SkillsUSA Membership is Open — Join Early as a Professional
The SkillsUSA registration site is officially open for the 2023-24 school year and advisors should join now so they receive all mailings and emails about programs and opportunities. Professional members receive many resources and benefits when they submit membership with a valid email address: The Framework Integration Toolkit ensures career readiness within your classroom, training program and chapter; the Program of Work Toolkit includes resources to help implement an effective and successful Program of Work; the “Jump into STEM!” curriculum provides an opportunity to engage elementary and middle school students in STEM learning; and the SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards are the official regulations for the SkillsUSA Championships career competitions. E-Courses and advisor professional development provide a variety of training options. National dues for professional members are $20 plus state dues which vary. Check for your state’s dues and deadlines.
SkillsUSA Member Benefits for Students
Participation in SkillsUSA can be life-changing for students. Membership offers new opportunities, the encouragement of an advisor and increased confidence through engaging in conferences, competitions and SkillsUSA Framework development. Here are just some of the benefits your students can receive:
Recognition for individual or chapter achievement through SkillsUSA Career Essentials suite, the SkillsUSA Chapter Excellence Program (CEP), and the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)
Opportunities to build valuable skills through an annual Program of Work that allows members to grow within the classroom, workplace and chapter
Opportunities to form meaningful relationships with other students who share common interests and come from diverse backgrounds
Access to a broad array of SkillsUSA programs where they can grow personal and professional skills while having fun
Ability to advocate for career and technical education and SkillsUSA
Opportunities to earn and practice real-life application of leadership skills through chapter initiatives and programs
Application of leadership skills as a committee leader or chapter, district, state or national officer
Recognition for individual achievement through local, state and national competitions
Lowe’s is providing grants up to $15,000 for SkillsUSA chapters in construction trades 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 are open and must be submitted by Sept. 30. Successful applicants will be notified by Oct. 30 and projects must be completed by June 1, 2024. For questions, contact Laura Rauch.
Elevate Registration is Open
The SkillsUSA Elevate Chapter Officer Development Conference happens 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 members. Successful completion of this conference supports the quality of your local SkillsUSA programming and the individual growth of your members as it activates SkillsUSA’s mission to empower members to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. After participating in Elevate, your chapter officers will be able to:
Use Self-Motivation, Communication, Teamwork and Planning, Organizing and Management to serve and lead their chapter members.
Lead chapter members in their development of Framework skills through intentional incorporation of the skills in chapter Program of Work activities.
Implement a four-step process of planning high-quality and successful chapter activities that align with a Program of Work category and include goals, Essential Element instruction, a plan to achieve, and an evaluation.
Elevate is open to all SkillsUSA 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. Registration closes Sept. 22. Learn more and register on the SkillsUSA website.
Apply Now for ACTE Teacher and Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), in partnership with SkillsUSA, is seeking nominations for the National Trade and Industrial Education Division Awards to be presented during the ACTE CareerTech VISION conference scheduled for Nov. 29 – Dec. 2 in Phoenix. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 1. (Please note the Trade and Industrial VISION Awards are separate from the ACTE Excellence Awards.) Qualified individuals may be nominated for Teacher of the Year, New Teacher of the Year or Lifetime Achievement, and you may nominate yourself. (If you nominate someone else, be sure to notify the nominee.) Click here to make nominations. For additional conference information, visit ACTE CareerTech VISION.
Chapter Meeting and Recruitment Support
Planning the first member recruitment meeting of the year can be daunting. Use our Chapter Leader Planning Guide to learn how your chapter leaders can successfully lead a first chapter meeting while also planning a local recruitment week to engage potential new SkillsUSA members. You’ll also find advisor resources to help coach your chapter leaders around recruitment and engaging potential new members.
Are you ready to take your SkillsUSA knowledge to the next level? SkillsUSA’s Fall Professional Development offerings include new advisor training, Framework integration, the SkillsUSA Advantage report, local competition guide and more. Check out our training website and use this form to sign up for your selected sessions.
Supporting the Trades is in Fashion
SkillsUSA partners Tractor Supply Company, the Tractor Supply Company Foundation and Carhartt have launched 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.
The SkillsUSA Store — Deals and Steals
With fall around the corner, there is no better time to stock up on some fantastic SkillsUSA logo items before they’re gone. Check out the SkillsUSA Store Deals and Steals section for everything from light jackets to polos and tech items with savings of as much as 50-60% off. There is sure to be something for everyone.
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.