SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) have long been recognized for their contribution in developing leadership skills and other “soft skill” competencies to pupils involved in high-quality career technical education programs and courses.
(b) The programs and activities of CTSOs play an integral part in the effective delivery of career technical education programs and courses, and motivate many pupils to further develop their leadership potential.
(c) Funding for the programs and activities of CTSOs were cut from the annual Budget Act during the recent budget crisis, resulting in a tremendous loss of opportunities for pupils enrolled in career technical education programs and courses.
(d) CTSOs chartered in California include Cal-Health Occupation Student Association (Cal-HOSA) for health career pupils; the California Future Farmers of America (California FFA) for pupils studying agriculture and its related careers; the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for pupils enrolled in business courses; Future Homemakers of America - Home Economics Related Occupations (FHA-HERO) for pupils interested in home economics related occupations; Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) for pupils engaged in marketing programs; and SkillsUSA for pupils interested in
transportation, arts, media, entertainment, engineering, and construction.
(e) High school graduates of CTSOs serve as industry leaders on boards, commissions, in elected offices, and as executive officers in businesses both in California and worldwide.
(f) Student leadership is an important part of every career technical education program. CTSOs, and the opportunities they provide, separate career technical education programs and courses from the typical experiences pupils receive.