The registration site for the 2013 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Championships is now open!!
The 2013 NLSC will be held in Kansas City, MO, June 24-28, 2013. An NLSC Information packet for attendees can be found here.
Advisors will need to enter their email and password where you will be taken to the home screen where you can register your students. If you need help, please email Mr. Raymond.
Advisors are reminded to DOUBLE CHECK your students' information. Make sure they are registered in the correct divisions! If they aren't they could be disqualified from the competition!
The Award Ceremony presentation for the 2013 SkillsUSA Colorado State Conference is now available here as a PDF download.
This year, the SkillsUSA Colorado State Leadership and Skills Championships featured two new contests: Welding Sculpture and RoboRescue.
This year, the event had the contestants design and build robots that could be controlled via line of sight and via remote cameras mounted on the robots, to perform and urban search and rescue.
The robots had to search through mailboxes and even inside a small cardboard house looking for simulated "hazards," retrieve them, and take them to a container for safe removal. Using shaped wooden blocks as the simulated hazards these robots performed their tasks in less than 6 minutes.
Congratulations to Warren Tech and Arvada Senior High School for participating in this year's event. What a great time for all!
The Registration Site for the 2013 SkillsUSA Colorado State Conference is now open!
Advisors will need to enter their email and password where you will be taken to the home screen where you can register your students. If you need help, please email Mr. Raymond.
The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) has announced the launch of the GAERF 2013 Student Design Competition, themed “Forever Print.” This annual contest, in its fifth year, challenges students to demonstrate their creativity and skill by producing a printed product that in today’s world cannot be replaced by electronic media. All students who attend recognized high school or postsecondary institutions in the continental United States who are studying in a graphic communications/printing, advertising, graphic design or interactive media program can enter.
First-place winners and their instructors will receive a two-day trip, all expenses paid, to attend PRINT 13 in Chicago, Ill. The winning students will receive an award of $2,000 presented at PRINT 13 during Career Awareness Day on September 12, 2013. Second-place winners will be awarded $1,500, and the third-place winners will receive $1,000 and will receive their awards via USPS delivery by September 30, 2013. All student entries will be showcased online at www.graphicCOMMcentral.org, and also in PRINT 13’s Education Main Street pavilion.
If you have questions, please contact Eileen Cassidy at 703/264-7200 or by email to ecassidy@npes.org. For more information, visit www.graphicCOMMcentral.org. The entry deadline is June 14, 2013.
As of August 2012, six years after the initial launch of the YAB, the board has awarded more than $24.7 million in grants to organizations in the U.S. and Canada and impacted approximately 14.1 million lives.
State Farm is also offering a grant opportunity for schools to possibly win either one of 10 $100,000 grants; one of 90 $25,000 grants; or a grand prize concert for a school by a chart-topping music artist.
The program Celebrate My Drive® is a safe driving program where one’s community will also be encouraged to make safe driving commitments on behalf of a school during the commitment period. The more commitments made, the better the chances of winning a grant for a school and maybe even a concern by a chart-topping music artist. For more information on the program, please go to http://www.celebratemydrive.com.
The University of Phoenix and The Manufacturing Institute are offering ten full-tuition scholarships toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a manufacturing-related degree program at University of Phoenix. Aimed at developing a new generation of skilled and competitive manufacturing workers, the scholarships will allow recipients to choose online or ground classes so they can continue their career while earning their degrees. Eligible candidates must be currently employed by a manufacturer or interested in pursuing a manufacturing career; not be currently enrolled at University of Phoenix; and apply between March 5, 2013 and April 30, 2013.
The SkillsUSA Alumni and Friends Association is offering two annual merit-based $500 scholarships to qualifying students. The $500 scholarships will recognize the unique qualities of SkillsUSA students including leadership, commitment to community service, and advocating for career and technical education. Application deadline is May 1, 2013. For more info, contact Heidi Walsh at 703-737-0615 or hwalsh@skillsusa.org.
Through a donation from the Sharon Melton Myers Memorial Fund, SkillsUSA and the McMinn County Vocational Center SkillsUSA Alumni Association are offering a $500 scholarship to a SkillsUSA student in memory of Sharon Melton Myers. The Sharon Melton Myers Memorial SkillsUSA Scholarship fund will provide graduating SkillsUSA members the opportunity to continue their education in college or technical school. Application deadline is April 30, 2013. For more information, please contact Christen Battaglia (703) 737-0627, cbattaglia@skillsusa.org.
Mark your calendars now -- the date for the 2013 National Leadership and Skills Conference has been set!
The 2013 SkillsUSA NLSC will be returning to its usual
schedule this year. The conference dates were skewed by a couple days this past June in connection with Kansas City hosting Major League Baseball's All-Star Game.
This year, the 49th NLSC will be held June 24-28, 2013 in Kansas City, MO. The opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 26, the SkillsUSA Championships will be held Wednesday and Thursday, June 26-27, and the Awards Ceremony will be held Friday, June 28.
CareerSafe is sponsoring the 2012-2013 National Youth Safety Video Contest. Students across the country are challenged to create a video demonstrating safety in the workplace. All submissions should be sent to Career-
Safe by March 1, 2013. The winning students will receive a SkillsUSA Prize Pack as well as a scholarship up to $2,500 and the winning school will receive a prize up to $5,000.
Add some color and fun to these grey winter days with terrific new products from the
SkillsUSA Store.
The 2012 – 2013 apparel line features hot new SkillsUSA branded outerwear and dress apparel, and a wide range of colors for cotton and performance polos for both men and women.
The store also has an updated gifts and accessories category includes an exciting new Tech Collection, along with an expanded selection of drinkwear, bags, and school and office products. From their "Under $5.00" products to the "Executive Collection," there is something to fit everyone’s budget.
The SkillsUSA Store is the official supplier for SkillsUSA blazers, wind jackets,
ties, competition work uniforms, chapter supplies, pins, patches, medallions, and everything
SkillsUSA members need to succeed!
