Professional SkillsUSA Membership Has Its Privileges!
The SkillsUSA registration site is officially open for the new school year, and we encourage advisors to join early so they receive all mailings and emails. Professional members receive many benefits when they submit membership with a valid email address: theFramework 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 Technical Standards are the official regulations for the SkillsUSA Championships competitions. National dues for professional members are $26. You can find our registration site here.
A Local Chapter Challenge: SkillsUSA 2021 Recruitment Week
Check out SkillsUSA’s 2021 Recruitment Week resource hub to learn how your chapter leaders can successfully plan a local recruitment week to engage potential new SkillsUSA members. There are also advisor resources to help coach your chapter leaders recruit and engage potential new members.
After your chapter successfully completes Recruitment Week, apply to earn national recognition and a chance to win a $500 shopping spree to the SkillsUSA Store.
New "Journey of a Jacket" Program Launches Oct. 1
As emerging world-class workers, leaders and responsible citizens, SkillsUSA members belong to a community that values their potential and believes in their abilities. Through SkillsUSA’s new “Journey of a Jacket” program, students can represent their SkillsUSA pride to the world! Selected applicants will receive an official SkillsUSA red jacket (like those pictured) to be worn anywhere on the member’s journey through school, work and life.
Thanks to the support of sponsors, SkillsUSA members who are chosen via the Journey of a Jacket application process will receive a SkillsUSA jacket free of charge. To apply for a jacket, students must explain in 500 words or less why they joined SkillsUSA, what their SkillsUSA goals are and how their involvement supports those goals. In addition, SkillsUSA must receive a letter of recommendation from a SkillsUSA advisor that includes their level of participation in the chapter. Upon receipt of the jacket, the student agrees to submit a video thanking program sponsors (further information will be provided). Applications open Oct. 1 and close Nov. 1. Students can read more about the program and apply online here. If you have questions, contact Megan Flinn.
Lowe's Offers $250,000 in Chapter Grants
SkillsUSA partner Lowe’s is offering up to $15,000 in SkillsUSA chapter grants. The grants can be used to upgrade your CTE program’s tools or equipment or to purchase additional materials and supplies for students. All funds must be spent at Lowe’s.
The grants can also be used for equipment, materials or supplies to be used in planning and carrying out a SkillsUSA community service project.
Applications are due by Nov. 1. Successful applicants will be notified by Dec. 3, and all classroom upgrades or service projects must be completed by Sept. 15, 2022. For more information and to apply, go here. If you have questions, contact Laura Rauch.
Share Your Success Stories with SkillsUSA Nation
TheSkillsUSA Champions digital hub provides new content weekly, from inspiring features to “Spotlight” stories about the great work chapters and partners are doing.
We now even have a “Podcasts” section! To get a SkillsUSA member’s story considered for publication on the site (even if that story is yours), just click the “Submit a Story” link at the top of every page.
New "Technical Fridays" Industry Expert Workshops Starting in September
Join us for “Technical Fridays,” SkillsUSA's new industry-led initiative for workshops helping teachers develop specific technical skills relevant to their career fields of interest.
On Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. ET, focus on the automotive industry continues as we’re joined by Joe Clarke, Toyota master technician. Clarke will preview the content and benefits of Toyota Technician Educated College Support (TECS), a free learning course for students 16 and up. The course is designed to help students interested in a career with Lexus or Toyota gain a head start in their training while becoming certified through the completion of 16 e-learning modules. Clarke will also demonstrate the use of Toyota-specific tools.
