Friday Flash Dec 12, 2025
- Jeremy Boudreaux
- 13 hours ago
- 5 min read
SkillsUSA Week is Coming—Mark Your Calendar!
Mark your calendars! SkillsUSA Week 2026 is coming Feb. 2–6, and we’re excited to celebrate alongside you. This week is all about elevating the skilled trades, highlighting career-ready education and empowering our members. February is also Career and Technical Education Month so it’s the perfect time to herald all the great things happening in your classrooms.
Each day of SkillsUSA Week offers chapters simple, meaningful ways to participate, from service projects to real-world career exploration.
Save the date and stay tuned for tools, ideas, and resources to help you make the most of SkillsUSA Week and CTE Month.
Thank you for all you do to support SkillsUSA and the next generation of skilled professionals.
SkillsUSA Winter Break
SkillsUSA Headquarters is closed for winter break from Monday, Dec. 22, through Friday, Jan. 2. The Career Essentials and Educational Resources stores will also be closed during this time. Please place all orders for educational resources prior to 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 18 to ensure shipment in December. Any orders placed after 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 18 will ship out the week of Jan. 6. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact SkillsUSA’s Customer Care Team by email or at 844-874-4557.
Holiday Schedule for SkillsUSA Absorb and Educational Resource Stores
SkillsUSA will be closed for winter break from Monday December 22 through Friday January 2. Absorb (Career Essentials) and Educational Resource stores will also be closed during this period.
Please submit any educational resource orders before 5 p.m. ET on Thursday December 18 to ensure they ship in December. Orders received after 5 p.m. ET on December 18 will be shipped the week of January 5.
If you have questions or need help, our Customer Care Team is available at 844 875 4557 or customercare@skillsusa.org.
Advisor Professional Development Sessions Filling Fast - Register now!
Don’t let your SkillsUSA member benefits pass you by. Build your resume with professional development opportunities occurring in December. Get best practices for integrating the SkillsUSA Framework, learn how to integrate business and industry partners into the classroom, and so much more. See the full listing and directions on how to register on the Advisor Professional Development webpage.
Take Up the Challenge! National Conference Pin and T-shirt Design
SkillsUSA is offering the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) Pin and T-shirt Design Challenge to all dues-paying student members. The winning designs will become the official T-shirt and pin design for the 2026 NLSC. The challenge is open now, entries must be received by February 1 at midnight ET, and winners will be announced on February 7. Download the rules below:
Seeking Musical Talent to Perform National Anthem at NLSC
Do you have a musical gift to share with the SkillsUSA community? If so, apply to perform the national anthem at the Opening Session of SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference this June. The chosen performer will be offered a performance opportunity on the big stage in front of over 15,000 people plus complimentary conference registration if their sole purpose of attendance is to perform the national anthem. Apply here by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 30, 2026. For questions, contact Melinda Lloyd.
Industry Insider: Construction Recordings & Event Resources
Missed the live event? No problem! The recordings drop on SkillsUSA Pathful in January.
Your students will hear directly from industry pros about:
● What employers are really looking for
● The trends shaping construction careers
● How AI and new tools are transforming the field
● Smart advice for launching a successful career
The series covers carpentry, electrical, HVAC-R, and plumbing training programs, offering practical insights that benefit all students.
Event ResourcesYou can explore the event resources right now. No need to watch the recordings first!
Industry Insider: Construction Educator ToolkitThis toolkit includes discussion questions, reflection prompts, and extension activities to help you guide meaningful conversations with your students about preparing for a career in construction. These tools reinforce the insights and inspiration shared during the event.
The Lowe’s Foundation ResourcesHighlight data showing how careers in the skilled trades are fulfilling, in-demand, and financially rewarding.
Want to learn more about SkillsUSA Pathful? Click here.
American Red Cross Accepting Student Applications for National Youth Advisory Board
Students interested in serving on the American Red Cross’ National Youth Advisory Board are encouraged to apply no later than 11:45 p.m. Central on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Students will meet regularly with Red Cross mentors, learn about the blood program and help inspire other students to support lifesaving donation. A scholarship is provided for completion of the work. Please share the application link with interested students.
Honorary Life and Outstanding Career and Technical Educator Nominations Open
If you would like to nominate someone for recognition by SkillsUSA as an Honorary Life or Outstanding Educator, please complete the online applications. Be sure to notify those you nominate and provide all of the information that is requested. Learn more about these awards and eligibility by visiting the Awards Programs page on the SkillsUSA website. The deadline is March 1. For questions, contact Chris Anderson.
Combat Hunger with Youth Service America (YSA)
Youth Service America (YSA) and the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation are offering exciting opportunities for youth-led action to address rising food insecurity. Get involved in their 2026 programs:
· Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grants: $1,000 grants for youth-led projects engaging at least 100 volunteers around Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26). Apply by January 25.
· NEW Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge: A competition for K–12 classrooms with awards from $250 - $2,500 for smarter, deeper, student-led hunger projects. Sign up by February 6.
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.
Celebrate our Past, Help Write Our Future
Join us in celebrating six decades of SkillsUSA! The SkillsUSA Heritage Hub is a digital museum dedicated to preserving and sharing our rich history. From archival photos to the stories of our founders, it's a treasure trove of inspiration.
But our history is still being written, and we want to hear from you. We invite you to share your own photos, stories, and memories to help grow this living collection.