Thousands of Georgia CTSO Students Advocate for Career and Technical Education at the Capitol
Athens, GA - More than 3,800 Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) students from across Georgia gathered at the Georgia State Capitol for CTSO Legislative Day to advocate for CTSOs and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. Students had the opportunity to see state government in action while meeting legislators, sharing their experiences, and demonstrating the value of CTAE classes and CTSOs in preparing students for future success.
Georgia CTI played an active role in the day’s events, providing “We Love CTSOs” buttons that students proudly distributed while visiting the Capitol. CTI students and advisers joined thousands of peers representing CTSOs statewide, reinforcing the importance of hands-on education, leadership development, and career readiness opportunities for Georgia students.
Preparation for Legislative Day began the evening before, when Georgia CTI State Officers participated in Officer Training alongside CTSO officers from across the state. During this session, students worked with Ms. Lynsey Singleton and a Capitol Confidential representative to learn how a bill becomes a law and to explore current legislation impacting high school students in Georgia. Officers gained insight into the legislative process and the importance of informed advocacy.
A highlight of the training was a series of interactive role-playing activities led by CTSO Executive Directors. State Officers practiced meeting with “representatives” in a variety of realistic scenarios, including those who were distracted or busy, unfamiliar with CTSOs, or eager to talk about topics such as Georgia Bulldogs football. Executive Directors provided direct feedback to each group, helping students refine their communication, professionalism, and advocacy skills in a safe, supportive environment. While the activity was engaging and fun, it was also deeply meaningful, preparing students to confidently handle real conversations at the Capitol.
On Legislative Day, Georgia CTI was well represented with over 250 students from 15 chapters in attendance. CTI State Officers assisted in distributing thank-you gifts from CTSOs to legislators and demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and respect throughout the day. Their efforts reflected the mission of Georgia CTI to empower students with disabilities through leadership development, career exploration, and workplace readiness experiences.
CTSO Legislative Day provided students with a firsthand look at civic engagement and reinforced the impact students can have when they speak up for the programs that support their education and future careers. Georgia CTI is proud of its students, advisers, and State Officers for representing the organization with confidence and purpose while advocating for CTSOs and CTAE across the state.
To view photos of the event, please click HERE.
For further information, please contact:
Mary Davis Donahue
Georgia CTI Executive Director
(P) 678.617.0439 | (F) 706.314.9624
3 Central Plaza, #245, Rome, GA 30161
About Georgia CTI
Our Mission: To provide meaningful transition activities through leadership and employability experiences for students with disabilities in grades 9-12 identified through career, technical, and agricultural education courses in order to increase postsecondary outcomes.