Our 2022 SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference was a resounding success! About 1800 registered students and advisors participated in our first in-person state conference in 3 years! Another 1000-plus came to observe the leadership and skill talent on display in Greensboro.
You can find recap information on our website - SkillsUSAnc.org .
Thank You Industry Partners and State Conference Sponsors
Please help us in thanking our Industry Partners and Sponsors for their support and contributions to our SkillsUSA State Conference! We could not do what we do for our students if it were not for their support, contributions and partnerships. PLEASE SUPPORT THEM whenever you can!
The National Conference Information and Registration Packet is Now Posted
The SkillsUSA National Conference Information and Registration Packet is now available on our website on the National Conference page (click here).
The SkillsUSA National Conference will be held June 20-24 in Atlanta. The NLCS Deadline is May 13 - that's less than 2 weeks from now! So get your prior approvals in the works, in the event you have first place state conference winners eligible for national conference!!
Everyone who attends the conference and wants to participate in any of the NLSC events, including accessing the contest floor to observe, must register. Please see our website for more information.
SkillsUSA Activate Registration (at NLSC) Open for Student Leaders
SkillsUSA instructors and advisors can now register for SkillsUSA Activate, a two-and-a-half-day, high-energy leadership conference that is open to all middle school and high school SkillsUSA student leaders. The conference focuses on developing the following SkillsUSA Framework skills for use in achieving the SkillsUSA Program of Work:
Leadership
Service Orientation and Planning
Organization and Management
Activate is open to members looking to take their leadership to the next level.
Activate will be held June 18-20 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, just prior to the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. For more information and to register for Activate, go here. For questions, contact Taryn Erminio.
Celebrate Community Contributions During SkillsUSA's National Week of Service - May 8-14
SkillsUSA is asking all chapters to conduct and promote a community service project during SkillsUSA’s National Week of Service, May 8-14. This event helps commemorate the founding of SkillsUSA on May 8, 1965. Connect with SkillsUSA via social media by posting photos of your activities online. Chapter advisors or officers should email a brief description of their chapter events to Gayle Silvey at gsilvey@skillsusa.org. In return, we’ll send a SkillsUSA logo gift item valued at $15 to say thanks.
We encourage participants to publicize your projects locally. To locate media resources for your community, including contact information for area newspapers, use our SkillsUSA Advocacy Site. On the site, click on “Media,” enter your ZIP code, and choose up to six outlets at a time. Then, click on “Send a Message.” To see the full contact information for each outlet, click on the name of the newspaper.
Apply for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence
Applications are now open for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. 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 2022, they will award more than $1.25 million in prizes to 20 teachers. In 2021, the prize recognized six SkillsUSA instructors as winners. Applications must be received by May 20. Finalists will be announced on June 27 and winners will be announced in October. Learn more and apply online here.
Share Your Signing Day With The Nation
Chapters across the nation will celebrate SkillsUSA National Signing Day THIS WEEK, May 5, highlighting the value of the skilled trades as they recognize career and technical students for their dedication to career readiness and a career in the skilled trades.
Hundreds of SkillsUSA schools in over 25 states and territories are expected to participate in the 2022 event — some virtually, but most in-person. Year by year, SkillsUSA National Signing Day is generating greater awareness that the skilled trades offer rewarding career paths.
On Signing Day, SkillsUSA chapters will host students at signing ceremonies attended by administrators, teachers, elected officials, SkillsUSA advisors, family and friends. Like signing day events for student athletes who commit to a college or team, students will be applauded one by one as they sign letters of intent for a job offer, apprenticeship or advanced technical training. Throughout the day, skilled trades supporters nationwide will share their encouragement for these future workers, so watch our SkillsUSA social media channels and website for updates.
All chapters are asked to submit their Signing Day photos, videos and stories to SkillsUSA’s communications team so we can highlight your local events. To submit your photos and stories, upload them here. If you post on social media, use the hashtag #SkillsUSANationalSigningDay.
SkillsUSA Scholarship Opportunities
Applications for several scholarships are now open to benefit SkillsUSA students in pursuit of higher education or certification in their chosen fields. Help spread the word about these opportunities:
Fine Homebuilding #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship -- Scholarships to SkillsUSA high school or college/postsecondary students continuing their education or certification programs in construction-related fields. Deadline: May 30.
Larry Rash Memorial Scholarship -- Two $2,500 scholarships in 2022 to support active SkillsUSA members who plan to further their education in architectural drafting (or a related field). Deadline: May 31.
Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship -- Merit-based scholarships to high school or college/postsecondary students continuing their education to pursue a career in energy construction (oil and gas pipelines, gas distribution, solar, and wind). Deadline: May 31.
Clifford T. Rees, Jr. Memorial Scholarship -- Multiple $2,500 scholarships to SkillsUSA high school juniors, seniors or college/postsecondary students in enrolled in a HVACR or a general construction program and who will be pursuing college/postsecondary career training in the HVACR industry. Deadline: May 31.
Student Research Foundation Scholarship -- One scholarship to a SkillsUSA member currently enrolled in high school who plans to continue their education in a postsecondary program. It recognizes outstanding community contribution. Deadline: July 26.
The Horatio Alger Association is offering 500 career and technical education scholarships for College/Postsecondary students at up to $2,500 each through their “Career & Technical Scholarship Program.” The scholarships are awarded to students who’ve faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives and who wish to pursue a career and technical education at an accredited, nonprofit postsecondary institution. Applications are now open, and the deadline is June 15. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer. Visit their website for full information and to apply.