Just a reminder that February 1, 2013 is the deadline for entries to the SkillsUSA National Conference Pin and T-shirt competitions. This event is open to all paid student members of SkillsUSA. This is a great way to have a student and advisor from your state recognized in front of a national audience. A plaque for the teacher and student, plus a school grant to the advisor of the winning student will be announced at a later date. Rules are in the membership kit and are also posted on the SkillsUSA website.
Questions may be directed to Heidi Walsh at 703-737-0615 or to hwalsh@skillsusa.org.
SkillsUSA is excited to announce a new partnership with Interstate Battery's fundraising program for local chapters. This is a great opportunity for our chapters to raise funds. Through this partnership, local chapters will sell Interstate Battery's products and receive 50% of the sales.
In addition, the national office is overing an incentive -- the states with the highest sales from now through June 1, 2013 will receive a cash prize - 1st place will receive $1,000, 2nd will receive $750, and 3rd will receive $500!
Chapters are encouraged to participate in the program as you seek to raise funds for your chapter's activities! For more information and to sign up, please go to: www.Interstatebatteries.com/fundraising/SkillsUSA.
Do you have a talented singer in your chapter who would enjoy a special performance opportunity? SkillsUSA seeks talented singers for the Opening Ceremony or Awards Ceremony during the 2013 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Championships. They are looking for a SkillsUSA student member to sing the national anthem or another patriotic song appropriate for opening special sessions. Singers may sing a capella or to a prerecorded instrumental track.
Send in all audition videotapes on DVD postmarked by February 1, 2013 to: Heidi Walsh, SkillsUSA, 14001 SkillsUSA Way, Leesburg, VA, 20176. Questions may be directed to Heidi at (703) 737-0610 or at hwalsh@skillsusa.org
The 9Teachers Who Care program honors outstanding teachers who are making a positive impact on youth. The monthly award recognizes teachers, like Baumgard, who exemplify excellence in education. One individual a month, from September through May, is chosen to receive the 9Teachers Who Care Award. Their story is then featured on the second Friday of the month in their 5am, 8 am, and 4pm newscasts, then again on the following Saturday in the 7am newscast.
On Friday October 12, the segment on Baumgard's intense commitment to his students and the teaching profession. You can view the segment here.
Roger and Cherie Brungardt are sponsors of the SkillsUSA Race Team at Northeastern Junior College. They are members of the local Flatlanders Car Club an organization which also supports the NJC SkillsUSA chapter every year with scholarships and donations. Students from the chapter drive the cars at the Julesburg Drag strip five or six times which school year. The junior class drives a 1968 GTO and the senior class drives a 1983 Ford Mustang.
According to Richard Moon, the chapter's advisor, "The junior class drives at 1968 GTO and the senior class drives a 1983 Ford Mustang. The way we decide who drives the car is by grades: the person in each class with the best grade by race time gets to drive the car for that race." The Mustang (shown below) had six drivers on race day from Moon's class: Tom Haberman, Myles McCabe,Luke Chartier, Avery Stutzman, Austin Fleharty and Skyler Brungardt, and had times in the 14-16 second range..
Congratulations to the NJC SkillsUSA Race Team! And thanks to the Brungardts for their support of SkillsUSA students!
Here are some photos from the event. The yellow 1969 Camaro had scores in the "high 9's" while the blue and white Camaro achieved times in the 13 second range.
Mark your calendars and plan on attending the 2012 Fall Leadership Conference on December 14, 2012!
We've finally nailed down the dates and the contracts are finally signed! It's been a long road, but due to the NHL lockout which happened in mid-September, we were unable to guarantee an Avalanche game for our conference participants. However, we were fortunate enough to schedule our conference around a Nuggets game in December!
This year, we have a lot in store! We listened to all of the comments from last year's conference and have broken the large groups into more age-appropriate sections:
In addition, participants will receive EXTENDED tours of Pepsi Center where they will learn the ins and outs of how the arena functions and how it transforms from an ice hockey rink, to basketball court to rock concert and back all within a matter of a few hours!
PLUS -- This year, instead of ice time, we will be able to go onto the Nuggets' floor and shoot some hoops before the game!
SkillsUSA is pleased to announce a continuing partnership with Lowe’s for 2013. As part of its overall grant to SkillsUSA, Lowe’s will award grants to local chapters of up to $25,000 each to support classroom improvements, upgrade or provide tangible tools for learning technical skills, support leadership development opportunities, or provide for competition clothing that will give students the opportunity to compete at SkillsUSA events that would otherwise be unattainable. In support of chapters applying for grants, a series of webinars will be held to help chapters through the grant application process.
There will be two webinars held on October 2 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and the webinar information is now online at www.skillsusa.org/educators/loweswebinars.shtml. The deadline for applications is November 1, 2012.
The 2012-2013 SkillsUSA membership kit is loaded with new resources, best practices and lesson plans to ensure your chapter is prepared for a successful year. Please join us on Thursday, October 18 at 11 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. (EDT) as we discuss the many uses of the information and resources included in the kit. The new registration landing page will be unveiled and the easy to use 1, 2, 3 step system for membership registration. Here's the info:
Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (EDT)
Webinar url: https://www.yourcall.com/webecho/GuestLogin.aspx
Meeting Number: 30039980
Participant Passcode: 5787
Project Ignition Grants Available to High Schools
Posted 10/1/12
Project Ignition (PI), is in the driver's seat again, announcing the availability of $2,000 grants for public high schools to address teen driver safety using service-learning. In its ninth year, PI is a great extension of Celebrate My Drive™ and another way to interact with local high schools on safer teen driving behaviors.
Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Young people, in partnership with teachers and communities, can change this staggering fact through Project Ignition — a student-led teen driver safety program funded by State Farm® and coordinated by the National Youth Leadership Council®.
Project Ignition offers grants to students and their advisors interested in creating impactful
awareness campaigns focused on teen driver safety while using service-learning — a teaching method that combines meaningful community service with classroom instruction. Youth-led teams host events, form community-wide partnerships, work on local and state policy, produce public service announcements, and more.
