It’s March Madness for CTE! Not the Frozen Four, the Final Four or St. Patrick’s Day, but that culminating time of the year when Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) convene to showcase their knowledge, teamwork, and leadership skills learned in their CTE classrooms. Across the country, ‘CTSO March Madness’ empowers students to take risks as they compete against peers in competitive events, and develop leadership through collaboration. Talk about a WIN/WIN!

West Fargo Public Schools (WFPS) values CTSOs! Students can become members of DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, TSA, and FRC. To be eligible, students must be enrolled, or have been enrolled, in a CTE course in: business, construction, marketing, family and consumer sciences, robotics, health sciences, rec engines, diesel, and technology and engineering. Each CTSO requires students to register as a state member, with national membership for some organizations to advance to national competitions throughout the United States.

Congratulations to our West Fargo High School and Sheyenne High School advisors for their time and commitment to engage students in CTSO leadership roles and competitive events. These experiences require responsibility beyond the classroom, nights, and weekend, which is a pledge for student success. Beyond the competition, young men and woman are encouraged to run for local and state officer roles, nurturing individual leadership and requiring professional levels of conduct. Service learning projects give back to schools and the community, thus promoting teamwork. Ultimately, students excelling at state competitions earn the opportunity to advance to their national CTSO conference, expanding their social connections and the chance to explore cities across the country. Check out updates on the West Fargo website.

Today, more than ever, students are speaking out! As we watch candidates vying to become legislative leaders and question ethical practices of organizations, CTSOs play an important role in helping our students cultivate their inner leadership. Although this may be an innate skill for some, for many, providing more opportunities for students to practice and feedback is critical to confidence and leadership development. Can leaders be developed, yes! Let the March Madness continue, that is ‘CTSO march Madness!’

For more information on CTSOs, Career and Technical Student Organizations.