STN is actively engaging with state CTE offices across the country to gain recognition as a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) or Extended Student Leadership Opportunity. Every state defines and manages this process a little differently, so this tracker is designed to help teachers understand where their state currently stands.

In most states, STN is already recognized or permitted as a state or local alternative CTSO, allowing schools to use CTE funds for membership, contests, and convention participation.

The best way to advocate for STN in your state is to reach out directly to your State or District CTE Director and include Shonda Tindall (shonda@studenttelevision.com) in your communication if you need support or guidance.

How CTE & CTSOs Can Work for You & Your STN Program

CTSO Recognition Tracker

STATE CTSO TRACKER
STATE CTSO WEBINAR

3 ways the local uses of funds section in Perkins can assist districts with using funds for CTE student activities other than CTSOs:

SEC. 135. ø20 U.S.C. 2355, Section(b)(5) — LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.
(b) REQUIREMENTS FOR USES OF FUNDS.— Funds made available to eligible recipients under this part shall be used to support career and technical education programs that are of sufficient size, scope, and quality to be effective and that—
(5) plan and carry out elements that support the implementation of career and technical education programs and programs of study and that result in increasing student achievement of the local levels of performance established under section 113, which may include—

  • (M) supporting programs and activities that increase access, student engagement, and success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields (including computer science and architecture) for students who are members of groups underrepresented in such subject fields;

  • (Q) supporting the integration of arts and design skills, when appropriate, into career and technical education programs and programs of study;

  • (T) other activities to improve career and technical education programs;

 Perkins V Allowable & Unallowable Expenditures 

A document titled "ALLOWABLE EXPENDITURES" with a green header. The text lists various allowable costs related to Perkins funding, including administrative costs, professional development, curriculum development, equipment, excursions, instructional materials, travel, meetings, memberships, stipends, teacher in-service, transportation costs, and conference documentation. Some items are highlighted in yellow, such as "Professional development costs," "Program evaluation," "CTS advisor costs," "Curriculum development," "Equipment for approved CTE instruction," "Excursions/extended learning opportunities tied directly to CTE coursework," "Instructional materials and supplies," "Instructor travel, meals, lodging, etc. for approved CTE travel identified in current year Perkins plan," "Meetings and conferences," "Stipends," "Teacher in-service," and "Transportation costs." The document appears to be a guideline or policy for allowable expenses under a Perkins program.

This excerpt was provided to STN from the U.S. Department of Education to clarify it does not approve a fixed group of CTSOs. The entire Q&A document from the U.S. Department of Education can be found HERE.

CTSOs are mostly approved at the state level, with alternative options and funding allowed at the state and/or local level.

A page from a document labeled D.50 with a question about whether the Department approves a CTSO for funding under Perkins IV, followed by a detailed explanation.

Myth: CTSOs are federally approved.