The topic to be addressed by contestants in these events is how our slogan, SkillsUSA: Champions at Work, relates to our national program of work in the area of the Professional Development.

Within this topic, contestants might illustrate or discuss any of the following:

• How SkillsUSA’s professional development opportunities motivate students to be the best they can be in their technical skill development and in their personal and professional development
  
• How members grow professionally by connecting with educators, community leaders, and business and industry representatives. SkillsUSA connects students to education and employment opportunities
  
• How students attending SkillsUSA leadership conferences and competitions develop professionally as they make connections with other students having similar interests. Through SkillsUSA, they network across their state, region and the nation
  
• How SkillsUSA provides opportunities for students to participate in a balanced program of work in which they can practice and demonstrate leadership, technical skills, teamwork, team building, creativity and management
  
• How SkillsUSA increases productivity by cultivating a highly skilled and knowledgeable work force to meet 21st century needs
  
• How SkillsUSA is the national organization for public high school and college/postsecondary technical students enrolled in trade, technical and skilled service profession instructional programs including allied health occupations
  
• How SkillsUSA participation prepares each member for entry into the work force
  
• How each SkillsUSA member can demonstrate excellence in career and technical education
  
• How SkillsUSA represents 130 different occupational areas in its affiliated instructional programs and more than 300,000 high school and college/postsecondary members nationwide