOSA provides opportunities to develop skills in medical knowledge, patient care, and leadership.
FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) – This organization focuses on personal development, family dynamics, and career preparation in fields like education, hospitality, and human services.
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) – Students looking to explore business, marketing, and finance careers can gain valuable experience through FBLA’s networking events, leadership opportunities, and competitions.
TSA (Technology Student Association) – New this year, is for students passionate about STEM, TSA provides challenges in engineering, robotics, and technology-based problem-solving.
Additionally, students who attend South Tech can also participate in SkillsUSA, an organization that prepares students for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
Getting involved in a CTSO is a fantastic way for students to enhance their resumes, build leadership experience, and compete at local, state, and national levels. These clubs provide real-world opportunities that extend beyond the school day, allowing students to develop the skills needed for future careers and meet during mid-day during WIN time.
Valley Park High School’s CTSOs have seen incredible success this year! The VPHS HOSA team qualified for the HOSA State Conference and Competition, where they will showcase their skills at the end of March. Meanwhile, the FCCLA group was victorious at the Missouri State LifeSmarts Competition in Jefferson City, earning a spot at Nationals in Chicago this April. Additionally, three outstanding FBLA students placed in the top five at the District 9 FBLA Conference, demonstrating their business and leadership excellence. They will begin state testing at the end of March. These achievements highlight the incredible opportunities available through CTSOs, giving students real-world experience, leadership development, and a competitive edge for the future.