Now through November 15, schools can apply for a grant. In January 2013, 25 schools will be chosen to receive $2,000 grants to support the implementation of teen driver safety awareness and engagement campaigns. In May 2013, the 10 best campaigns will be selected to receive an additional $7,500 to continue their project in the following school year and participate in the National Service-Learning Conference in 2014 in Washington, D.C.
Additional information and the grant application can be found at www.sfprojectignition.com. Get connected at www.facebook.com/projectignition.
National Youth Safety Video Contest
Posted 10/1/12
CareerSafe®, Safety Education for America’s Future™, is sponsoring the 2012-2013 National Youth Safety Video Contest. Students across the country are challenged to create a video demonstrating safety in the workplace. The contest will kick off on October 15, 2012 and all submissions should be sent into CareerSafe by March 1, 2013. The winning students will receive a SkillsUSA Prize Pack as well as a scholarship up to $2,500 and the winning school will receive a prize up to $5,000. To view an online flyer about the contest, download the PDF here.
For more information on the contest, please visit the CareerSafe® website on October 15 at www.careersafeonline.com.
New Support from WorkBoots.com
Posted 10/1/2012
On October 1, WorkBoots.com, a customer service-focused Internet retailer based in
Chesterfield, Mo. will give their customers a chance to support SkillsUSA during the checkout process. Donators can choose from a variety of dollar amounts with all proceeds going directly to SkillsUSA.
“As a retailer who caters to the working men and women of America, we want to show our support of the essential skills and contributions they make every day,” said Chad Weinman, CEO of WorkBoots.com. “Not only are we helping to support this foundation, but this also gives current workers the opportunity to sponsor the next generation of skilled workers by making a donation to their education.”
Here’s the link to the Work Boots superstore.
SkillsUSA Colorado Brings Home Gold and Silver Medals
Posted 7/30/2012
Students from Colorado high school and postsecondary career and technical education programs won the nation's highest awards at the 2012 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Championships in Kansas City, MO. Industry leaders representing more than 1,100 businesses corporations, trade associations, and unions recognized the students for their demonstrated excellence in 94 hands-on occupational and leadership contests, such as robotics, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking. All contests are designed, run, and judged by industry using industry-developed standards.
In addition to earning gold, silver and bronze medallions for their techincal skills, qualifying students were also awarded Skill Point Certificates. The certificates were awarded in 86 occupational and leadership areas to students who achieved a high schore defined by industry.
The following Colorado students received both medallions and Skill Point Certificates:
- Tim Williams (second from left) - Pikes Peak Community College - Silver - Criminal Justice - Secondary
- Joel Sturtevant (center, back row) - Pueblo Community College - Gold - Precision Machining Postsecondary
- Tim Roush, Darren Myers, Casey Houston (l to r, back row) - Pueblo Community College - Silver - Automated Manufacturing Technology - Post Secondary
The following students did not medal, but earned Skill Point Certificates:
- Martin Jaramillo - Pickens Technical College - Cabinetmaking
- Taylor Dugger, Shayla Gaster, Meryssa Herbst and Erica Leonis - Pikes Peak Community College - Broadcast News Production
- Leah Rife and Rebecca Frank - Pikes Peak Community College - Promotional Bulletin Board
- Talan Louisgnont and Alysse Grywusiewicz - Thomas Jefferson High School - 3D Visualization and Animation
- Roy Grauberger - Morgan Community College - Automortive Refinishing Technology
- Sammy Guzman - Morgan Community College - Collision Repair Technology
- Alex Greiner - Warren Tech - Automotive Refinishing Technology
- Michelle Andersson - Warren Tech - Prepared Speech
- Jacob Chapa - Warren Tech - Power Equipment Technology
- Todd Money - Warren Tech - Pin Design
- James Condon and Chase Bortz - Warren Tech - Television (Video) Production
- Caitlin Curley and MacKenzie Everitt - Warren Tech - Sustainability Solutions
- Shane Sims - Arapahoe Community College - Automotive Service Technology
- Jonah Castillo - Pueblo Communtiy College - Job Demonstration A
- Justin Erickson, Hunter Freed and Aaron Watts - Bollman Tech - Engineering Technology/Design
- Kyle Cary - Bollman Tech - Technical Drafting
"More than 9,500 students from every state in the nation came to comete in SkillsUSA Championships," said Tim Lawrence, SkillsUSA Executive Director. "This is partnership at its best. Students, instructors and industries are working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce and every student excels. These students prove that career and technical exucation expands opportunities."
Congratulations to all the winners of SkillsUSA Colorado!
SkillsUSA Colorado Mourns Loss of One of Its Own
Posted 6/11/12
It is with a heavy heart that we pass along this bit of information that was conveyed to the state office last week. Below is a letter from Neil Cade, the SkillsUSA Colorado State President.
Tragedy struck the town of Brighton on Wednesday 6, 2012. Cherokee Rexwinkle was a student at Prairie View High School and a member of SkillsUSA for the past two years and competed in welding, chapter display and carpentry. He had just graduated high school and was only out a week when his life was cut short by a car accident devastating the community.
Cherokee’s team in chapter display had just earned a first place finish at the SkillsUSA Colorado state conference. This was the first opportunity Cherokee had to attend nationals and he and his teammates, Brandt Fisher and Eli Hulbert were excitedly preparing their chapter display for the national event. Fisher and Hulbert, both devastated when they heard the news, said they know how much this opportunity meant to him, but said they intend to carry on his spirit by representing him at the competition in Kansas City, MO, later this month.
During the past two years, Cherokee earned first place in the district welding competition twice, second place at the district carpentry competition, first in chapter display twice at districts, a first and a second at state in chapter display, and second in the state welding competition.
All I will remember is at his graduation I shook his hand and said, “Congratulations,” never expecting that it would be the last moment I would ever talk to him. In difficult times like this, it’s easy to focus on what went wrong and not what went right. But although his life was cut short, Cherokee left a positive, everlasting impression on the people around him. He succeeded in being one of the top welders in Brighton’s history and distinguished himself as a SkillsUSA Colorado member…and more importantly, he was able to walk across that stage and earn his diploma.
