Deadline Extended for Elevate
Registration closes Sept. 29 for the SkillsUSA Elevate Chapter Officer Development Conference. Elevate 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. Learn more and register on the SkillsUSA website.
The Early Professional Member Gets the Benefits
The SkillsUSA registration site is officially open for the 2023-24 school year. We encourage advisors to join early so they receive all mailings and emails. 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. Visit the registration site and check for your state’s dues and deadlines. Contact our Customer Care Team at 844-875-4557 if you have questions.
Applications Closing for Lowe’s Grants for Construction Trades
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 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.
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, 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.
CHARGE SkillsUSA Chapter Officer Video Series
Advisors work hard to teach their chapter officer teams how to be successful leaders. SkillsUSA recognizes the challenge and has developed a program that makes it easier to create a strong chapter officer team. CHARGE is a weekly video series that covers topics that chapter officers will find useful in the day-to-day management of their local SkillsUSA chapters. Each CHARGE video features an activity guide to support chapter officer growth and development. There are 12 three-minute episodes:
Episode 1 is called “Getting to Know Your Team.” Chapter officers will have a fun time getting to know one another and talking about their goals for the year.
Episode 2 is all about the SkillsUSA Framework and makes learning the 17 Essential Elements fun, easy and applicable.
Episode 3 guides chapter officers through their roles and responsibilities.
Episode 4 is focused on teaching the chapter officers how to utilize the four pillars of leadership to become effective chapter leaders.
Episodes 5 and 6 will be covered in next week’s Friday Flash. Access CHARGE.
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.
SkillsUSA Career Essentials Courses are Available for MS, HS and C/PS Schools
While many CTE instructors have mastered instruction of their specific trade area, teaching universal career-readiness skills to students can be daunting. At the same time, employability skills are critical to the long-term success of students in all trade areas. Check out the video overview of the Career Essentials Courses.
Learners in any trade area access their Career Essentials course online through their account in SkillsUSA Absorb. Instructors monitor student progress via an admin dashboard.
Instructors have control over which (and how many) projects students complete.
Learners have access to their course for 365 days after enrollment.
Instructors can use the entire course, a segment of a course, or even individual unit depending on their available time and budget. View pricing and purchase options.
For customer support Monday-Friday, for help placing an order or to learn more about the revisions to SkillsUSA Career Essentials, email the Customer Care Team or call 844-875-4557.