The Early Member Gets the Banner!
As a membership incentive, instructors who register at least 15 student members in one technical program plus one or more professionals by Nov. 15 will receive a free SkillsUSA Framework podium banner.
Professional members also receive numerous benefits including the SkillsUSA Framework Integration Toolkit, Program of Work Toolkit, SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards, E-Courses and opportunities for professional development. National membership dues for professional members are $20 plus state dues, which vary. Be sure to sign up with an email address you regularly check! State dues and deadlines can be found here.
If you need assistance locating membership information on the SkillsUSA website, our crosswalk document will help you easily locate what you need!
Louisiana Fall Leadership Information
The packet for the Fall Leadership Conference of this year is now accessible. Mark your calendars for November 11 and 12 at the prestigious University of Louisiana Lafayette in the Student Union. The esteemed DoubleTree Hotel on W Pinhook will be our hosting venue. Take a look at the packet for comprehensive details on registration and booking. Stay tuned for updates on the Pin, T-shirt, and Banner contest information.
Membership Registration Training Now Available
The SkillsUSA Customer Care Team (CCT) is offering membership registration training sessions. Whether you are a new or experienced advisor, these sessions will guide you step-by-step through the process of registering your members. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized assistance from our team. Sign up for a session that fits your schedule. For questions, contact the Customer Care Team at 844-875-4557 or customercare@skillsusa.org.
SkillsUSA Recruitment Week Resources Available on Oct. 7
SkillsUSA Recruitment Week resources will be launching on the SkillsUSA website on Monday, Oct. 7. These updated resources are designed to enhance your Recruitment Week events, support your chapter officers and provide valuable tools for engaging students throughout the week. The new materials will include officer resources and guides; advisor resources and guides; marketing materials; recruitment practice materials; and more! We encourage you to explore these materials and share them with your chapter leaders so they can learn how to successfully plan activities and engage potential new SkillsUSA members. We encourage you to explore these refreshed materials and share them with your chapter leaders so they can learn how to successfully plan activities and engage potential new SkillsUSA members. You can access the materials on the website. If you have questions, contact Madison Kraemer.
Apply Now for ACTE Teacher and Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), in partnership with SkillsUSA, is seeking nominations for the National Trade and Industrial Education Division Awards to be presented during the ACTE CareerTech VISION conference, Dec. 4-7 in San Antonio, Texas. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 1. Qualified individuals may be nominated for Teacher of the Year, New Teacher of the Year or Lifetime Achievement. You are welcome to nominate yourself. (If you nominate someone, be sure to notify the nominee.) Nominations must be submitted online. For additional conference information, please visit ACTE CareerTech VISION. (Please note the Trade and Industrial VISION Awards are separate from the ACTE Excellence Awards.)
National Apprenticeship Week in November
This year’s National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is Nov. 17-23. This national celebration established by the U.S. Department of Labor brings together business leaders, career seekers, labor, apprentices, educational institutions and others to showcase the positive impact apprenticeship programs have on addressing the skills gap and preparing the American workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Join the celebration by hosting an event — such as an apprenticeship graduation, business open house, high school career fair, skills competition or industry roundtable — or submit a proclamation supporting NAW and apprenticeship. Learn more about NAW.
CHARGE Chapter Officer Video Series
SkillsUSA has developed a program that makes it easier to create a strong chapter officer team. CHARGE is a weekly video series covering topics that will help your officers in the day-to-day management of their chapter. Each CHARGE video has a companion activity guide to support student growth and development. There are 12 three-minute episodes, and this week, the focus is on Episodes 7 and 8.
· Episode 7 highlights the importance of making positive, personal contributions by leaning into each person’s strengths. The episode challenges members of the officer team to discover the personal strengths they bring to the table, to make the overall team more successful.
· Episode 8 covers the work ethic of the individual team members, and the officer team. Students will learn the importance of having a strong work ethic to fulfill SkillsUSA chapter officer responsibilities. This episode also highlights the three factors that contribute to building a strong worth ethic.
One-on-One Coaching for New Advisors
Are you a new advisor looking for guidance on establishing and managing your chapter? SkillsUSA offers personalized, one-on-one coaching sessions with Kelli Engelbrecht. Schedule your 30-minute Zoom coaching appointment. For questions, contact Kelli Engelbrecht.