Though he has passed, he will live on through all of the people he has impacted in his life. Our community has suffered a great loss; we will miss you Cherokee.
Sincerely,
Neil Cade
SkillsUSA Colorado State President, 2012-13
Here is a link to the newspaper article that appeared in the Brighton Blade regarding the accident. The family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Cherokee Rexwinkle Memorial Bowfishing Tournament June 16 at Barr Lake.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cherokee’s family and friends, Prairie View High School, and all of the Brighton community.
NLSC Information
Posted 5/8/2012
Blood Drive at the NLSC
If you’re planning on going to the National Leadership and Skills Championships, plan to participate in the blood drive sponsored by the Kansas City Community Blood Center! The drive will be held on Wednesday, June 27, in Bartle Hall, Room 2105 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Donors ages 16-19 will be entered into a drawing to win an Amazon Kindle Fire. As an extra incentive, more than 60 donors are registered, all donors will be entered inot a drawing for six $25 gift cards. You may register for the blood drive ahead of time at http://www.esavealifenow.org and enter the sponsor code “SkillsUSA.” Anyone who signs up for an appointment in advance can enter the raffle for gift cards twice! Note: Donors must weigh no less than 115 lbs. and must be at least 17 years of age. A donor can be 16 years of age but must have written parental permission.
Official Competition Clothing
All SkillsUSA Championships competition clothing should be purchased through SkillsUSA’s officially licensed merchandiser, E-Group. If E-Group doesn’t offer some item of official competition clothing required by some contests (e.g., plain black slacks, culinary tunics, etc.) such items of competition clothing may be purchased from non-E-Group sources, but must comply with clothing rules set forth in the latest edition of the Technical Standards (Technical Standards 2011-2012) or in the contest updates, if cited. Official competition clothing can be purchased at http://www.skillsusastore.org/skillsusa/productthumbnails.asp.
Contest Updates
It is imperative that you and your students double-check the contest updates page for any last-minute updates, rule changes, etc., for the leadership and skills contests! I know of at least one instance where a competitor was disqualified because the advisor and student failed to check the updates prior to the conference. PLEASE….make sure you CAREFULLY READ AND FOLLOW ALL GUIDELINES IN THE TECHNICAL STANDARDS 2011-2012 AS WELL AS THE CONTEST UPDATES which can be found here: http://skillsusa.org/compete/updates.shtml.
SkillsUSA Amazing Race
SkillsUSA’s Amazing Race will take place on Monday, June 25, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in connection with TECHSPO during the NLSC in Kansas City. This program will be similar to the TV show where participants are challenged to perform various tasks and move quickly through the TECHSPO territory in order to learn more about exhibitors and win prizes. In addition, SkillsUSA’s Amazing Race will provide interactive fun for students and adults. The passport will be distributed through the state delegation conference materials which will be distributed at our delegation meeting.
Lowe’s Giveaway Pavilion
Once again, we are excited to announce that we will be giving away backpacks, T-shirts and official conference pins at the Lowe’s Giveaway Pavilion. These items will only be distributed to paid registered attendees who have a voucher to claim their items. State directors will receive only enough vouchers to give to each paid registered attendee in their delegations. There will be no extras. If you have any questions, please let me know.
SkillsUSA Night – Two Options: Worlds of Fun or Kansas City Royals Baseball Game
A reminder that this year’s SkillsUSA Night in Kansas City will provide guests with a choice of events to attend. One ticket will be good to either the amusement park OR the baseball game on Tuesday evening, June 26. Tickets for SkillsUSA Night will be available through the state director at the state delegation meeting in Kansas City. Transportation to and from the venues will be provided. If you are attending the NLSC, please let me know which event your chapter would like to attend and I will make the necessary arrangements.
Attire at SkillsUSA and Champions Nights
The dress code for SkillsUSA Night and Champions Night at Power and Light will be as follows: ALL attendees are required to wear a SkillsUSA logo shirt. This can be a state T-shirt or polo shirt. As with all SkillsUSA conference events, the official conference name badge/lanyard and holder are also required for entrance.
Heart Saver SkillsUSA University Session Reminder
The SkillsUSA Alumni and Friends Association is offering the American Heart Association Heart Saver course during SkillsUSA University at the NLSC. This session is open to all NLSC participants, educators and students and will be offered Sunday, June 24 from 1-4 p.m. The preregistration fee is $20 for this certification; $30 at the door (space permitting). You may pre-register for this course at: http:/www.surveymonkey.com/s/936H8BM. For more information, contact Niki Clausen at nclausen@skillsusa.org or 703-737-0639.
SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference -
Make Plans Now to Attend - June 23-27, 2012
Posted 4/30/12
The 2012 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Championships (NLSC) conference packet is now available for download here. The packet contains all the information our first place winners and their advisors need to register for the 2012 NLSC in Kansas City, MO, June 23-27, 2012.
As a reminder -- the conference days this year have been adjusted to accommodate the 2012 MLB All-Star Game in Kansas City. Please review the materials and make your travel plans accordingly.
Registration for the NLSC is $145, and ALL attendees (including parents who wish to watch the competitions and attend the awards ceremony) will need to register or they will not be allowed in to ANY SkillsUSA events.
Travel is on your own, but conference registration and hotel reservations need to be made through the State Office. Please contact Tony Raymond for more information at (720) 858-2794.
2012 SkillsUSA Colorado State Conference Video
Posted 5/1/12
Want to see all the great SkillsUSA Champions and experience the 2012 SkillsUSA Colorado State Leadership and Skills Confernece again? Then check out the great video montage put together by the Warren Tech video production students by clicking here!
SkillsUSA Colorado State Conference - April 18-20, 2012
Posted 4/30/12
Congratulations to all the winners at the 2012 SkillsUSA Colorado State Leadership and Skills Championships! What a great showing by all of our contestants!
A slide show, along with the presentation prepared by Warren Tech's video production department will be posted here shortly! Stay tuned. In the meantime, a copy of the Awards Ceremony PowerPoint in PDF format can be found here.
