2023-2024 Louisiana Calendar
The new school year calendar is available on the website. Use the link below to access the Advisor Resources section and you can view the online calendar or use the printable version.
Help SkillsUSA Partners “Support the Trades”
SkillsUSA partners Tractor Supply Company, the Tractor Supply Company Foundation and Carhartt are launching a new “Support the Trades” apparel collection to help advance skilled trades in the U.S. The Carhartt collection is sold exclusively at Tractor Supply in stores or online. The clothing line includes short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts in several colors, plus three ball caps and two knit hats. For every item sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to SkillsUSA. Support the Trades first launched in 2021. Order your “Support the Trades” merchandise now and help spread the word by showcasing your attire on social media and tagging SkillsUSA! For more information, check out the new “Support the Trades” video.
Lowe’s Offering School or Community Service Grants for Construction Trades
Lowe’s has announced they will provide $250,000 in new grants for SkillsUSA chapters. The grants are for up to $15,000 per chapter to upgrade classroom tools or equipment; purchase additional materials and supplies for students; or to obtain equipment, materials and supplies to conduct a community service project. These grants are for the construction cluster, including Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Electrical Construction Wiring, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR), Masonry, Plumbing, Sheet Metal, Welding and Architectural Drafting. All funds must be spent at Lowe’s stores. Applications open Sept. 1 and must be submitted by Sept. 30. Successful applicants will be notified by Oct. 30 and projects must be completed no later than June 1, 2024. For questions, contact Laura Rauch.
SkillsUSA Membership is Open — Join Early as a Professional
The SkillsUSA member registration site is now open for the 2023-2024 school year! We encourage advisors to join early so they receive all mailings and emails. Be sure to sign up using an email address you regularly check! Professional members receive numerous benefits when they join, all delivered digitally:
Framework Integration Toolkit ensures career readiness within your classroom, training program and chapter with videos, lesson plans, experiential activities and more.
Program of Work Toolkit includes activity guides, videos and resources to help implement an effective and successful Program of Work.
“Jump into STEM!” curriculum provides an opportunity for members to mentor and engage elementary-school and middle-school students in STEM learning.
SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards are the official regulations for the SkillsUSA Championships career competitions (available in early October).
E-Courses and Advisor Professional Development provide a variety of training options.
National membership dues for professional members are $20 plus $8 state dues.
SkillsUSA Membership Kit Mailed and Online
SkillsUSA’s 2023-2024 membership kits have been mailed to registered advisors and should arrive at schools shortly. The kits can also be accessed online. If you’re starting a new chapter, contact the SkillsUSA Customer Care Team so they can mail you a Membership Kit as part of the welcome process. Membership cards can be printed from the membership registration system. For assistance, contact Customer Care at 1-844-875-4557 or customercare@skillsusa.org.
Payments for SkillsUSA Invoices
As we start a new membership year, please take a moment to be sure you (or your school’s accounting office) are aware of where payments for SkillsUSA membership or materials should be sent. You should have two SkillsUSA vendors in your A/P system: SkillsUSA Inc., which is the national headquarters in Leesburg, Va. as well as your state office.
Each SkillsUSA office (national and state) operates separately for your invoice payments. Before you make a payment, please double check where the invoice is from and where the payment is to be mailed. Include the invoice number on the payment document 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 need help or have questions, please contact our Customer Care Team at customercare@skillsusa.org or 844-875-4557, and they are glad to assist.
Save the Date for ELEVATE!
The SkillsUSA Elevate Chapter Officer Development Conference is Oct. 11 from 11 a.m.-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 but at least one advisor must participate with each registered team. Participate right from your classroom, and the cost is only $10 per participant. Learn more on the SkillsUSA website.
Fall Professional Development Offerings
Are you ready to take your SkillsUSA knowledge to the next level? SkillsUSA’s Fall Professional Development offerings include new advisor training, SkillsUSA Framework integration, Program of Work introduction and Chapter Excellence Program training.
SkillsUSA Technical Fridays Workshops Start in September
Join us for “Technical Fridays,” SkillsUSA’s virtual workshops led by industry experts helping teachers develop specific technical skills relevant to their career fields of interest. Leave the sessions with a new skill to implement in your classroom. Learn more about the workshops here. On Sept. 15, from 4-5 p.m. ET, we will be joined by representatives from Snap-on Incorporated and NC3. The session will explore the various industry-recognized, competency-based certifications that can be applied to multiple industries. It will focus primarily on torque fundamentals, hand tool identification, safety and proper usage and precision
measuring instruments. Workshops are free of charge. Register for the sessions online (space is limited). If you have questions, contact Karolina Belen.
New Training Program Selections on Registration Site
Four new training programs are now available for you to select when registering members. You may change an existing program name by clicking the edit button next to your current program on the registration website and select the new program name from the drop-down menu. To add a new training program, click the “New Program” button.
· Cyber Security — Cluster area: Information Technology
· Stagecraft — Cluster area: Arts, AV Technology and Communications
· sUAS Drone — Cluster area: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
· Video Game Design — Cluster area: Arts, AV Technology and Communications
For assistance with modifying or adding a new training program, contact the Customer Care Team at customercare@skillsusa.org or 844-875-4557.
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 2023 Manufacturing Day is celebrated on Oct. 6, you can hold events on any date in October. Activities for students may include a plant tour, a virtual industry tou
r or an event on campus that highlights manufacturing. SkillsUSA chapters should share their Manufacturing Day photos and stories with Brooke Gatchell, SkillsUSA’s social media specialist.
Share Your Champions
The SkillsUSAChampions 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.
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