Plan Now for SkillsUSA Week!
It’s not too early to begin planning your chapter activities for SkillsUSA Week, which will be celebrated Feb. 2-8, 2025, at schools nationwide. Each day of the week has suggested activities, including Recognition Day, Give-Back Day, Partner Day, Advocacy Day and SkillsUSA Day to wrap up the week. For all the details, see the website, and a SkillsUSA Week chapter guide will be posted soon. Start planning now for any partner visits or presentations to be scheduled outside of the school day.
Seeking Innovative Chapters to Prototype a New Product
SkillsUSA is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with Make48 to bring hands-on innovation challenges to SkillsUSA students as part of their national tournament in the 2025-26 school year. Beginning in August 2025, small teams of students will compete during their fall semester at their school to innovate and prototype a new product for a sponsoring business. The team whose product has the best potential to go to market, as chosen by the business, will advance to compete in a regional playoff competition featured in Season 10 of Make48’s Roku television series. Check out this sizzle reel showcasing the amazing work of SkillsUSA Wisconsin students at a 2024 Make48 competition!
We hope to fill 25% of the Make48 national tournament bracket with SkillsUSA students and teachers, which would lead to an entirely SkillsUSA-themed competition and television show for their regional playoff event and ensure SkillsUSA representation at the national finals.
Applications for the 2025-26 tournament will open in early 2025 on the Make48 website and close on March 1. Please express interest early to maximize participation opportunities. To learn more or get involved, visit www.make48.com. Fill out the interest form. For questions, contact education@make48.com.
Share Your Community Service Stories with SkillsUSA!
The SkillsUSA Champions digital hub provides new content frequently, from inspiring features to stories about the great work chapters and partners are doing. We know your chapters are doing some amazing community service work this holiday season and we would love to write about it. To submit a story idea, send us the details through our “Submit a Story” link, and we’ll contact you.
Damon John to Speak at the NLSC Opening Session
Motivational speaker and business icon Daymond John will inspire SkillsUSA members and stakeholders at the 2025 National Leadership & Skills Conference Opening Session with his powerful story of achieving the American Dream through hard work, resilience and an entrepreneurial spirit.
From humble beginnings to self-made multimillionaire and industry leader, John has built a global legacy known widely for his role on Shark Tank and as founder of FUBU. With over $6 billion in product sales, he exemplifies excellence and innovation. As an entrepreneur and sought-after business consultant, John shares strategies to empower others to reach their goals, make positive changes and build thriving careers.
His insights on negotiating, enhancing productivity and maximizing talent resonate with audiences ranging from students to CEOs. SkillsUSA members, advisors and guests will walk away with practical tools for success in their own lives and careers. Through speaking, writing and business consulting, John’s mission is to inspire future leaders and create a lasting legacy of impact.
New Feature Highlighting Paige the Plumber
Paige Knowles (a.k.a. Paige the Plumber) is a passionate advocate for the trades, particularly for women looking to break into the field. Learning Plumbing and Heating in high school and HVAC in college, as well as invaluable career readiness skills through SkillsUSA, she has earned a reputation as a rising star in the skilled trades. She enjoys a rapidly-growing presence on social media where she creates content that empowers young people — particularly girls — to pursue careers they are passionate about. See SkillsUSA’s latest inspiring feature story about her and her journey so far. See SkillsUSA’s latest inspiring feature story about her and her journey so far.
Seeking Musical Talent to Perform National Anthem at NLSC
Do you have a musical gift to share with the SkillsUSA community? If so, apply to perform the national anthem at the Opening Session of SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference this June. The chosen performer will be offered a performance opportunity on the big stage in front of over 15,000 people plus complimentary conference registration if their sole purpose of attendance is to perform the national anthem. Apply here by 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 14, 2025. For questions, contact Melinda Lloyd.
Honorary Life and Outstanding Educator Nominations Open
If you would like to nominate someone for recognition by SkillsUSA as an Honorary Life or Outstanding Educator, please complete the online applications. Be sure to notify those you nominate and provide all of the information that is requested. Learn more about these awards and eligibility by visiting the Awards Programs page on the SkillsUSA website. The deadline is Feb. 14, 2025. For questions, contact Madison Kraemer.
SkillsUSA Store Holiday Ornament
Make SkillsUSA part of your annual holiday traditions with this Bronze Holiday Ornament. Made by Wendell August Forge, each ornament is specially handcrafted by metalworkers that embody quality American craftsmanship. Handstamped with the SkillsUSA Emblem, this ornament makes the perfect SkillsUSA keepsake.
SkillsUSA Winter Break
SkillsUSA Headquarters is closed for winter break from Monday, Dec. 23, through Friday, Jan. 3. The Career Essentials and Educational Resources stores will also be closed during this time. Please place all orders for educational resources prior to 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 18 to ensure shipment in December. Any orders placed after 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 18 will ship out the week of Jan. 6. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact SkillsUSA’s Customer Care Team by email or at 844-874-4557.
Free Career Essentials for State Officers and National Officer Candidates
All SkillsUSA state officers and potential national officer candidates are invited to participate in the online SkillsUSA Career Essentials course this 2024-25 academic year. Successful completion of either the advanced or adult learner course culminates in earning the industry-validated SkillsUSA Career Essentials Credential.
· The Career Essentials course will be led under the instruction of the SkillsUSA national office.
· The course fee is waived for all participating students.
Spring term Career Essentials Cohort registration is open through Jan. 24. The online course kick-off and orientation will be held on Jan. 29.
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