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SkillsUSA Friday Flash

3/25/22

 

Registration is Open for Connect to My Future

Registration is now open for this year’s SkillsUSA Connect to My Future Career Conference on May 3-4. This unique virtual conference allows students to explore career pathways while connecting directly with employers right from their classrooms. Three student tracks are offered for members in middle school, high school and college/postsecondary programs. Check out all three tracks here. We encourage you to share this video with your classes to get students excited.

 

Applications Open for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Travel Scholarships

SkillsUSA is proud to announce, in partnership with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, a travel scholarship opportunity for SkillsUSA high school members in selected trades who are competing in the 2022 SkillsUSA Championships. Eligible members can apply to receive up to $1,500 to assist in attending the 2022 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). Applications will be accepted through May 20. Recipients will be announced on May 25. More information and the application are available here.

 

National Signing Day Celebrates Students and CTE Programs

Registration is open for SkillsUSA National Signing Day on May 5, celebrating high school seniors and college/postsecondary students who are pursuing careers as professionals in the skilled trades. SkillsUSA chapters are encouraged to plan and host a signing day event by inviting business partners, school administrators, teachers, elected officials, SkillsUSA alumni, family and friends to honor students signing “letters of intent” for a job offer, apprenticeship or advanced technical training.

 

This digital toolkit of resources will help chapters plan their local events. The toolkit includes an event logo, an invitation template, social media posts, a sample press release, thank-you notes, an event planning checklist and more.

 

Big Scholarship Opportunities for College/Postsecondary Students

The Horatio Alger Association is offering 500 career and technical education scholarships at up to $2,500 each through their “Career & Technical Scholarship Program.” The scholarships are awarded to students who’ve faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives and who wish to pursue a career and technical education at an accredited, nonprofit postsecondary institution. Applications are now open, and the deadline is June 15. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer. Visit their website for full information and to apply.

 

Help SkillsUSA Thank Carhartt and TSC for Supporting the Trades

At a time when the skilled trades need more champions, Carhartt and Tractor Supply Company (TSC) recently stepped up with a $100,000 donation to SkillsUSA through their Support the Trades campaign! Now’s the time for SkillsUSA Nation to say thank you. We’re still in need of short thank-you videos from SkillsUSA members. A video submission earns you a spot in a drawing for one of two $50 Amazon gift cards. Click here for full details on how to show these partners how much we value their support!  

 

Love and Logic Session: Preventing Power Struggles in Your Classroom

Join us on April 5 from 3:30-5 p.m. ET for a Love and Logic session designed to help you learn how to use choices to prevent power struggles in your classroom. The cost to attend is $10. Register here. For questions, contact Karolina Belen

 

New Best Practices Professional Development Opportunities

Please join your fellow advisors on April 13 at 5:30 p.m. ET for our new best practices series, where seasoned SkillsUSA advisors head panels focusing on one topic each month. This session will focus on how to coach students for success in their competitions. Register for this and more professional membership benefits here. Completion certificates are provided for each session. Use this Google Doc to learn how to access your professional membership benefits online. A PDF of the 2021-22 Professional Development Opportunities is available here. For questions, contact Karolina Belen

 

Deals and Steals at the SkillsUSA Store

Spring is here and there is no better time to stock up on some fantastic items before they’re gone. Check out our Deals and Steals for eveything from light jackets (perfect for spring weather) to polos and tech items, with savings as much as 50%!

 

Press Release Template for State Conference Participants
New on the SkillsUSA advocacy site is a press release template for state conference participants and others to share competition results with local media. Parents, instructors, students or anyone can send emails through the template, which can be customized for your specific needs. For questions, email Jane Short.

 

SkillsUSA Posters Available for Download

SkillsUSA has many resources to help your chapter succeed. SkillsUSA posters are free to download from the SkillsUSA website. You’ll find the direct links grouped under “High School and Middle School Resources” and “College/Postsecondary Resources” on the page. Several have also been translated into Spanish. The posters can be used year-round and are a great way to refresh your classroom while highlighting SkillsUSA.

 

SkillsUSA Hall of Champions Award Application Final Reminder

The new SkillsUSA Hall of Champions Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated themselves at the national level to helping youth develop and embody the components of the SkillsUSA Framework. Candidates may be nominated by a state SkillsUSA director, current or past SkillsUSA board member, SkillsUSA headquarters staff member, SkillsUSA chapter, stakeholder, alumni or other leaders in the organization. The nomination form must be accompanied by up to five letters of support demonstrating the nominee’s impact on student development within the SkillsUSA Framework. Complete the application here no later than April 1.

 

Student2Student Program Entries Due

It’s not too late for your students to be recognized for their participation in SkillsUSA’s refreshed Student2Student program. The program connects chapters with younger students in elementary or middle school to facilitate SkillsUSA’s Jump into STEM! curriculum at their school. Visit the website to learn more about how your chapter can gain national recognition. Entries are due April 1.

 

Applications Due for the President’s Volunteer Service Award

At the 2022 National Leadership & Skills Conference, SkillsUSA will recognize advisors, students and registered alumni for their community service and volunteer activities through the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). To qualify, members must submit a record of their service hours to SkillsUSA, which is a certifying organization. This presidential honor recognizes the valuable contributions of volunteers who are answering a national call to serve others through their current activities or lifetime efforts. Details on qualifying hours and requirements for submission are available here. Applications must be received by April 1 for recognition at the 2022 national conference.

 

Seeking Musical Talent to Perform at NLSC

A new SkillsUSA Talent Program is being launched in conjunction with SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference. Selected members will showcase their musical ability during one of three high-energy arena sessions in front of more than 12,000 SkillsUSA participants from across the country. They may also perform for smaller audiences during the conference.

 

Students or advisors will be offered complimentary conference registration if their sole purpose of attendance is to participate in the SkillsUSA Talent Program. SkillsUSA Championships contestants are eligible, but performance opportunities may be limited due to scheduling conflicts. Applicants must be current paid SkillsUSA members and must submit a video file performing a song of choice that demonstrates their musical ability. Individual or group performances are welcome. Apply here by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, April 22. For questions, contact Joey Baker.

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