High School Career Clubs for a career head start
What are career clubs?
For students looking to connect with others on a similar career pathway, industry passion, or entrepreneurial spirit, career clubs are a fantastic opportunity to both learn and network. Career Prep provides students with the chance to join a number of industry-focused and general career clubs to help them on their professional path.
Career Prep students can benefit from a variety of social and professional clubs called Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)*, also referred to as Career Clubs, to help them network with peers and meet others interested in similar careers. CTSOs offer an array of different activities, from field trips to interscholastic competitions, and even community service projects. These activities give students an opportunity to connect with others who share their passion and to start building a professional network.
The available career clubs vary by school but can include:
Business Professionals of America
Business Professionals of America (BPA) dives deep into leadership and technical skills for those pursuing a career in business or information technology. Members get hands-on experience completing professional, civic, and service projects.
DECA
DECA offers a fun, collaborative, and competitive club experience with hands-on learning, helping prepare students for a future career in marketing, finance, hospitality, or management.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)®
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)® helps students prepare for a career in business and business-related fields. They provide real-world leadership development, competition experience, community service opportunities, and more.
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is an integral part of the Family and Consumer Sciences. Students can participate in competitive events, be involved in community service opportunities, and attend leadership conferences.
HOSA Future Health Professionals
With HOSA, students join others ready to become a part of the global health community. They gain experience training for the modern medical workplace, take part in activities, learn from peers, and discover more about how their passion can be their career.
Stride Nursing Club
Open to students age 13 and up, the Stride Nursing Club provides the opportunity to learn about in-demand nursing positions available at all education levels. Each month, students gather for an in-depth discussion with nurses nationwide as they share their career journeys.
Skills USA
SkillsUSA® is a club where students learn workplace, personal, and technical skills through fun, hands-on activities. SkillsUSA® features 130 job categories and over 600 national partners.
Technology Student Association
The Technology Student Association is a national, non-profit club for middle and high school students engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). They offer competitions, intracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, community service, and more.
*Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
**Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. At some schools, career exploration is offered in middle school.