NTHS honors the achievements of top CTE students, provides scholarships to encourage the pursuit of higher education, and cultivates excellence in today’s highly competitive, skilled workforce. Our chapter accepts all majors, career paths, and fields of interest as we advocate the growing importance of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) with emphasis on the critical int
egration of the Arts, Design & Humanities for both STEM and Non-STEM students to offer our members with a competitive edge in today's workforce. OUR BACKGROUND
Orange Coast College's NTHS was founded in 2015 and is one of the only community colleges nationwide with an active chapter. The Orange Coast College chapter of NTHS was formed to help students like you connect with professional societies, aid them in networking, and to provide resources, workshops, guest speakers, internships, and a wealth of other opportunities to become the best in their chosen field. The national, non-profit, educational organization was founded in 1984 by C. Allen Powell and Jon H. Poteat. In over 30 years, NTHS has grown to over 4,000 chapters in secondary schools, trade schools and community colleges across the U.S., Canada, and many U.S. territories. OUR TEAM
Members of the NTHS are the future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers of the world. Additionally, members will find many opportunities to volunteer for leadership, an experience that’s beneficial in many technical careers. The National Technical Honor Society hopes to give its members the best leg up on transferring to a four-year university or finding employment after receiving a certificate. NATIONAL LANDMARK
The National Technical Honor Society currently serves approximately 80,000 active members in 2015 and nearly three quarters of a million since its inception in 1984. Over $225,000 in scholarships is awarded annually to its members. For over 30 years, NTHS has been the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement in career and technical education. ACHIEVEMENT IN THE WORKFORCE
NTHS strives to bring well deserved recognition, scholarship opportunities, and career opportunities to students who excel in one of the 108 career and technical educational fields as their profession. Not only do NTHS students embody all the attributes and talent which is in demand today, these students also embrace a clear vision for tomorrow’s workforce and their role in it. NTHS understands changes in industry within local communities and on a global scale. COMPETITIVE EDGE IN YOUR CHOSEN CAREER
The growing demand to fill jobs requiring technical training is one of the hottest topics headlining current news. A recent article published in Forbes “America’s Skilled Trades Dilemma: Shortages Loom As Most In-Demand Group of Workers Ages” demonstrates the need to support career and technical education. Through its scholarships, NTHS encourages students to pursue higher education and training in technical fields and supports members in their lifelong commitment to a skilled trade. Genevieve Stevens, interim dean for instruction at Houston Community College’s central campus, told the Houston Chronicle,“For two or three generations, the focus has been to go to college, get a degree and in doing so you will ensure a brighter future with more access to employment,” “We started focusing on academic instruction, but left behind the notion of work-force education. However, in a two-year institution that costs less, the average work-force student can come out of that program with skills to gain immediate employment.” Stevens’ profound statement resonates with the vision and mission of the National Technical Honor Society. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
The Jon H. Poteat Scholarship Foundation awarded over $200,000 in 2016 to 1,000 NTHS members. It is our belief that CTE students must be supported and encouraged to seek higher education in today’s highly competitive global community. Aware of the increasing costs to attend post-secondary schools, NTHS is dedicated to providing scholarships to career and technical education students who choose a skilled trade as their career. Partnering with other Career and Technical Student Organizations such as SkillsUSA and Hosa, we connect our students to every scholarship opportunity during their educational experience. Membership with NTHS is vital to students who choose a direct path to CTE from high school, or adults who return to school seeking a new or more fulfilling career path. NTHS greatly appreciates corporate partners and welcomes other partnerships who share in the belief that supporting skilled trades is a critical link to healthy economies, thriving communities, and happy employees. Since the G.I Bill in 1944, families have viewed college as part of the American dream, yet the rising costs of attending a postsecondary school often hinder gifted students who wish to pursue a skilled trade. EXCELLENCE IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Thousands of schools and colleges throughout the U.S. and its territories have established a NTHS chapter on their campus. Member schools agree that NTHS encourages higher scholastic achievement, awards scholarships, and cultivates excellence in tomorrow's workforce. Education is a critical and integral element that advances economies, and NTHS forges positive relationships with high schools, technical institutions and colleges to promote higher learning. Knowing the need for members to pursue higher degrees, NTHS strives to build bridges between secondary schools and post-secondary technical institutions, and colleges. In addition, NTHS partners with the National Association of State Directors for Career Technical Education Consortium through a nationally recognized blog on CTE.org. Through leadership, advocacy and partnerships like the National Technical Honor Society, NASDCTEc aims to support an innovative CTE system that prepares individuals to succeed in education and their careers, and poises the United States to flourish in a global, dynamic economy.