Certificates of Participation for Registered Attendees to the conference can be found here. All conference attendees are included in this PDF document.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, judges, and volunteers! A special thank you to Warren Tech, Red Rocks Community College, Pickens Technical College and Wagner Equipment for hosting our events!
State Conference Reminders
Posted 3/8/2012
DISTRICT DEADLINES -- Here's just a reminder -- you need to have completed your district contests and have the results turned in to the State Office NO LATER than April 1.
Additionally, you need to ensure that ALL of your State Conference registrations are completed on April 1. We have to get the word out to all the sponsors and suppliers our exact numbers so we can get materials to the state competition on time. If you do not have your students and yourselves registered by April 1, you WILL NOT be allowed to compete in the State Conference! Click here to be taken to the official registration website.
Having troubles with registraton? Email Tony Raymond, the SkillsUSA State Advisor, and he'll be more than happy to assist you with registration!
GIANT JENGA TOURNAMENT - This year, the SkillsUSA Colorado State Officer team is hosting the Giant Jenga Tournament at the BBQ dinner at Warren Tech on Thursday night! Teams of 2-4 can sign up at registration to compete in this fun event. Trophies will be awarded to the winners in both the Secondary and Postsecondary divisions... Click here to get more informaiton on how your chapter can participate in this fun event!
GAERF Student Design Competition
Posted 3/15/2012
The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) has announced the launch of the GAERF 2012 Student Design Competition, themed “Why Hire Me?” This annual contest, in its fourth year, challenges participants to demonstrate their creativity and skill by creating a marketing campaign that positions themselves as ideal candidates for a career they select in the graphic communications industry.
First-place winners and their instructors will receive a two-day, all-inclusive paid trip to attend GRAPH EXPO in Chicago, Ill. The winning students will receive an award of $2,000 presented during GRAPH EXPO 2012’s Career Awareness Day, October 10, 2012. Second-place winners will be awarded $1,500, and the third-place winners will receive $1,000.
For complete information about the GAERF 2012 Student Design Competition, visit www.graphicCOMMcentral.org. The entry deadline is June 15.
Skill Assessments - UPDATE
Posted 3/15/2012
Assessment season is drawing near, and SkillsUSA is excited to offer to instructors 47 industry-driven technical and employability assessments, which include 44 Skill Connect assessments and four automotive assessments offered by our co-vender Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Information on our assessments and a complete list of the assessment areas available can be found at www.workforcereadysystem.org.At the site, there are also instructor and administrator resources to help prepare students for testing, a free 10-question demonstration of each Skill Connect Assessment, an option to purchase a 50-question sample test for $10 per assessment area and links to purchase a Skill Connect Assessment for student testing or for instructor or administrator preview.
Assessment Webinar Topics Announced
SkillsUSA's Assessment Webinar topics for March have been announced! Topics include “Instructor Tips for Student Success” and “Meeting Industry Demands.”
For webinar dates and times please visit: www.workforcereadysystem.org/webinars.shtml
UPDATED Assessment Blueprints! The Assessment blueprints have been updated with the weighted percent of standards and competencies to help prepare the students for the assessment. Go to: http://www.workforcereadysystem.org/technical_areas.shtml and click on the assessment area to see the blueprint.
To purchase a Skill Connect Assessment for student testing, go to: http://www.workforcereadysystem.org/purchase.shtml.
SkillsUSA Graduation Regalia now available!
Posted 3/15/2012
Be sure to recognize the hard work and achievements of your graduates with the gift of official SkillsUSA graduation regalia. SkillsUSA stoles, tassels and honor cords can be purchased now before the rush of graduation season sets in. Just go to www.skillsusastore.org to order.
State Farm Youth Advisory Board & Service Learning Grants
Posted 3/12/12
Here's a great opportunity for you and your SkillsUSA Colorado chapter! State Farm has posted information about it's Service Learning grants and how to apply as well as information on how your students can become a Youth Advisory Board member!
If you are involved with an organization or school and have a great idea for a service-learning project to impact student achievement in YOUR community, apply for a grant here! The grants range in size from $25,000-$100,000, and must adhere to strict service-learning guidelines outlined within the application. Deadline for submission is May 4th at 5:00 p.m. central time (6:00 p.m. Eastern, 3:00 p.m. Pacific).
If you have a student who would like to serve on the Youth Advisory Board!, please encourage them to apply. The student should be between the ages of 17-20 and passionate about service-learning. Applications will be available again August 12, 2012.
For more information about the Service Learning Grants and how to apply, or the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, click here.
Do You Facebook?
Posted 3/8/2012
Do you Facebook? Then please join SkillsUSA Colorado on Facebook! We post photos, updates, news and other information on our Facebook page. There is also a blog posted by our state officers! Check it out:
Does your chapter have a Facebook page? Then let us know about it so we can share all the good news your chapter does! The same holds true for your chapter's webpage. Send a friend request to us on Facebook, or send an email to State Director, Tony Raymond with the URL of your page. We want to support all the good work you do!
And to start you off, here's Smoky Hill High School's FB link: Stop on by and check out what's happening with Brian Manley and his Auto Technology students! In an effort to share all of the accomplishments and adventures of our Smoky Hill Auto Technology students, I have a new facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SmokyHillHighSchoolAutomotiveTechnology.
State Conference Reminder:
Ellicott HS Receives Grant for Community Service
Posted 2/16/2012
Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to Ellicott High School for community park improvements.
Students will construct a picnic shelter, additional playground equipment and a concrete space with fencing for outdoor bathrooms. The community will benefit by having more shelters from the weather for social activities. The additional playground equipment will provide more activities for the children, contributing to a more active lifestyle.
“The grant in Ellicott represents Lowe’s commitment to career and technical education,” said Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting schools like Ellicott High School, we believe we are contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees by helping provide improved learning environments and build stronger communities.”
Groundbreaking on the project will be Thursday, February 23, 2012, weather permitting.
