Summer is one of the busiest and most important times for preparing for another incredible year of leadership, growth, and opportunities across Georgia CTI.
At the beginning of June, Georgia CTI leaders gather for Board Planning Sessions and State Officer Training. While many students are just beginning summer break, our newly elected State Officer Team is already hard at work preparing to lead the organization for the upcoming year.
Officer Training is more than learning titles and responsibilities. Officers spend several days developing leadership skills, practicing teamwork and communication, and learning how to represent CTI students across the state. One of the most exciting parts of the experience is training alongside other CTSO state officers from Georgia organizations. Students collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another so they can become stronger leaders for their members back home.
At the same time, the Georgia CTI Board of Directors and leadership team spend several days planning the upcoming year. From conferences and leadership events to competitions, activities, and new opportunities for students, a tremendous amount of work happens behind the scenes during the summer months. The goal is always the same: creating meaningful experiences that help students grow in confidence, leadership, career readiness, and independence.
CTI advisers also continue learning throughout the summer. Many attend conferences, workshops, and professional development sessions to strengthen their skills and stay informed about best practices for supporting students. Advisers work hard to make sure they are prepared to advocate for student needs, provide engaging opportunities, and continue helping students prepare for success after high school.
And of course, our students stay busy too.
Many CTI students participate in GROW Programs and leadership camps where they build workplace readiness, self-advocacy, teamwork, and communication skills in fun and engaging environments. Others spend their summers working jobs, volunteering in their communities, attending summer classes, participating in internships, shadowing careers, or preparing for college and future employment opportunities.
Some students use the summer to practice independent living skills, earn certifications, build resumes, or gain valuable real-world experience through work-based learning opportunities. Others continue developing leadership skills by mentoring younger students, participating in community service projects, or representing CTI at events throughout the state.
Summer may look different for every CTI student, adviser, and leader, but one thing remains true: growth never stops.
While classrooms may be quieter for a few months, Georgia CTI continues moving forward, planning, learning, leading, and preparing for another exciting year ahead. The work happening during the summer helps create the leadership conferences, competitions, friendships, and opportunities students experience throughout the school year.
Summer is just around the corner, but CTI doesn’t stop — and neither does the growth of the incredible students and advisers who make this organization so special.