Today's Students. Tomorrow's business professionals.

 Business Professionals of America has a history as a student organization that contributes to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills for students at the secondary and the post-secondary level. Members of Business Professionals of America compete in demonstrations of their business and technical skills, develop their professional and leadership skills, network with members and professionals across the nation, and get involved in the betterment of their community through good work projects. For more information visit www.bpa.org

HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is a national organization for secondary and post-secondary vocational students enrolled in health occupations education programs. The activities of HOSA are an integral part of the instructional program that provides occupational skills as well as leadership skills. Local HOSA chapters provide programs and activities to help individuals develop their physical, mental, social well-being. During the competitions, HOSA members have the opportunity to share experiences with other people involved in health occupations. The major categories for competitive events are as follows:

Dental Assisting
Nursing Assisting
CPR/First Aid
Medical Laboratory Assisting
Sports Medicine
Veterinary Assisting
Various Individual Leadership Events
Various Team Leadership Events  For more information visit www.hosa.org

SkillsUSA provides local, state, and national competitions in which students demonstrate their occupational and leadership skills. These contests recognize the achievements of career and technical education students and encourage them to strive for excellence and pride in their chosen fields.

The National SkillsUSA Championships event is held annually. More than 3,800 students compete in 66 occupational and leadership skill areas. Working against the clock and each other, the participants prove their expertise in skills such as electronics, technical drafting, precision machining, medical assisting, and culinary arts. There are also competitions in leadership skills, such as extemporaneous speaking and conducting meetings by parliamentary procedure.

Technical committees made up of representatives of labor and management plan the contests. Local representatives of education and industry assist the national technical committee. Safety practices and procedures are judged and graded.

Students benefit from the competition no matter how they place in the finals. They learn more about their skills and often make future job contacts. For more information visit www.skillsusa.org

DECA is an association of students who are planning careers in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Throughout the year, students are offered the opportunity to participate in many conferences that focus on DECA's four main goals:

Vocational Understanding
Leadership Development
Civic Consciousness
Social Understanding

DECA offers the New York City Marketing Mini Conference that allows students to study the fashion industry or sports and entertainment marketing.

Leadership conferences are held each fall in places like Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Students may also participate in competitive events. Examples of occupational areas that students can compete in are:

Retail Merchandising
Apparel and Accessories Marketing
Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Travel and Tourism Marketing
Financial Services For more information visit www.deca.org 

The purpose of MITES (Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society) is to encourage and recognize fine craftsmanship in the field of industry, technology, and career & technical education in the state of Michigan.
The awards program is aimed at stimulating the interest and progress of K-12 students and instructors by inviting students to enter their projects in the regional fairs and encourage technology instructors to support MITES by becoming a member.

Participants that place from first to fourth in the regional fairs may then participate in the statewide competition held during the annual MITES convention. 

FFA is a dynamic youth organization within agricultural education that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. FFA was created in 1928 as Future Farmers of America; the name was changed in 1988 to the national FFA organization to represent the growing diversity of agriculture. Today, almost half a million student members are engaged in a wide range of agricultural education activities, leading to over 300 career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. Student success remains the primary mission of FFA. For more information visit www.michiganffa.com

NTHS honors the achievements of top CTE students, provides scholarships to encourage the pursuit of higher education, and cultivates excellence in today’s highly competitive, skilled workforce. For over 30 years, NTHS has been the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement in career and technical education.  For more information visit  www.nths.org

ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year high school program that reaches nearly 150,000 students in more than 1,900 high schools. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-life experience opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. Every student enrolled within the Culinary Arts program is a member of this organization through the National Restaurant Association. State and National contest competitions are an opportunity for students to earn scholarships to Nationally recognized Culinary Schools.   For more information visit chooserestaurants.org/ProStart

The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national student organization that empowers young people to become leaders in their families, careers, and communities. Focusing on the importance of family, leadership development, and career preparation, FCCLA provides students with opportunities to enhance their personal skills through hands-on learning experiences. Members engage in activities such as leadership training, community service projects, and competitive events that promote practical life skills like decision-making, communication, and teamwork. Through its focus areas like nutrition, health, financial literacy, and early childhood education, FCCLA helps students explore various career paths in fields such as human services, hospitality, and education, while also fostering a sense of social responsibility. Overall, FCCLA equips students with the tools they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. For more information visit https://fcclainc.org/