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Back to School

Back to School: Tools to Build a Winning SkillsUSA Chapter

Whether you’re a returning advisor or starting a SkillsUSA chapter for the first time, we’re excited to partner with you for a successful year.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

To help you get started, begin with the 2026–2027 SkillsUSA Advisor Guide. It provides an overview of SkillsUSA and will help you make the most of the resources in the checkpoints below.

Once you’ve reviewed the guide, explore the resources in each checkpoint to launch your chapter with confidence! Check out the First 10 Days in SkillsUSA Pathful brochure, Fundraising with Funds2Orgs guide, “What is SkillsUSA?” Lesson Plan and Powerpoint and so much more!

Complete the SkillsUSA Back-to-School Display Challenge Sponsored by Simple Green®!

Beginning August 3, access the submission form to view the complete official rules and submission requirements. You can open the form at any time during the submission window to review the guidelines before submitting your entry.

A Few Things to Know

    • Create and host an informational display table using the Informational Display Table Planning Checklist as a guide. You do not need to include every item on the checklist.
    • Include this Welcome Back to School SkillsUSA and Simple Green® printout in your display table. This is the only required display element and it must be clearly visible in your submitted photo.
    • Host your display table between August 3 and October 1, 2026.
    • Submit a photo of your display and all required submission information through the online form by October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
    • Be one of the first 20 qualifying chapter submissions in order to receive a special giveaway from Simple Green®, featuring products selected especially for your CTE program.

Submission button reading Official Rules and Submission Form

Back to School Roadmap

Equips advisors with engaging tools to introduce students to the SkillsUSA Framework, emphasizing personal, workplace, and technical skills essential for career readiness. With interactive lessons, visual assets, and a self-assessment tool, this checkpoint helps students reflect on their strengths and build a strong foundation for chapter planning.

Resources

This checkpoint focuses on electing and training chapter officers to lead with confidence and purpose. With resources like the Officer Election Toolkit, CHARGE video series, and first meeting planning guides, advisors can support student leaders in building strong, effective SkillsUSA chapters.

ResourcesSponsored by Simple Green

Checkpoint 4 provides chapters with engaging resources to plan and execute a successful Recruitment Week that grows membership and builds excitement. With flyers, planning guides, and incentives, both students and advisors are equipped to spread the word about SkillsUSA and earn recognition for their efforts.

Resources

SkillsUSA meeting invitation posterOur final Back to School checkpoint provides key resources such as sample budget, meeting agenda and officer roles to help chapters plan and run effective meetings.

Resources