Share Your Success Stories with the SkillsUSA Nation
The SkillsUSA Champions digital hub provides new content weekly, from inspiring features to “Spotlight” stories about the great work chapters and partners are doing. To share your chapter’s work or a member’s story for publication (even if that story is yours), send us the details through our “Submit a Story” link.
SkillsUSA Technical Thursdays in October
Join us for Technical Thursdays, SkillsUSA workshops led by industry experts helping teachers develop specific technical skills relevant to their career fields of interest. Leave these free virtual sessions with new skills to implement in your classroom. On Oct. 17, from 4-5 p.m. ET, Social Media Specialist Brooke Gatchell from the SkillsUSA staff, will provide practical tips and tricks to enhance your chapter’s programming through effective social media utilization. Elevate your digital presence, enhance promotion and boost participation, ensuring your message resonates. Participants will earn a Professional Development (PD) certificate upon completion. Learn more and register for the workshops (space is limited). For questions, contact Karolina Belen.
SkillsUSA Aerotek “Make Your Mark” Scholarships Are Open
SkillsUSA members nationwide in select trade areas are encouraged to apply for the SkillsUSA Aerotek “Make Your Mark” scholarship. The scholarship is for SkillsUSA members with direct educational costs for the spring 2025 term at a community college, technical college, certificate program or apprenticeship program. Applications are being accepted until Nov. 4. Scholarship winners will receive up to $5,000 toward tuition, books, tools, on-campus housing or other approved direct educational expenses. Applicants must be enrolled in continuing education or career training in one of these pathways: Construction; Manufacturing; Transportation, Distribution & Logistics; Telecommunications Cabling Training; and Electronics Technology or Industrial Engineering Technology. For more information, review all eligibility criteria and the flyer. For more information, contact scholarship manager Hannah Scheffer.
Payments for SkillsUSA Invoices Reminder
Please be sure your school knows where payments for SkillsUSA membership or materials should be sent. Each SkillsUSA office (national and state) operates separately for your invoice payments. You (or your school’s accounting office) should have two SkillsUSA vendors in your A/P system: SkillsUSA Inc. (the national headquarters in Leesburg, Va.) as well as your state office.
Before you issue a payment, double check where the invoice is from and where the payment is to be mailed — this information is right on the document. Include your invoice number when you issue payment to be sure your account is properly credited. Careful checking on the front end will save time and problems later!
To help clarify the SkillsUSA payment process, take time now to ensure your vendors are set up properly in your school system and keep this Where to Pay and How to Shop document as reference. If you have questions, contact our Customer Care Team at customercare@skillsusa.org or 844-875-4557, and they are glad to assist.
National STEM Festival Submissions Open
The 2025 National STEM Festival is open for submissions through Oct. 20. Students can create a project that addresses a real-world problem, aligning with one of six categories: Environmental Stewardship, Future Food, Health and Medicine, Powering the Planet, Aerospace Innovation and Tech for Good. Students can utilize the scientific method or the engineering design process to develop a solution. Students from across the nation have the chance to be recognized, with up to 150 students earning a trip to Washington, D.C., to present their project at the STEM Festival. This opportunity is for 7th-12th grade students. The STEM Festival is sponsored by EXPLR, an online learning platform offering virtual and hands on experiences to inspire young people to drive change.
The USDOE Launches a Clean Energy Challenge
The U.S. Department of Education has launched the Power Your Future Challenge — the second challenge in its annual CTE Momentum series to prepare high school students for rewarding careers and increase access to career and technical education. The Department invites teams to submit action plans that advance the use of clean energy in local schools and communities. Submissions are due by Nov. 19.
Fall Professional Development Offerings
SkillsUSA has a series of new virtual Professional Development Training Sessions for September, October and November. Offerings include new advisor training, SkillsUSA Framework integration, member recruitment resources and Chapter Excellence Program training. Don’t miss this convenient and free opportunity to enhance your skills and gain SkillsUSA knowledge that will support your chapter’s success! Class space is limited, so be sure to secure your place early. Participants will earn a Professional Development (PD) certificate. For questions, contact Karolina Belen.
Louisiana Calendar for the 2024 2025 School Year
You can access this years current calendar on our website for the most current and up to date information and you can also get a printable version under the Advisor Resources tab
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