Croom said Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. The company’s signature education grant program, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education®, has donated nearly $5 million in grants to K-12 public schools every year since its inception in 2006. Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers support local community projects and our national nonprofit partners such as Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross. In 2010, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $30 million to support communities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
To learn more, visit Lowes.com/SocialResponsibility.
CTE Branding Initiative
Posted 2/17/2012
The National Association of State Direcvtors of Career and Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc), in cooperation with other organizations in the career and technical education (CTE) community has developed a new logo and slogan for career and technical education - CTE: Learning that Works for America. SkillsUSA has been involved and supports this initiative.
Equally important, NASDCTEc has gathered the facts and developed the messaging for CTE advocacy so all organizations can be working from the same notes. For more information, click here.
You are encouraged to go to the NASDCTEc website for additional information and promotional materials, including videos and PowerPoint presentations.
For more information, please contact Erin Uy at euy@careertech.org.
Workforce Ready System/Skill Connect Assessments
Posted 2/17/2012
SkillsUSA offers 47 industry-driven technical and employability assessments, which include 44 Skill Connect assessments and four automotive assessments offered by their co-vendor Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Information on the assessments and a complete list of the assessment areas available can be found here.
At the site, there are also instructor and administrator resources to help prepare students for testing, a free 10-question demo of each Skill Connect Assessment, an option to purchase a 50-question sample test for $10 per assessment area, and links to purchase a Skill Connect Assessment for student testing or for instructor/administrator preview.
Competition Central
Posted 2/17/2012
The SkillsUSA Store is ready to help your students look their best this conference season. Visit the Competition Central section of the SkillsUSA website to find the full line of SkillsUSA work uniforms, official blazers, and wind jackets, along with everything else you and your students need to succeed. And, please reference the official competition uniform chart for photos and descriptions of hte uniform components needed for each competition.
Kavli Save the World Through Science and Engineering Video Contest Reminder
Posted 2/17/2012
The Kavli Save the World Through Science and Engineering Video Contest is open to students in grades 6-12. Deadline is March 1.
Students make a short video (30-90 seconds) that shows how scientific discoveries and inventions can improve our lives and change our world - either right now or in the future. Then, they enter it on Schooltube.com and compete for cash prizes. First prize id $2,000 and a travel stipend to Washington, D.C. to the USA Science and Engineering festival April 28-29. Second prize is $750, third prize is $500, and the People's Choice is $250. Winners will be honored in a special awards ceremony hosted by Bill Nye, the Science Guy.
For more information click here.
Truck Technician Scholarship Opportunity
Posted 2/17/2012
The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Associations is offering five truck technician scholarships (diesel technology) in partnership with WyoTech, the University of Northern Ohio, and Lincoln Technical Institute.
Scholarship applicants are to be sponsored by a TMC member. TMC members are throughout the United States. Scholarship information and applications, along with contact information, are available online here.
The scholarships are part of an ongoing effort by TMC's Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC) to promote and enhance the professionalism of commercial vehicle technicians.
Application deadline is March 15, 2012 and awards will be announced by April 15, 2012.
Be Heard, Be Seen, Be You and Be More! Campaign Reminder
Posted 2/17/2012
Here is a reminder of the Be Heard, Be Seen, Be You, Be More! Campaign...
Did you know that every 26 seconds, a young person in the United States drops out of high school? You can help turn that statistic around by participating with SkillsUSA in the 26 Seconds Campaign. By doing so, students can win prizes, scholarships and help SkillsUSA and the student drop-out crisis in the process.
For more information about the campaign, see the article posted below, or click here. The 26 Seconds campaign will be ending June 30, 2012.
Fall Leadership Conference
Posted 12/8/2011
On December 2, 2011, nearly 300 students, advisors and administrators ranging from middle school through postsecondary descended on Pepsi Center in an Avalanche of Leadership when SkillsUSA Colorado and the Colorado Technology Student Association hosted their annual joint Fall Leadership Conference. Joining students from SkillsUSA and TSA this year were students and advisors who are in the process of forming the Colorado Creative Careers Festival – the career and technical student organization (CTSO) for those students in the creative careers industry.
Utilizing the Student Leadership Challenge model, the conference focused on setting good examples for others, looking ahead to the future, taking initiative to change the status quo, building teamwork and trust, and encouraging others to succeed – the five elements common when leaders are able to make extraordinary things happen.
After the full-day training was complete, the conference participants were given personalized tours of Pepsi Center – where they got to see the Nuggets’ practice court, the visiting basketball team’s locker room (including the locker Michael Jordan used to use!), and the broadcast booths. Then it was on to the ice with the Avalanche mascot, Bernie to play a little broomball! The day’s events were capped off with an evening Colorado Avalanche game!
“The conference was a huge success,“ said Tony Raymond, the SkillsUSA/TSA state advisor for Colorado. “This year, we had a 33% increase in attendance. It just shows that these students are ready and willing to step into the roles of leadership in their schools and community and their advisors are eager to provide them opportunities to do just that. Through the leadership conference, we bring together the talents of SkillsUSA, TSA and now the Creative Careers and provide the students the tools they need to be successful leaders.”
Check out photos from the conference on our Facebook page. You do not need to join Facebook in order to view the photos.
The conference was also covered in the December 13 issue of CTE Trends which you can access here! If you would prefer a downloadable PDF version, click here.
Webinars Coming in 2012
Posted 12/8/2011
Three national web conferences are scheduled for 2012. It's your chance to hear from and communicate with national staff. They will provide some training and informaiton on professional development, some updating and motivating advice and tips on being a national leader.
Please join the national staff for one or all of these events. Students, officers, advisors, instructors and alumni are invited to attend!
- Value of Professional Development - January 18, 2012, 1 p.m. EST -- No matter who you are or what you do, professional skills can make or break you. Business and industry look for quality employability skills, not just technical skills. Find out why this set of skills is important to your future success.
