CTSO stands for Career and Technical Student Organization, which is a non-profit organization that provides students with opportunities to develop skills and knowledge related to their chosen career path. CTSOs are an integral part of the Cobb innovation and Technology Academy's (CITA) instructional program. CTSOs also help students build a positive image through service learning projects, competitive skills events, and leadership development.
CITA has the following Co-Curricular CTSOs:
- FBLA, or Future Business Leaders of America (Information Technology Students)
- HOSA, for future health professionals (Healthcare Students)
- SkillsUSA (Skilled Trade Students)
- TSA, or Technology Student Organization (Energy and Power Students)
FBLA
The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC) is a multi-day summer conference that is considered the pinnacle of the FBLA experience. The conference includes competitive events where students participate in a variety of competitions. Students receive leadership and career development. Additionally, students trade state pins, and have the opportunity to visit the Future Leaders Expo Hall. The 2024 FBLA National Leadership Conference was held in Orlando, Florida. Representing CITA was state champion Star Leslie Orji. Star competed in the Business Achievement Award’s Capstone Project at NLC where she finished as the 1st Place champion.
CITA FBLA NLC champion Star Leslie Orji
HOSA
The HOSA annual International Leadership Conference (ILC) is a multi-day summer conference that is considered the highlight of the HOSA experience. Students can participate in educational seminars, workshops and exhibits. At HOSA ILC, competitive events for students are judged and presented by professional partners in various health care fields. Students receive leadership and career development training. Students also trade and collect state pins. HOSA ILC offers students the opportunity to visit the Healthcare vendors at the HOSA Expo Hall. The 2024 HOSA ILC conference was held in Houston, TX. Representing CITA was the following state champions: Helena Huebecker - Health Career Photography; Wilyn Cox - Clinical Lab; Tiya Draggs - Clinical Lab; Estephanie Valenzuela - Clinical Lab; Naiah Johnson-Phlebotomy; Brandon Rojas and Ashley Perdomo - EMT. Naiah competed in the HOSA Phlebotomy competition where she advanced to the second round and placed in the top 10 (6th place).
CITA HOSA ILC champion Naiah Johnson
SkillsUSA
The SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) is a week-long event that celebrates excellence in career and technical education. It's a gathering of students, instructors, business partners, and administrators to recognize the accomplishments of those preparing for careers in skilled service, technical, and trade occupations. The NLSC offers opportunities for students to meet other SkillsUSA members, gain industry experience, learn about new technologies and advancements, and develop leadership abilities. At the NLSC event students and teachers celebrate careers in the skilled trades and technology fields. NLSC competitors may earn scholarships, tools of the trade, and even job offers. The 2024 SkillsUSA NLSC conference was held in Atlanta, GA. Representing CITA and the state of Georgia was, back to back HVAC state champion, Stephen Garcia. Stephen competed in the HVAC competition where he placed 7th overall. In addition to the NLSC champion, the SkillsUSA CITA chapter has a Georgia state officer Azjani Robinson. Azjani holds the office of Georgia SkillsUSA state secretary.
 CITA HVAC NLSC champion Stephen Garcia |  SkillsUSA Georgia officer Azjani Robinson. |
Congratulations to all of the National and International winners that represented the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy. Your accomplishments have set the bar for the CITA CTSO members to come.
