Friday Flash Apr 10, 2026

NLSC Info

Registration Close – April 17 6:00PM

Payment Due (Received at State Office) – Before April 24

Hotel: Westin Peachtree Plaza,

Arrive in Atlanta on Monday June 1 Before 6:00 PM for the State Delegation Meeting/Dinner.

State Conference Guide

New Credentialing Opportunities Available Through NLSC

We are excited to highlight expanded credentialing opportunities available through the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC). These industry-recognized credentials provide students the opportunity to validate technical skills, enhance employability, and connect classroom learning to workforce expectations.

This year’s credentialing partners include:

·         Autodesk

·         National Coalition of Certification Centers

·         FANUC

·         Manufacturing Skill Standards Council

·         YouScience

These credentialing opportunities strengthen the value of participation and further align programs with industry needs. For full details, credential offerings, and participation information, please visit the NLSC website.

Investing in Your Future: Scholarship Opportunities for SkillsUSA Members

SkillsUSA and our partners are committed to supporting student members as they pursue their education and career goals. One of the most impactful ways we do this is through a variety of scholarship opportunities available to members.

If you are a SkillsUSA member enrolled there are several scholarships designed to recognize your dedication and help offset the cost of your education. These opportunities not only provide financial support but also honor your commitment to excellence in your chosen field.

The following scholarships are currently available. Some may require enrollment in a specific training program, and all have a submission deadline of April 17, 2026. Be sure to review all eligibility requirements carefully on our website:

·         Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute The Clifford H. Ted Rees Jr. Scholarship, $2,500

·         Fine Homebuilding KeepCraftAlive Scholarship, $2,500

·         Larry Rash Memorial Scholarship, $2,500

·         Marsha Daves Memorial Scholarship, $1,500

·         National Technical Honor Society Scholarship, $1,000

·         Sharon Melton Myers Memorial Scholarship, $1,000

·         WD-40 Scholarship, $1,500

In addition to educational scholarships, there are also several event-based opportunities designed to support student travel to the National Leadership and Skills Conference. These travel grants help ensure that more students can participate in this national experience.

Event scholarship opportunities have different submission deadlines, so be sure to review all details carefully.

·         Ford Philanthropy NLSC Travel Grant, up to $1,500Deadline: April 24 (Phase 1) and May 15 (Phase 2)

·         Harbor Freight Tools for Schools NLSC Travel Grant, up to $1,500Deadline: April 24 (Phase 1) and May 15 (Phase 2)

·         Hyundai NLSC Travel Grant, up to $1,500Deadline: April 24 (Phase 1) and May 15 (Phase 2)

·         Immersive Experience Construction NLSC Travel Grant, up to $1,120Deadline: April 26

·         Leverage Scholarship, up to $1,300Deadline: May 15

To explore full eligibility requirements, application instructions, and deadlines, visit the official SkillsUSA scholarship page: www.skillsusa.org/recognition/scholarships-and-grants/

Taking the time to apply for these scholarships can make a meaningful difference in your journey. Whether you are continuing your education, preparing for a career in the skilled trades, or attending NLSC, these opportunities are designed to support your success every step of the way.

Next Technical Thursday Virtual Event for Advisors

We're excited to continue the Technical Session Series for advisors through Pathful. Coming up on Thursday, April 16 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET, advisors can join Ian Warner from Trimble to discover how the world’s most advanced construction, geospatial, and transportation technology is now within reach for their classrooms. Please encourage your advisors to register for this session to learn more about Trimble and gain free access to valuable software.

REMINDER: LMS Transition Coming May 1

On May 1, SkillsUSA will transition its Learning Management System from Absorb to SkillsUSA Pathful. This move supports a more streamlined, user-friendly learning experience with improved navigation and reporting tools.

Important Note: Progress within an Absorb course will not migrate into SkillsUSA Pathful, meaning any course in progress must be completed by noon Eastern on April 29 or progress will be lost during the transition. 

·         FAQ

·         SkillsUSA Pathful

Thank you for your flexibility and support as SkillsUSA makes this exciting upgrade.

Record Year for National Signing Day (NSD) Early Bird Registration, Incentives Forthcoming

We have officially reached a record-high number of early bird registrants for NSD, with nearly 3,500 participants signed up by the March 31 deadline. Didn't register by the early bird cutoff? Don't worry—there is still time to be part of NSD! General registration remains open until May 1. We want every student, teacher, and supporter to be part of the celebration. Grab your official gear in the SkillsUSA NSD Pop-Up Store, and let’s make this our largest SkillsUSA NSD in history!

Travel Grants Available for Immersive Experience: Construction During NLSC

SkillsUSA is offering travel grants for the Immersive Experience: Construction at the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference. This hands-on program allows students to earn credentials, visit active jobsites and network with industry pros. To ensure all states have an equal opportunity to participate, grant applications are being released in two phases. Check the website today to see the timeline and secure funding for your students! Learn more and apply here.

REMINDER: April Professional Development Offerings

These great sessions are coming up this April! Register now to reserve your spot:

·         Introduction to the Chapter Excellence Program Tuesday, April 14 | 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. ET | 60 minutes New to CEP? Learn what's required to achieve Levels 1 and 2 and how your chapter can earn recognition for delivering high-quality student experiences.

·         Building a Strong Program of Work Wednesday, April 15 | 4:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. ET | 120 minutes Create a yearlong chapter plan that builds leadership, develops Framework skills, and delivers meaningful experiences — including a hands-on planning simulation.

To learn more and register, visit this link.

REMINDER: SkillsUSA Championships | NLSC Competition Webinars

Important dates for upcoming NLSC 2026 competition webinars. Please encourage your students and advisors to mark their calendars for the sessions that apply to their competition. These sessions provide critical insights, expectations, and competition updates directly from the National Technical Committees.

Webinar formats may vary by competition. Some technical committees will conduct a competition overview webinar. Others will deliver the primary orientation content through the webinar, with only a shortened overview onsite.

Get the details here.

Share Your Community Service Stories with SkillsUSA!

The SkillsUSA Champions digital hub provides new content frequently, from inspiring features to stories about the great work chapters and partners are doing. We know your chapters are doing some amazing community service work this holiday season and we would love to write about it. To submit a story idea, send us the details through our “Submit a Story” link, and we’ll contact you.