Student Organizations

Student organizations are available to all Meridian Technology Center students. Through these organizations you can learn valuable leadership skills, interpersonal skills and employability skills. You may also earn:

College and continuing education scholarships
Job-related skills
Media recognition
Tools and equipment
Valuable networking contacts

By participating in a student organization, you will have a number of opportunities to get involved. Meridian Technology’s local chapters:

Attend seminars and special events
Compete in local, district, regional, state and national skill events
Elect officers
Participate in regular meetings

Additionally, you will be able to develop leadership abilities through the Leadership class and contests such as:

Job Interview
Job skill demonstrations
Parliamentary Procedure/Opening & Closing ceremonies
Quiz bowls
Speech
Team contests

Business Professionals of America (BPA)

Business Professionals of America prepares students to work efficiently not only in an office setting, but also in a wide variety of business situations.

Mission
To contribute to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills.

Website: www.bpa.org

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a national career and technical student organization for young men and women in family and consumer sciences education.

Mission
To promote personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. To focus on the multiple roles one may hold as a family member, wage earner and community leader.

Members develop skills for life through:

Character development
Creative and critical thinking
Interpersonal communication
Practical knowledge
Vocational preparation

Website: www.fcclainc.org

Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)

Health Occupations Students of America provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation and recognition exclusively for secondary, post secondary, adult and collegiate students enrolled in health occupations education programs.

Mission
To promote career opportunities in health care and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.

Website: www.hosa.org

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

Mission

To provide quality educational experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communication skills. It emphasizes total quality at work: high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education and pride in the dignity of work.

Website: www.skillsusa.org

Leadership Class

Leadership training is critical to the success of a student organization. It is important to recognize that leadership development is not a single event but a process developed over time. The Leadership Class is a program designed to develop school and community leaders. The Leadership Class is a program to identify students with the desire and characteristics to become leaders.

Activities take place throughout the school year to build leadership and teamwork skills, develop ambassadors for Meridian Technology Center and recognize the best and brightest future leaders. Students will develop an understanding of their roles as student organization officers; take part in leadership and teamwork building activities; develop presentation techniques; volunteer in the community; meet legislators, community and school leaders; and assist with special events at Meridian. Participation in the Leadership Class is limited to Student Organization Officers.

Objectives

Improve leadership and teamwork skills of Meridian Technology Center students.
Train Career and Technical Student Organization officers in the duties of their office to include conducting business and general membership meetings, writing agendas, taking minutes, working in committees and speaking in public.
Change perceptions about the type of students who attend technology centers.
Enhance the educational experience of outstanding students at Meridian.
Educate students about all Meridian programs and the CareerTech system.
Develop ambassadors for Meridian who will serve as a resource for marketing at Meridian and sending schools.