CTE STUDENT ADVOCACY QUICK REFERENCE PAGE 5 SkillsUSA Texas Student Leaders | Updated September 15, 2026 5 SKILLSUSA + CTSOS Funding Participation, Not Just Programs THE CTSO FUNDING ASK We ask federal, state, district, and industry leaders to create dependable CTSO funding that supports every part of participation and does not shift the cost to students, families, or unpaid advisors. Perkins should continue to support CTSO activities that are integral to approved CTE programs. Texas and local budgets should cover essential costs that Perkins cannot cover, including individual dues when they are not allowable, general operations, and equitable access to travel and events. Career and technical student organizations are part of the learning model, not an optional reward after class. SkillsUSA chapters help students practice technical, personal, workplace, leadership, communication, safety, and civic skills with feedback from educators and industry. WHAT SUSTAINABLE CTSO FUNDING SHOULD COVER Initiative What is Happening Now Student Advocacy Angle Chapter access Affiliation, chapter operations, outreach, accessibility, and participation support so cost does not determine who belongs. Seek state, district, school, partner, and philanthropic funds for costs that Perkins or another grant cannot cover. Advisors Advisor time, training, substitutes, planning, risk management, and recognition for work beyond the regular school day. Ask districts to build CTSO advising into staffing and compensation plans instead of relying on unpaid labor. Leadership Development Officer training, chapter management, community service, advocacy, employability practice, and leadership conferences. Connect each activity to documented student learning and the SkillsUSA Framework. Technical Competitions Materials, consumables, equipment, judges, facilities, registration, and preparation tied to industry standards. Ask industry partners to contribute expertise and current materials while schools preserve fair access. Travel and Lodging Safe transportation, meals, lodging, chaperones, and registration for district, state, national, and leadership events. Request a district travel line item and need based support. Texas Perkins guidance may allow some student travel or registration when it is tied to approved CTSO leadership activities; local approval is required. Industry Engagement Mentors, workplace visits, mock interviews, judges, internships, apprenticeships, scholarships, and equipment partnerships. Ask partners for multi year commitments and paid student opportunities, not only one-time donations. Rural and Small Chapter Equity Shared transportation, virtual access, regional training, advisor support, and flexible ways to participate. Ask the state and districts to use cost and distance data when allocating CTSO support. Evidence and Accountability Participation, skill gains, credentials, leadership roles, continuation, employment, and student experience. Report outcomes without turning competition medals into the only measure of value. ASK: • Do you recognize CTSOs as part of instructional quality and workforce preparation? • What funding source will cover student dues, travel, lodging, materials, advisor time, and accessibility when Perkins cannot? • Will you establish a recurring CTSO budget? • How will funding reach rural chapters and students from low-income families? • Will you meet with SkillsUSA students annually to review access, outcomes, and funding needs?