December 2024: What’s Up Washington?
December 2024 Newsletter
What’s New 🤩
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 students from Wisconsin at a 2024 Make48 competition!
SkillsUSA’s goal is to fill 25% of the Make48 national tournament bracket with our 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 final’s competition.
Applications for the 2025-26 tournament will open in early 2025 on the Make48 website and close on March 1. To learn more or get involved, visit www.make48.com. Fill out the interest form. For questions, contact education@make48.com.
Daymond 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.
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.
What’s Great 👍
Get Recognized for a Successful SkillsUSA Chapter with CEP
If you’re having a great year in SkillsUSA, why not be recognized for it? Did you elect officers, hold chapter meetings, and engage in chapter activities? Take it to the next level by completing the Chapter Excellence Program (CEP) Quality Chapter application and receive the recognition your chapter has earned.
The CEP application is located on the SkillsUSA membership registration site. Log into your school account, then follow these directions for accessing the application. See the “Build a Successful SkillsUSA Chapter Teacher’s Guide 2.0” for easy steps to follow to complete the application, engage students in the process, and infuse the SkillsUSA Framework into your chapter activities.
For questions or help with the application, contact SkillsUSA Customer Care at 844-875-4557 or by email. You can also utilize a one-on-one coaching session with our CEP and Program of Work (PoW) coach, Kelli Engelbrecht. Schedule your 30-minute Zoom coaching appointment here. During the coaching session, learn how to integrate the SkillsUSA Framework, articulate your SMART goals, and select and evaluate SkillsUSA Framework Essential Elements within your CEP application.
12 Schools in Washington Achieve AED Foundation High School Recognition
The AED Foundation (AEDF) has recognized twelve High School Equipment Technology Programs for meeting high-level industry standards. This recognition lasts for five years, from December 2024 through November 2029. Congratulations to the following schools:
- Aberdeen High School (Aberdeen, WA)
Auburn High School (Auburn, WA)
Coupeville High School (Coupeville, WA)
Goldendale High School (Goldendale, WA)
Newport High School (Newport, WA)
NEWTech Prep (Spokane, WA)Pierce County Skills Center (Puyallup, WA)
Shelton High School (Shelton, WA)
Sunnyside High School (Sunnyside, WA)
Tri-Tech Skills Center (Kennewick, WA)
Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center (Wenatchee, WA)
Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (Yakima, WA)
At SkillsUSA Washington, we are proud to partner with AEDF to create career-ready students through programs aligned with rigorous technical and industry standards. These partnerships also support the development of apprenticeship pathways, bridging the gap from high school to on-the-job training and addressing the workforce demand for skilled diesel technicians. Together with AED, we are building a brighter future for our students and the industries they will serve!
Heritage High School Spreads Holiday Cheer
Heritage High School’s baking students went above and beyond by baking 115 cookies for the ASL Children’s Holiday Party! Their dedication and teamwork brought smiles to everyone at the event. Amazing job, Heritage bakers—your sweet efforts made the holidays even brighter!
What’s Next 🚀
Scholarship Season is in Full Swing!
- Central Welding Supply “Weld Onward” Scholarship
- $1,000 (2 Recipients)
- Application is open and closes January 1, 2025.
- Apply Now!
- “More Better” Scholarship (In Memory of Marty Lee Ayres)
- $1,000 (1 Recipient)
- Application is open and closes February 28, 2025.
- Apply Now!
- “New Year, New Heights” Scholarship
- $500 (4 Recipients)
- Application opens January 1, 2025, and closes January 31, 2025.
- Rhonda Downing Memorial Scholarship (In Memory of Rhonda Downing)
- Full SLSC registration cost and accommodation – a +$700 value! (1 Recipient)
- Application opens February 7, 2025, and closes February 16, 2025.
- The winner will be announced on February 24, 2025.
- Road to Atlanta Scholarship
- $1,000 (2 Recipients)
- Application opens April 4, 2025 and closes June 13, 2025
State Office & National Offices Closed for Winter Break
SkillsUSA Headquarters and SkillsUSA Washington are closed for winter break from Monday, December 23, through Friday, January 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 December 18 to ensure shipment in December. Any orders placed after 5 p.m. ET on December 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.
Download our App
Stay connected and informed by downloading the SkillsUSA Washington app! Access the latest news, event updates, resources, and more right at your fingertips. Don’t miss out on essential information—download today!
Looking Ahead 👓
SkillsUSA – Learn More
February 2-8, 2025 | Nationwide
State Conference Draft – Announcement of the State Invite List to Follow Shortly
February 6, 2025 | Statewide
State Leadership & Skills Conference (SLSC) Registration
February 7-19, 2025 | Statewide
State Leadership & Skills Conference
March 27-29, 2025 | Clover Park Technical College – Lakewood, WA
State Officer Elections
March 28, 2025 | On-Site at SLSC
Manufacturing Assembler State Competition
April 12, 2025 | Boeing Everett Factory
SkillsUSA National Signing Day – Learn More
May 6, 2025 | Nationwide
National Leadership & Skills Conference
June 23-27, 2025 | Atlanta, GA
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