Vocational student organizations fill this need and provide the link from school to work by serving as a form of action learning-planned activities organized through a school, to provide opportunities for students to learn by doing. They bridge the gap between classroom instruction and the world of work in business and industry not only for students but also for their teachers/advisers. Numerous partnerships with the private sector are initiated by vocational student organization local chapters and state and national associations.

Vocational student organizations truly add individuality to education by meeting the needs of all populations on the elementary level to the adult/post-secondary level. Competition is a basic element of free enterprise and the workplace. By applying their vocational skills learned in the classroom in the competitive events, students develop proper competitive spirit and learn how to win and lose.

The New Jersey Department of Education serves seven vocational student organizations. Vocational student organizations must operate on the local, state, and national levels jointly. Membership must be on all levels as well. VSOs provide innovative programs in professional and personal leadership development. Community service, civic participation, social interaction, and financial development.

Integration

The United States Department of Education recognizes the educational philosophies and programs of vocational student's organizations as being an integral part of vocational education instructional programs.

The National Advisory Council for Vocational Education believes that vocational student organizations enrich the vocational education curriculum by providing a way for students to demonstrate their competence in social, employability, and occupational activities to parents, peers, educators, and business people.

Vocational student organizations are co-curricular or curricular, not extra-curricular. They are part of the learning environment in a quality vocational education instructional program. Dr. Edward D. Miller, current chair of the National Coordinating Council for Vocational Students Organizations, stated in The Role of Student Organizations in Vocational Education in October 1983:

"Our free enterprise system requires continuous training and retraining of people to accomplish tasks that are created or refined as technology continues to change. Because VSO's are usually involved in activities outside the school as well as in the classroom, they have the opportunity to stay abreast of these changes and often to anticipate the changing job-requirements."

The integration of vocational student organizations into vocational education instructional programs is the key to providing business and industry with quality entry-level employees. Whether these students enter the workforce immediately upon graduation from high school or after post-secondary education, they possess the necessary occupational skills to perform the jobs and the employability skills to remain and advance on the jobs.

Benefits

Vocational student organization activities:

• Operate as an integral part of and strengthen the vocational education instructional program;
  
• Facilitate the transition from school to work;
• Develop vocational and career-related competencies;
  
• Facilitate intelligent career choices;
  
• Enhance the curriculum with practical experiences through projects which contribute to individual growth;
  
• Improve knowledge and skills through practice and application;
  
• Provide role models through student leaders, alumni, teachers, advisors, and businesspeople;
  
• Promote social and economic awareness; and develop character, citizenship, and patriotism.