The list of awardees is available at the bottom of this release.

The Georgia Department of Education is awarding a total of $2,312,000 in federal funds to nine Georgia Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) to expand access to Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education programming for Georgia students, especially in rural school systems, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced today.

At its May meeting, the State Board of Education approved Superintendent Woods' recommendation to award grants to nine CTSOs. The awardees may use the funds for state-recognized CTSO chapters; new chapters in rural school systems; membership and registration fees; travel costs to regional and state CTSO events; and stipends for teacher-advisors in new affiliated chapters. The funds will expand opportunities and co-curricular supports to maximize student engagement, meet student needs and interests, and ensure the relevance of learning in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs.

“We must make education relevant for all Georgia students and provide them with opportunities to discover possibilities for their lives after high school, including exploring careers they want to pursue," Superintendent Woods said. “Year after year, Georgia's Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education program and Career and Technical Student Organizations demonstrate their effectiveness and how essential it is that we continue to invest in career education."

“It is imperative that students are afforded opportunities to maximize their participation in CTSOs," GaDOE CTAE Director Dr. Barbara Wall said. “For many students, it's belonging to a CTSO that keeps them in school. Through CTSO participation students gain self-confidence, professionalism, communication, and leadership skills all in the context of their Career Pathway. All of these skills are valued by employers. CTSOs play a large role in accomplishing the mission of Georgia CTAE, which is to provide experiences for students that will prepare them for workplace success."

CTSOs are a vital part of CTAE because they help prepare students to become productive members of society who hold leadership roles in their communities. They provide motivation, leadership training, and career development opportunities for students enrolled in CTAE programs in middle and high school. CTSOs enhance students' occupational, employability, and leadership skills through various activities such as conferences, award programs, service projects, and competitive activities. These organizations conduct activities and events at the local, state, and national levels in which students can participate and compete. CTSOs are committed to the growth of students in all CTAE Career Pathways.

CTAE in Georgia delivers a middle and high school experience that prepares students for their lives after high school. Students can learn skills for real-world careers in more than 134 Career Pathways – from financial technology to flight operations – while earning recognized industry credentials and participating in work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities.

Career Pathways are for all students, no matter which path they plan to take. Pathway completers are prepared to pursue higher education, enter the military, accept an apprenticeship opportunity, or immediately begin their career.

Georgia Career and Technical Student Organization Awardees

Georgia DECA
Georgia FFA Association
Georgia Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Georgia FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
Georgia Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Georgia Career & Technical Instruction (CTI)
Georgia HOSA – Future Health Professionals
Georgia SkillsUSA
Georgia Technology Student Association (TSA)