SkillsUSA marked a major milestone on May 8 with a high-profile celebration on Capitol Hill, honoring 60 years of excellence in career and technical education (CTE). The event brought together a powerful coalition of SkillsUSA members, alumni, national officers, industry leaders, and lawmakers to reflect on the organization’s six-decade legacy of transforming students into skilled professionals.
In a show of bipartisan unity, U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced a congressional resolution commemorating SkillsUSA’s impact on over 15 million students since its founding in 1965. “SkillsUSA is on the front lines of closing the skills gap,” said Rep. Thompson, co-chair of the Congressional CTE Caucus. “Their work ensures our workforce is not just ready — but thriving.”
Rep. Stevens echoed the enthusiasm: “SkillsUSA empowers students and energizes our economy. From Michigan to every corner of America, it’s helping shape the workforce of tomorrow.”
The celebration featured inspiring remarks from SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis, as well as prominent voices from Aerotek’s DJ Jordan, Maureen Tholen from 3M, Leigh Creech from Lowe’s Companies Inc. and Nick Moore from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career Technical and Adult Education. Former SkillsUSA national officer Ambuja Sharma moderated the discussion. Their remarks underscored SkillsUSA’s powerful role in bridging education and employment, and in preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers that drive the American economy forward.
“Celebrating 60 years of SkillsUSA is more than marking a milestone — it’s honoring the incredible people and partnerships that have shaped our movement,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “We’ve grown from a small group with a bold vision to the nation’s #1 workforce development organization for students — a thriving community united across education, industry and government. As we look ahead with our Drive to 65 strategic plan, we remain committed to equipping the next generation of skilled professionals and leaders. Together, we are building a future that honors our past and elevates the power of skills for decades to come.”
View the event photo album featuring highlights by Craig Moore and Lloyd Wolf.
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