URL: http://web.ganconference.com/?meeting=4471090
Telephone: 888-222-0475
Attendee code: 5692952
- SkillsUSA Week: Skilled and Motivated - February 7, 2012 - 1 p.m. EST - Use this webinar to help kick off SkillsUSA Week celebrations. Hear from your SkillsUSA leaders on the state of the organization. Listen to a special guest speaker on what it means to be "Skilled and Motivated" which is this year's theme. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
URL: http://web.ganconference.com/?meeting=1736891
Telephone: 888-222-0475
Attendee code: 5692952
- So You Want To Be a National Officer? - March 14, 2012, 1 p.m. EST - Have a student you think would make a good national leader? Have they wanted to run for national SkillsUSA office but weren't sure how? Then this webinar is for those advisors or students! The National Office's experts will provide an overview of the national officer candidate procedures and national officer responsibilities. They will also get to hear first-hand experience from a current national officer.
URL: http:/ganconference.com/?meeting=8705179
Telephone: 888-222-0475
Attendee code: 5692952
Scholarship Opportunities
Posted 12/8/2011
There are several scholarship opportunities available for students on the SkillsUSA website. Please pass the word!
- National Technical Honor Society - The NTHS offers four $1,000 scholarships. Deadline: April 1, 2012. Click here to get more information.
- Sharon Melton Myers Memorial Scholarship - This is a $500 scholarship. Deadline: April 30, 2012. Click here to get more information.
- Alumni Merit Scholarship - There are two $500 scholarships. Deadline: May 15, 2012. Click here for more information.
Be Heard, Be Seen, Be You and Be More!
Posted 11/9/2011
Did you know that every 26 seconeds, a young person in the United States drops out of high school? You can help turn that statistic around by participating with SkillsUSA in the 26 Seconds Campaign. By doing so, students can win prizes, scholarships and help SkillsUSA and the student drop-out crisis in the process.
Here's what students can do:
Help take back that stat by taking the pledge to graduate via the BMOR (Be More) Project. Click here to take the pledge. Or you can visit them through Facebook at www.facebook.com/26seconds. When you pledge, you select SkillsUSA as your affiliation. Then return to the BMOR Project regularly to participate in the new activities that launch on the 26th of each month. Not only will you be elgible to win prizes, you can also help SkillsUSA. The organization with the highest number of graduation pledges and activity participants per month wins a grant.
Right now, in addition to the chance to win monthly prizes when you participate, you'll also receive a 26 Seconds T-shirt just for pledging. The online activities are fun, easy and show you how to channel your interests into a future after graduation. The grand prize is an end-of-year celebration that one lucky student will bring to their school and community. But you must complete at least five of the activities to be eligible for the grand prize.
Plus, you can share videos, photos, projects (like SkillsUSA's Student2Student Program), artwork and creative writings on the Facebook page. By doing so, your creativity may also be chosen to be featured on www.26seconds.com. Shine a light on yourself, your school, and the importance of high school graduation.
Visit 26seconds.com and the Facebook page to see what students like you are doing and share your story!
National Conference Pin & T-Shirt Design Contest
Posted 11/9/2011
Here's a reminder that the deadline for the National Conference Pin and T-Shirt Design contest is February 1, 2012. These events are open to all paid student members of SkillsUSA and are a great way to have a student and advisor recognized in front of a national audience. A plaque for the teacher and student, plus a school grant to the advisor of the winning student, will be rewarded. Rules are in the membership kit and are posted on the SkillsUSA website. For more information or questions, please contact Heidi Ambrose at 703-737-0615 or via email.
PCC's Machining program featured in The Pueblo Chieftain
Posted 11/8/2011
The Machining Program from Pueblo Community College was recently featured in an article in The Pueblo Chieftain. Click here to read the article which talks about the opportunities available in the industry. Congratulations to the crew at PCC!
Warren Tech receives grant from Stevinson, Toyota
Posted 11/8/2011
In October, Kent Stevinson of Stevinson Automotive Group presented Warren Tech's Automotive Technology program with a $10,000 check. The donation from Stevinson Automotive Group stems from Toyota Corporation's Dealer Match Program. The program began in 2010 as a way for individual dealerships to give back to their local communities. Local dealerships, Stevinson Toyota West in Lakewood and Stevinson Toyota East in Aurora each donated $2,500 and the funds were matched by Toyota's corporate office for a total of $10,000.
According to Warren Tech Auto Instructor Kelly Hebert, the donation will be used to assist students with expenses assocated with student organization activities and competitions.
Stevinson Toyota has been a strong supporter of the Warren Tech auto program for more than 20 years. In addition to providing a yearly scholarship, Stevinson Toyota also sponsors a yearly auto tech intern.
Congratulations to Warren Tech!!!
For more information, please visit the Warren Tech website.
Community Service Project Tips
Posted 11/8/2011
Here are some tips for your chapter with regard to Community Service. These are courtesy of Focus Training!
Community service is an important part of your Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO). Whether you are planning a state, regional, or local service project here are some suggestions to consider:
Planning
Choosing the right community service targetfor your organization is a critical first step.
- Consider any initiatives supported by your national organization. For example your chapter could support Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
- Identify timely projects. Has your state recently been affected by a natural disaster or does your community have a specific need unique to your area? That could be a great opportunity to assist in a very targeted way. Bagging sand in flood zones, delivering meals to senior citizens, or cleaning up after a bad storm may be just what your community needs and will have a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of your members.
- Choose projects that are close to your organization's core values or expertise. For example, if your program has a strong construction component, you may want to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, or if you have experienced early childhood education students you can volunteer at a local daycare center or school.
Promote
In order to ensure your community service efforts are as successful as possible, it is imperative to promote your project. With the influx of social media outlets, it is easier to reach more people than ever before. And it's free! Next time you're planning a community service project try these promotional ideas in addition to traditional methods.
- Website: Does your organization have a website? Does your school? Adding a page or a blog to your existing website can be a cost-effective way to promote your event with the resources you already have. If your project involves raising money you may want to consider using a campaign site like blackbaud.com or clicktogive.com.
- Mass Texting: Nearly everyone has a cell phone with texting capabilities. There are a multitude of free web services now available to send mass text messages at little or no cost to the sender.
- Facebook: Creating a Facebook event is a free way to not only announce your event but also to get up-to-date information out to all potential attendees / participants.
