SkillsUSA Friday Flash
October 15, 2021
Still Time for Students to Launch Their “Journey of a Jacket”
SkillsUSA members belong to a community that values their potential and believes in their abilities. Through SkillsUSA’s new “Journey of a Jacket” program, selected students will receive a SkillsUSA red jacket (like those pictured) to be worn anywhere on the member’s journey through school, work and life. The jacket is a gift from one of the program’s generous sponsors and is a symbol that the member is supported and valued. It’s also an opportunity for students to showcase their SkillsUSA pride. To apply, students must submit an essay and a letter of recommendation from their SkillsUSA advisor. Applications close on Nov. 1. Learn more and apply online here. For questions, contact Megan Flinn.
“SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards” Now Available
The SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards are the official competition guides for the SkillsUSA Championships, and they’ve been newly revised for 2022. The standards feature all the rules for each national competition, including an overview, technical skills and knowledge required, clothing requirements, eligibility and equipment lists. They also list the embedded academic skills in math, English and science. SkillsUSA professional members receive access to the “SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards” as a free member benefit when they have submitted membership plus a valid email address. Access the Technical Standards and other professional member materials by logging into your account at absorb.skillsusa.org. You can also find a video walkthrough on our YouTube channel explaining how to access the Technical Standards step-by-step.
Lowe’s Offers $250,000 in Chapter Grants
SkillsUSA partner Lowe’s is offering multiple SkillsUSA chapter grants of up to $15,000 each to upgrade your CTE program’s tools and equipment or to help you purchase materials and supplies for students. All funds must be spent at Lowe’s. The grants can also be used for equipment, materials or supplies used in carrying out a SkillsUSA community service project. Applications are due by Nov. 1. Successful applicants will be notified by Dec. 3, and all classroom upgrades or service projects must be completed by Sept. 15, 2022. Learn more and apply here. For questions, contact Laura Rauch.
NEW “Fall Into Comfort” Collection Live Now!
The SkillsUSA Store has launched a new “Fall Into Comfort” clothing collection. The clothes feature collegiate- and outdoor-style apparel, hats, drinkware and bags for that perfect SkillsUSA fall look. New T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts and hoodies from League Apparel offer the ultimate comfort in your day-to-day life. See the collection here on the SkillsUSA Store.
Advisor Challenge: Send Us Your Contest Projects and Win a Lowe’s Gift Card!
Advisors, SkillsUSA is looking for your genius local competition project ideas! Selected projects will be included in our “Hosting a Local Career Competition Guide,” a publication designed to provide teachers with a turnkey kit for hosting a local event. The top five project submissions in each career competition will receive a $100 Lowe’s gift card, and the top project submission in each career competition will receive a $350 Lowe’s gift card. The competition closes on Nov. 15 and the winners will be announced on Dec. 13. You may submit as many projects as you like. All projects must be your original work. To enter, fill out the form here.
One-on-One Coaching on the Chapter Excellence Program
Is your chapter ready to take your Chapter Excellence Program (CEP) application to the next level, or do you need help getting started? SkillsUSA now offers one-on-one coaching sessions with our CEP and Program of Work (PoW) coach, Kelli Engelbrecht. Learn how to integrate the SkillsUSA Framework, articulate your SMART goals and select and evaluate your Essential Elements within your CEP application. Schedule your 30-minute Zoom coaching appointment here. For questions, email Kelli Engelbrecht or give her a call at 573-321-1322.
LAPSEN Offers a $500 Scholarship to SkillsUSA Students
The Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN) is sponsoring a $500 scholarship to the National Academy of Law and Justice for SkillsUSA members. To apply for the scholarship, applicants must be current members of SkillsUSA who have already been selected to attend the Academy. Scholarship details are available here.
Access to Industry Experts on “Technical Fridays”
Join us for “Technical Fridays,” SkillsUSA’s industry-led initiative for workshops that help teachers develop specific technical skills relevant to their career fields. On Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. ET, we will be joined by Vicky Castillo, MSN, RN, CNE, a CNA instructor, program coordinator, test examiner, content expert and founder and CEO of FACETS Healthcare Training. The session will focus on achieving excellence in nursing assistant education and offer practical tips on labs, tests and CNA theory. The cost to attend the session is $10. Register here.
Local Chapter Challenge: SkillsUSA 2021 Recruitment Week
Check out SkillsUSA’s 2021 Recruitment Week resources to learn how local chapter leaders can successfully hold a fall recruitment week and engage new members. You’ll also find advisor resources to help coach your chapter leaders around recruitment and engagement. After your chapter successfully completes Recruitment Week, apply to earn national recognition and a chance to win a $500 shopping spree at the SkillsUSA Store!
Check Out the Wealth of Professional Development This Fall
Please join your fellow advisors at our fall SkillsUSA Professional Development offerings. With upcoming topics like “Career Essentials Implementation Training,” “Chapter Excellence Program,” “Experiential Activities,” and “SkillsUSA Certification Bundle,” these sessions can launch the new school year in exciting directions. Learn more about SkillsUSA’s offerings on SkillsUSA’s online training calendar. Certificates are provided upon completion of 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.
Show Off Your Construction Projects!
High school career and technical education students and postsecondary construction trainees or apprentices are eligible to enter the NCCER and Build Your Future’s annual “I BUILT THIS!”