State Conference Updates
The online testing is well underway don't forget the testing deadline is April 5.
The contest updates page is still being updated but is getting finalized please check it for any relevant updates for your contest. Also check the national technical standards via Absorb for any tools or supplies required by the contestant. Note the required clothing does not pertain to state contest.
A revised agenda is posted on the state conference site view it here.
Louisiana State Officer Applications
Application for Secondary State officers are now open. Check out the website for details and the web application. Deadline is April 10 before the conference starts. A letter of recommendation from an advisor or administrator is required it can be submitted with the application as an attachment or sent directly to the State Director's email. https://skillsusala.org/state-officers#state-officer-apply
Register NOW for Signing Day! Early-Bird Registration Ends March 29!
CALLING ALL CHAPTERS! SkillsUSA National Signing Day (NSD) registration is OPEN, and March 29 is the last day to take advantage of “Early-Bird” registration to receive chapter grant and scholarship opportunities, free Signing Day T-shirts, hats and more! SkillsUSA’s National Signing Day is May 7, a day when chapters across the nation celebrate our next generation of skilled professionals as they sign letters of intent to pursue career pathways in the skilled trades. Will you add your chapter’s voice to thousands of others? Watch the video above for more, and visit the signingday.skillsusa.org page on our website to access registration and resources to help you plan a powerful celebration your school and community won’t forget! Registration closes April 23. Help us show the nation the future is in good hands … because it’s in SKILLED hands! Signing Day is sponsored by the Lowe’s Foundation, State Farm® and Constellation.
Register by March 29 for “Early-Bird” Signing Day Registration Benefits!
Register for SkillsUSA National Signing Day by March 29 to gain access to some great swag and other opportunities. Here’s a list of what’s available for early-bird Signing Day registrants. Learn more at signingday.skillsusa.org.
National Signing Day chapter opportunities
· Signing Day supply bundles valued at $500 will be awarded to 10 chapters (schools must register five or more students and complete the supply bundle application by March 29 to be eligible).
· Signing Day school grants of $250 will be awarded to 25 schools to enhance their event (schools must register five or more students and apply by March 29 to be eligible).
Early registrant opportunities
· Signing Day Starter Kit: Signing Day table runner, pack of 10 certificates, 10 pens, while supplies last (schools must register five or more students).
· Signing Day T-shirts: The first 2,000 student registrants receive a National Signing Day T-shirt.
· Signing Day Baseball Caps: The first 1,000 student registrants receive a National Signing Day cap.
· Lowe's Gift Cards: The first 100 advisors receive a Lowe's gift card (schools must register five or more students).
SkillsUSA Scholarship Application Deadlines
Exploring and applying for SkillsUSA scholarships has become a seamless process. SkillsUSA student members can discover eligibility criteria, scholarship amounts and applications in one location: SkillsUSA Scholarship Application Hub. Please encourage your SkillsUSA student members to apply and take advantage of these incredible scholarships!
These scholarships close on April 15:
● Sharon Melton Myers Memorial Scholarship
● The AHRI Clifford "Ted" Rees Memorial Scholarship
● The Fieldpiece #MasteroftheTrade Scholarship
● The Fine Homebuilding #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship
● The Larry Rash Memorial Scholarship
● The Marsha Daves Memorial Scholarship
● The National Technical Honor Society Scholarship
Scholarship closing on May 6:
● 2024 Robert Flint Student Leadership Development Scholarship for Leverage Conference
NLSC scholarship open March 23 to May 22 only:
● Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (applicants can receive up to $1,500 to attend the 2024 National Leadership & Skills Conference)
Closing May 31:
● The Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship
To learn more about these scholarships and gain tips on how to submit a quality application, visit the SkillsUSA Scholarships and Grants webpage. If you have questions, contact Jordan Sewell.
Press Release Template for State Conference Participants
The SkillsUSA Advocacy site has a press release template for state conference participants and their advisors to share competition results, recognition items and more with your hometown media. Parents, instructors, students or anyone can send these emails. Please spread the word about SkillsUSA in your community and share this advocacy resource link at your school and at your state conferences. For questions, email Jane Short.
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 complimentary conference registration if their sole purpose of attendance is to perform the national anthem. Apply by 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 2. For questions, contact Melinda Lloyd.
Join the NLSC 2024 Courtesy Corps!
SkillsUSA invites potential National Courtesy Corps (NCC) members to apply early to support the 2024 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). This much-appreciated group supports the technical committees and the overall conference experience, and it’s a great way for students to network with industry partners and meet other SkillsUSA students from across the nation. NCC members receive free housing, local transportation, meals and free conference registration. NCC participants are housed at the Georgia Tech Woodruff Residence Hall in Atlanta. An advisor must also join the Courtesy Corps team and serve as a chaperone for their participating students. NCC candidates should seek approval of their state SkillsUSA director. For eligibility and timeline requirements, visit the National Courtesy Corps webpage. For questions, contact Boyd Hestand. The deadline for nominations is May 1. Candidate status notification will be sent to each NCC nominee by May 9. Along with conference attendee information, this email will include an acceptance form if a position on Courtesy Corps is available. If you want to not just experience the national conference but to contribute to its success, this is a great and affordable way to participate in SkillsUSA’s biggest event of the year!
Apply for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teacher Excellence
Applications are now open for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence awards. The prize recognizes outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools and the teachers who inspire students to learn skills to prepare for life after graduation. In 2024, Harbor Freight will award $1.5 million in cash prizes to 25 skilled trades teachers and their programs. In 2023, the prize recognized 16 SkillsUSA instructors as winners. Applications must be received by May 3. Finalists will be announced June 11 and winners will be announced this fall.
The USDOE to Launch “Power Your Future” Challenge
The U.S. Department of Education will launch the Power Your Future Challenge, a CTE Momentum challenge to design clean energy solutions. Starting in August, the Department will invite high schools to submit innovative action plans that will advance clean energy in their schools and communities. The challenge is an opportunity to create engaging learning opportunities for students to explore clean energy; to connect CTE programs with a wide variety of clean energy pathways; and to inspire students to envision and pursue clean energy careers. Up to 10 winners will receive an equal share of the $50,000 prize pool, as well as in-kind prizes donated by sponsors. Plan ahead for next school year so your students can be part of this national event. Sign up for updates about the Power Your Future Challenge and future CTE Momentum challenges.