CTE Student Organizations
The State of Texas and the Texas Education Code also recognizes the value of career and technical student organizations by emphasizing the importance of “participation by students and teachers in activities of career and technical student organizations supported by the agency and the State Board of Education (Sec. 29.182).”
Mercedes ISD Career and Technical Education department encourages all CTE students to actively participate in our Career and Technical Student Organizations to promote student leadership.
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
Business Professionals of America "BPA" has a strong history as a student organization that contributes to the preparation of global professionals through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills for students at the Middle, Secondary and Post-secondary levels.
BPA is dedicated to develop and empower student leaders to discover their passion and change the world by creating unmatched opportunities in learning, professional growth and service. BPA offers programs in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America "FCCLA" is a nonprofit national Career and Technical Student Organization for young men and women enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences education in public and private schools, through grade 12. In FCCLA, youth learn how to make a difference in their families, communities, and future careers. Members learn important life skills such as leadership, planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision-making, and interpersonal communication.
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Future Farmers of America, "FFA" is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success. Members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields.
FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership.
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
Health Occupations Students of America "HOSA" is an international student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education (HSE) Division of ACTE. HOSA's two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA's goal is to encourage all health science instructors and students to join and be actively involved in the HSE-HOSA Partnership. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions.
RGV LEAD Student Ambassadors, which began in 2014, brings teams of high school students together to develop their leadership skills, learn more about labor market information, and take their knowledge and skills back to their high schools to encourage college-and-career readiness among their peers. Participation in the Ambassadors program has grown rapidly. During the 2018-2019 academic year, over 400 students from school districts and high schools throughout the Valley will participate. Among other activities, these student leaders will participate in leadership-development events designed by RGV LEAD and featuring Rio Grande Valley business leaders, and the Student Ambassador Teams will plan and implement a Young Leaders Conference in which high school students from the Valley will have the opportunity to participate.
SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations and for further education. SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA improves the quality of America’s skilled workforce through a structured program of citizenship, leadership, employability, technical and professional skills training. SkillsUSA teaches the importance of developing leadership skills, positive attitudes and pride in workmanship. SkillsUSA Texas students associate schoolwork with real work. SkillsUSA Texas prepares students for employment by introducing them to corporate quality culture. SkillsUSA Texas emphasizes respect for the dignity of work, high standards in trade ethics, superior workmanship, quality and safety.
Texas Public Service Association (TPSA)
Inspiring future Criminal Justice professionals! The mission of the Texas Public Service Association "TPSA" is to provide Law Public Safety Corrections and Security students with knowledge, skills, leadership, and student growth through real world career preparation, experience, training and competition opportunities. The purpose of the Texas Public Service Association (TPSA) is to extend learning beyond the classroom for teachers/advisors and students. TPSA provides leadership opportunities and real world experience exposure to high school students through the means of leadership roles and competition. TPSA focuses on expanding the knowledge of current students enrolled in the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security (LPSCS) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway.