Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) give high school students experience-rich, real-world opportunities to apply the skills they learn in their career and technical education (CTE) classrooms.  

During a trip to Topeka earlier this year, more than a dozen Kansas students told members of the Kansas State Board of Education how being a CTSO leader has changed the course of their personal and academic lives so they can be successful in their postsecondary pursuits. 

MJ Ashen, a senior at Labette County High School, Labette County USD 506, and vice president of the Kansas affiliate of SkillsUSA, said being part of SkillsUSA has not only significantly transformed her confidence and communication skills, but also taught her how to express her own ideas and lead others on the state and national levels through SkillsUSA competitions and initiatives. 

“Through these experiences, I’ve realized that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room,” Ashen said. “Instead, it’s about listening, connecting and encouraging others to shine as well.”  

Ajitesh Srivastava, a senior at Wichita Collegiate School and vice president of the Kansas DECA chapter, said DECA competitions have helped him apply what he learned in an economics class to build on his entrepreneurial technical skills such as writing formal business proposals from scratch. 

“This experience helped me apply my market research skills and my writing skills in a real-world context,” Srivastava said. “It transformed public speaking for me from a source of anxiety to a genuine strength. It has allowed me to communicate with a level of confidence that I simply didn’t have before.” 

Kendra Conrad is a senior at Wabaunsee High School, Wabaunsee USD 329, and president of the Kansas chapter of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She said the FCCLA’s leadership opportunities and competitive events have given her experience that mirrors college and career expectations. 

“One of the biggest ways FCCLA prepared me is through time management and responsibility,” Conrad said. “Balancing FCCLA commitments alongside academics and athletics taught me how to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and stay organized, skills that are essential for success in postsecondary education.”   

Toby Black is a junior at Basehor-Linwood High School, Basehor-Linwood USD 458, and vice president of Kansas Technology Student Association (TSA). He said he was encouraged by a friend to get involved in TSA while in seventh grade, a decision he said has significantly altered the path he’s taken throughout high school. 

“TSA has helped me learn that I have a passion for engineering and technology,” Black said. “It has taught me to be a leader among my peers and learn what I want to outside of a classroom setting.” 

Dayali Sanchez is a senior at Newton High School, Newton USD 373 and is president of the Kansas chapter of the Business Professionals of America (BPA). She said when she’s asked about how BPA has prepared her for her postsecondary path,  she thinks about a “mindset shift,” rather than the competitions she’s participated in.  

“BPA has transformed that question into something far more powerful,” she said, adding that BPA has motivated her to achieve higher academic success and has pushed her learning “beyond the classroom.” 

“I’ve learned how to think critically and communicate professionally and adapt very quickly,” she said. “It has helped me prepare for setbacks and has been a reminder to not crumble under stress. It has not only pushed me to be better, but I also want to be better.”