Friday Flash Aug 29, 2025

Back to School Resources are Live!

SkillsUSA’s 2025–2026 Back-to-School Resources are available NOW at www.skillsusa.org/advisors/back-to-school --- refreshed tools and brand new resources to help you launch a dynamic, student-led chapter from day one.

The campaign is organized into five key checkpoints to guide you through the year:

 1.       Prepare

2.       Framework

3.       Chapter Officers

4.       Recruitment

5.       Chapter Meeting

At present, you will find:

·         Promotional posters, event materials, and classroom scripts

·         Interactive lessons for advisors and students

·         Videos to bring the content to life

·         Parent and administrator engagement tools

·         Planning guides, social media tips, and customizable templates

·         Self-assessment tools

And so much more…

Get started now and explore Checkpoints 1-4: www.skillsusa.org/advisors/back-to-school.  And be watching for Checkpoint 5 which is coming soon!

We are also pleased to offer you a Back-to-School coupon code to receive 15% off all merchandise ordered through the Educational Resource Store. The discount applies to merchandise only and does not include shipping costs. To redeem, visit skillsusastore.net and enter this code at checkout: BTS2025.

Whether you’re a returning advisor or just starting out, these resources make chapter planning smoother and student engagement stronger!

2025 Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI)

With the 2025 Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI) quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to take advantage of free shipping online at the SkillsUSA Store and stock up for your conference needs. The One-Day Only SkillsUSA Store will open at the WLTI hotel on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 6:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

Please note: The SkillsUSA Store onsite at WLTI is cashless.

Free Career Essentials Support for Instructors 

 If you are beginning your journey with the SkillsUSA Career Essentials Suite this school year, support from SkillsUSA is available every step of the way! Instructors can call 844-875-4557 or email customercare@skillsusa.org for assistance with: 

 ·         Ordering Career Essentials for your students

·         Developing an implementation plan

·         Creating administrative accounts for new instructors 

·         Logging into your Career Essentials account

·         Using the dashboard to monitor progress and performance

·         Learning more about Career Essentials or the Absorb learning management system 

 If you are interested in learning more about using Career Essentials to define, implement and measure the development of career-readiness skills in your classroom, please feel free to contact our Customer Care Team, customercare@skillsusa.org, to schedule an overview meeting.        

Save the Date for ELEVATE!

The SkillsUSA Elevate Chapter Officer Development Conference is Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. This virtual interactive experience for local chapter officer teams focuses on building successful chapters by equipping officers with the skills to lead and serve their local members. Elevate is open to all SkillsUSA local chapter officers and an advisor must participate with each registered team. Participate right in your classroom, and the cost is only $50 per chapter. Download the Elevate flyer to share with your chapter officers. Register no later than Oct. 3 by visiting skillsusa.register.org.

Payments for SkillsUSA Invoices

As we start a new membership year, please take a moment to 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, please 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.

Plan Now for Manufacturing Day

Many SkillsUSA chapters participate in Manufacturing Day, a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation. While the official 2025 Manufacturing Day is celebrated on Oct. 3, you can hold events on any date in October. Activities for students may include a plant tour, a virtual industry tour or an event on campus that highlights manufacturing. SkillsUSA chapters can share their Manufacturing Day photos and stories here. Be sure to tag @skillsusa on social media when you post about your Manufacturing Day activities.

Share Your Champions

The SkillsUSA Champions magazine staff is always looking for potential feature stories to share with SkillsUSA Nation. If you know of a SkillsUSA student, advisor, industry partner or graduate whose story would be motivating and inspirational, please submit the information through our online form