SkillsUSA Friday Flash
September 24, 2021
New “Journey of a Jacket” Program Launches Oct. 1
SkillsUSA members belong to a community — from alumni to advisors to business and industry leaders — 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, a symbol that the recipient 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 open Oct. 1 and close Nov. 1. Students can learn more and apply online here. For questions, contact Megan Flinn.
Registration Now Open for Elevate!
Plan for your local chapter officer teams to attend Elevate, an interactive virtual conference that focuses on building successful chapters by equipping local chapter officers with the skills to lead and serve members. The conference will be held on Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET. The registration fee is $10 per participant, and registration closes Oct. 6. Register here. If you have questions, contact Taryn Zeigler Erminio.
The Student Research Foundation Offers Scholarships
The Student Research Foundation (SRF), in partnership with SkillsUSA, will recognize the outstanding community contributions of students through scholarship awards of up to $7,000! Students who are currently juniors or seniors in high school and plan to continue their education in a postsecondary institution or program can apply, and SRF guarantees that at least one of the scholarships will go to a SkillsUSA member. Learn more and apply here. For questions, contact Megan Flinn.
“Love and Logic” Workshops Starting Oct. 5
SkillsUSA is offering a series of “Love and Logic” sessions to make teaching more fun and rewarding. Educators will be provided with tools and techniques that will help them achieve respectful, healthy relationships with students. By exploring the nine principles of Love and Logic, you will leave with specific solutions for real situations you may face with your students. The registration fee is $10 per session. Register here. For questions, contact Karolina Belen.
National Champion Merchandise at the SkillsUSA Store
Was your student a national SkillsUSA Championships winner? The SkillsUSA Store has launched a new “National Winners Collection” featuring products to commemorate the victory! The collection features a stand to display a SkillsUSA Championships medal and other celebratory products. Check it out on the Official SkillsUSA Store.
A 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 recruitment week and engage new members. There are also 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 to the SkillsUSA Store.
Lowe’s Offers $250,000 in Chapter Grants
SkillsUSA partner Lowe’s is offering up to $15,000 in SkillsUSA chapter grants. The grants can be used to upgrade your CTE program’s tools/equipment or to purchase additional materials and supplies for students. All funds must be spent at Lowe’s. The grants can also be used for equipment, materials or supplies to be used in planning and 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.
A Wealth of Professional Development This Fall
Please join your fellow SkillsUSA advisors and attend SkillsUSA’s new Fall Professional Development offerings. With upcoming topics like “Jumpstart 2.0,” “Jump Into STEM!”, “Framework Integration Strategies and Lesson Plans,” “Career Essentials Implementation Training” and more, these sessions can help launch the new school year in exciting directions. A new session, the “Professional Membership Overview,” will be held on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. and is open to all. Here is the Zoom link for that session. Learn more about all of SkillsUSA’s Fall Professional Development offerings on SkillsUSA's online training calendar. We also encourage you to check out the new PDF of the Professional Development opportunities. For questions, contact Karolina Belen.
Support the Trades — and SkillsUSA — in Fashion
SkillsUSA teamed up with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) and Carhartt for a new “Support the Trades” campaign, designed to raise awareness of the skilled trades while helping SkillsUSA close the skilled trades gap. For the campaign, Carhartt and TSC created a new line of “Support the Trades” shirts, and proceeds from every shirt sold will be donated to SkillsUSA! “Support the Trades” shirts are available at your local TSC store or online at the TSC site.
Wolverine and Ram Trucks Put Boots on the Ground for SkillsUSA
To celebrate the skilled trades, Wolverine and Ram Trucks have collaborated on the new “Wolverine x Ram” line of work boots. To support the next generation of skilled workers, Wolverine and Ram are donating $10 to SkillsUSA for every pre-order for the new line. Check out the collection now!