Dedicated to postsecondary workforce readiness, Littleton Public Schools has a robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that supports a variety of nationally recognized Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). These organizations give students an opportunity to explore real-world career paths while building leadership skills in a competitive environment. In recent weeks, LPS students attended, and excelled, at a variety of state conferences dedicated to career and technical education.

HOSA - Over 750 secondary and post-secondary students from all over the state participated in this year’s Colorado Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference in Denver. These future health professionals attended general sessions, educational symposiums and competed in over 50 different Competitive Events.

Seventy students from the Littleton Health Sciences Program competed at the conference. Of the 70, 54 placed in the top 10 in the state in their events, and 27 were national qualifiers – placing in the top 3 in their event. Additionally, LPS’ Pamela Thompson was named HOSA State Advisor of the Year.

HOSA is a national student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division. 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.

DECA - Students from all three of the district’s high schools attended the 2017 DECA State Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs.

• Arapahoe High School had 43 students compete at the conference. Twenty-one students made it to the final round and 12 students - in either individual or team events - qualified for the national conference. Of the 12, there were three 1st place medals, one 2nd place medal, one 3rd place medal, one 4th place medal, three 5th place medals and one 6th place medals.
• Heritage High School had seven students compete at the conference. Of the seven students, two students placed in the top 10 in the state with one student qualifying for the national conference in California.
• Littleton High School had 41 students compete at the conference. Thirteen students made it to the final round. Of these, four students qualified for the national competition, with a team of students that placed 2nd overall and two students who placed 5th in their individual events.

DECA is a career and technical education student organization for all students enrolled in secondary marketing education programs in Colorado. The mission of DECA is to enhance the co-curricular education of students with interests in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. DECA’s National Development Conference will be held April 26-29 in Anaheim, California.

TSA - Students from Arapahoe, Heritage, Littleton, Euclid, Goddard and Powell represented LPS at the 2017 Technology Student Association (TSA) State Conference in Denver.

• Arapahoe High School had 18 students compete at the conference. Two students qualified for nationals, with one 1st place medal for Debating Technology Issues and a 2nd place in Extemporaneous Speech. Arapahoe also won Chapter of the Year for the size of their chapter.
• Heritage High School had 36 students compete at the conference. Individuals and teams participated in a variety of events and brought home three 2nd place finishes and two 3rd place finishes - qualifying them for the national conference.
• Littleton High School had 41 students compete at the conference. Individuals and teams participated, achieving 1st place in six events, 2nd place in two events and 3rd place in five events - as well as national qualifications.
• Euclid Middle School had 60 students compete and won 2nd place overall as the Chapter of the Year for Middle Schools for the size of their chapter. In individual and team events, Euclid placed 1st in seven events, 2nd in 10 events and 3rd in seven events - all qualifying for nationals.
• Goddard Middle School had 49 students from compete at the conference. In individual and team events, Goddard placed 1st in four events, 2nd in four events and 3rd in six events - all qualifying for nationals.
• Powell Middle School had 15 students compete at the state conference. In individual and team events, Powell placed 2nd in one event and 3rd in two events. Powell also came in 3rd for Chapter of the Year for their chapter size.

TSA is a career and technical education student organization that fosters personal growth, leadership and opportunities in technology, innovation, design and engineering. Members apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts through co-curricular activities, competitive events and related programs. The 2017 National TSA Conference will be held June 21-25 in Orlando, Florida.

Mimi Leonard, the district’s Career and Technical Education Coordinator was beyond thrilled with the success of these students at their varying competitions. Leonard regularly emphasizes the district’s dedication to preparing students for postsecondary careers and the importance of these organizations in teaching students valuable leadership skills.