Executive Update: December 15, 2022
Important Dates
Feb. 2: Virtual SkillsUSA Technical Committee Chair Meeting
Feb. 6-10: SkillsUSA Week
Happy Holidays!
All of us at SkillsUSA hope you each have a wonderful holiday season and a safe, healthy and prosperous 2023. Please note that the SkillsUSA headquarters will be closed for winter break from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2. The Executive Update will resume on Jan. 15, 2023.
Report: The SkillsUSA Advantage in CTE
New research released by the Student Research Foundation shows the majority of surveyed SkillsUSA members feel they are engaged in relevant career and technical education (CTE) coursework that prepares them for the future. This pattern holds true regardless of gender, race/ethnicity or socioeconomic status. “The SkillsUSA Advantage” report is one of the first post-pandemic looks at students. The report demonstrates that SkillsUSA members nationwide experience greater outcomes from participating in CTE programs. SkillsUSA state directors, advisors and partners are encouraged to download and share this validating new report: The SkillsUSA Advantage.
SkillsUSA Week T-shirt Design Challenge Winner
Congratulations to Clara Brown from Upper Valley Career Center for winning the 2023 SkillsUSA Week T-Shirt Design Challenge! The SkillsUSA Week shirts will be available for purchase in the SkillsUSA Store starting Monday, Dec. 19!
Applications Open to Facilitate Student Programs
SkillsUSA is accepting applications for experienced independent contractors to serve as national program facilitators for various SkillsUSA student development conferences, workshops and virtual experiences. These include Leverage and Activate in June 2023, the Delegates program in June 2023, and the Washington Leadership Training Institute in Sept. 2023. Successful applicants must have excellent interpersonal skills, writing skills, the ability to communicate persuasively and amiably with key stakeholders (including students, advisors and state SkillsUSA directors), and experience facilitating content (virtually and/or in-person) to groups ranging from five to 300. The application remains open on an ongoing basis, and applicants will remain on file to be contacted as new opportunities are available. The preferred deadline for NLSC facilitation opportunities is Thursday, January 5, 2023. Complete the application here.
Implement and Expand Your State Delegate Program
A State Association Delegate Program Implementation Guide is now available for your use. The guide includes all the information you’ll need to create a delegate program at the state level. For additional information, contact Tyler Chaffin.
Plan Now for 2023 SkillsUSA Week
SkillsUSA Week is Feb. 6-10, 2023, and SkillsUSA members can participate in many ways, including honoring community supporters, connecting with local business and industry professionals, making a presentation about their CTE program and SkillsUSA chapter at a school board meeting and more. We encourage members to celebrate by planning activities that follow the daily schedule of events using the SkillsUSA Week Chapter Guide.
NLSC State Director Information Hub — December
The NLSC Information Hub on the SkillsUSA State Director Gateway will contain all conference information for the 2023 National Leadership & Skills Conference. This hub will be updated for state associations in December, March and June. The December information is now available and includes all information needed prior to your state conference. Check back in March for new updates and information needed prior to NLSC registration.
State Director Position Update
In South Dakota, Nikki Mark (Nikki.Mark@lakeareatech.edu) is the new permanent state director, but continue to keep Katie Paulson (Katie.Paulson@lakeareatech.edu) on all state director communications. The SkillsUSA website is kept current with the latest state director information.
Honorary Life, Outstanding Educator and Hall of Champions Nominations Open
If you would like to nominate an individual for recognition as a SkillsUSA Honorary Life Member, Outstanding Career and Technical Educator, or for the Hall of Champions Award, please complete the online applications here. The deadline is Feb. 15. If you have questions, contact Laura Rauch.
State Advisor of the Year Awards
SkillsUSA supplies state-level Advisor of the Year (AOY) awards. Each state may order one award for a secondary AOY and one award for a college/postsecondary AOY to be awarded at your state conference. To order your AOY awards, email Kim DeVenuto at the SkillsUSA Store. Include the following information in your email:
- Subject: SkillsUSA State Advisor of the Year Award
- Correct spelling of the name of the advisor to be honored
- Your association name
- Your shipping address (no P.O. boxes)
- The need-by date for delivery (each award is custom produced and shipped from the manufacturer, so allow at least three weeks for delivery).
If you have questions, please contact Laura Rauch.
Proposed Bylaw Amendment Submissions Reminder
Registered SkillsUSA members can submit proposed bylaw amendments for the middle school, high school or college/postsecondary divisions for consideration by the House of Delegates at the 2023 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). Bylaw amendment motions must be submitted in writing to Tyler Chaffin by Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET. The SkillsUSA National Executive Council and board of directors will review all submissions at the March board meeting. All motions will be distributed to SkillsUSA association directors by April 22. Motions will then be presented and voted on at the official business meeting of the House of Delegates during the 2023 NLSC. Bylaw amendments are governed by Article XII of the high school and college/postsecondary bylaws and Article X of the middle school bylaws. Find more information and view the bylaws online. The motion form can be found here.
From Game Player to Game Developer … on a Full-Ride Scholarship
Our latest SkillsUSA Champions magazine feature story highlights Juan Cubides, a Colombian immigrant who earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Southern California to pursue his dream of becoming a video game developer. He did that in large part through his scholarship interview, and he credits his experiences in SkillsUSA with preparing him to succeed in that pivotal moment. Read the story on the SkillsUSA Champions Magazine Digital Hub.
Share Your Success Stories with SkillsUSA Nation
The SkillsUSA Champions digital hub provides new content weekly, from inspiring features to “Spotlight” stories about the great work chapters and partners are doing. To get a special SkillsUSA member’s story considered for publication (even if that story is yours), send us the details through our “Submit a Story” link.
Due Dates
January
Jan. 5: Preferred deadline for NLSC facilitation applications
Jan. 21: Proposed Bylaw Amendment Motions submissions due
February
Feb. 15: Honorary Life, Outstanding Career and Technical Education and Hall of Champions submissions due
March
March 1: National Education Team applications due
March 1: National Courtesy Corps applications due
March 1: SkillsUSA national membership deadline
March 1: Annual corporation forms due
March 17: SkillsUSA National Pin and T-shirt Design Challenge entries due
April
April 1: President’s Volunteer Service Award applications due
April 1: State deadline to advance gold Chapter of Distinction applications for selection as Models of Excellence
April 1: SkillsUSA Master Scholarship applications due
April 15: National Signing Day registrations due
