SkillsUSA chapters can now apply for a spot in the SkillsUSA + Make48 Competition, which will take place live at the 2027 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). Applications close Oct. 31, 2026. Only the first 40 applications will be considered, and some spots have been held by early-access schools since August, so teams should apply soon.
Make48 is a national product-design competition. Student teams take on a real-world challenge, then race to invent, build and pitch a brand-new product. The competition at NLSC is filmed for Make48’s TV docuseries on The Roku Channel.
How to Apply
Each team includes two or three students and one teacher or advisor. The application asks for:
The video is where teams can stand out. Make48 isn’t looking for someone reading a script. Teams should show their personality by filming in the shop, running a demo or acting out a skit. Upload the video to YouTube as Unlisted, not Private, so reviewers can watch it, and paste the link into the application.
What Happens Next
Make48 reviews applications as they arrive and selects from the first 40 teams. Before any announcement, top teams will get a phone call to go over the final details of their selection. On Dec. 1, 2026, Make48 will announce the six teams advancing to the Regional Play-off at NLSC in June 2027.
Selected teams register for, plan and pay for NLSC as they normally would. Teams competing in Make48 cannot take part in any other competition at NLSC.
Apply at tinyurl.com/SkillsUSA2027apply, and find full details at make48.com/skillsusa-2027-interest. Questions can go to education@make48.com.
Watch the SkillsUSA 2026 sizzle reel below to see what’s ahead:
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