- Twitter: Can you get people's interest in your event in 140 characters or less? Twitter is becoming the go-to social media platform for quick updates on initiatives and projects. Better yet, you can include a link to your website or Facebook event to lead people to a more in-depth information source.
Producing results
When planning your community service project you also want to think about the results. A successful community service project will not only benefit your organization but also your school and community. These results could target the total number of hours volunteered for the entire organization, total number of cans collected, even the amount of money raised. Create certain goals and review those goals after completing a service project.
- Challenging: Set a goal that challenges your organization. If you raised $2,000.00 for Muscular Dystrophy last year, then you should strive to raise $3,000.00 for the upcoming year. Make sure that you push your members to do more but don't set unrealistic goals.
- Impactful: After you complete a service project, you should notice a positive change in your members and organization. Students that participate in community service projects within their organization are likely to become stronger and more dedicated members. Successful volunteer programs could also lead to an increase in membership and social awareness.
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Improvements: After reviewing the results of your community serviceproject begin to find ways to improve your efforts for the next year. Work with your team to find better ways to plan, promote, and challenge members for future projects.
Alumni Updates
Posted 11/3/11
Here's a few updates from the SkillsUSA Alumni Association:
- The November Issue of the Alumni Newsletter can be found here.
- The next Alumni Professional Development Webinar "Using the Internet to Impress Employers" will be Monday, November 12, at 2 p.m. E.S.T., with partner Proven.com.
To log in to the webinar, visit: http://web.ganconferencecom/?meeting=1255922 , and use attendee code 6510969. Or you can participate by phone: 1-888-222-0475
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The Alumni & Friends Association is offering an Alumni Pin Design Contest again in 2012. Please check out the guidelines here and submit your creative designs by the March 1 deadline.
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To find out who your Alumni Coordinating Committee representative is, click here.
- Did you know that SkillsUSA Alumni is now on Twitter and Facebook? Please follow and like us at: SkillsUSAAlumni.
Morgan CC Skills Chapter has successful event!
Posted 9/22/2011
Check it out! The Morgan Community College SkillsUSA members assisted with recently: http://www.fortmorgantimes.com /ci_18928441
SkillsUSA members helped with registration, parking, clean up, and much more Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There were more than 300 cars at the show and the Skills members received many compliments on their work. The Skills members also hosted the burn-out contest in conjunction with the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department and I-76 Speedway. The Fall Harvest Car Show Committee advertised for the chapter and gave SkillsUSA post-secondary students 4 - $500 scholarships at the show again this year!
If you'd like to share the activities of your Skills chapter, just send the information and photos (if possible) to Tony Raymond at tony.raymond@cccs.edu.
Giant Jenga Block Event
Posted 9/19/2011
This year’s SkillsUSA State Officer team would like to invite every SkillsUSA chapter to participate in the Great Jenga Block Event and the Giant Jenga Tournament at this year’s state conference!
What’s THAT? Well, as an activity at the social during this year’s State Conference in April, the State Officer team will be hosting the First Annual Giant Jenga Tournament – a fun activity for all State Conference participants where the goal is to build the tallest tower possible using GIANT Jenga blocks! But they want and need the help of EVERY SkillsUSA Colorado chapter in order to make the event a success! Every SkillsUSA Colorado Chapter is asked to donate 9 Giant Jenga blocks (all of which can be made from a single 8' 2x4). The blocks should be decorated with their school colors/mascots/logos/team members names - whatever is unique to the chapter. The state officers will come pick up the blocks once they have been decorated and assemble the sets for use at the state conference tournament.
At the state conference, students from the same school will sign up at the state conference to play in teams of at least four members . A bracketed tournament will be held to determine who the top Giant Jenga players are! The winning team will earn a spot for their names on a traveling trophy!
To see how you and your chapter can participate in this event, please download the flyer on the Giant Jenga Block Event and Giant Jenga Tournament.
The SkillsUSA Colorado State Officer team looks forward to your participation! If you have any questions, please contact Tony Raymond, the SkillsUSA Colorado state advisor.
Fall Leadership Conference Registration Packets Now Available
Posted 9/14/2011
The registration packets for the 2011 Fall Leadership Conference are now available! Click here to download the packet.
We have quite the conference in store for advisors and students. Please feel free to extend the invitation to attend to other organizations within your school you feel may benefit from a leadership conference – Student Council, National Honor Society, etc. But remember – space is limited, so you’ll want to sign up early.
Extra tickets for the Avalanche game itself can be purchased for family and friends who want to join you after the leadership conference is complete to cheer on the Avs…so please share this with them so they can get the discounted rate for tickets.
The deadline for registration is November 11, 2011.
As a reminder to advisors, this year, a special advisor training track will be offered. We will address some of the key topics highlighted in a recent survey we sent out to advisors, including chapter management, financial leadership activities, ICAPs, student leadership opportunities, and more. Come prepared with questions and be willing to share your own stories. Advisors can sign up for graduate credit for attendance at the conference (an outside assignment may be required to receive the credit). This would be a great opportunity for your administrators and staff to learn about the amazing opportunities CTSOs offer advisors and students.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tony Raymond, at 720-858-2794.
Morgan CC's Cameron McCreery to Represent Colorado and SkillsUSA at WorldSkills competition
Posted 9/7/2011
Cameron McCreery of Sterling, Colorado and a student at Morgan Community College, will represent the United States in London, England in the Autobody Repair competition in the WorldSkills Competition. McCreery will compete as a member of the United States“WorldTeam.” The 41st international event will be held October 5-8, 2011.
Every two years, hundreds of young people from 53 member countries or regions compete in the prestigious WorldSkills Competition. Member countries include: Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Thailand, Australia, Brazil and many others. Considered “the best of the best,” these contestants compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, transportation, construction and services. |
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Cameron McCreery |
Accompanied by their teachers, trainers and industry technical committee experts, these young people compete before the public in contests that are run and judged by industry using demanding international standards.
“I want to compete in the WorldSkills Competition because it is a great opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience,” said McCreery. “I love working
on cars--I have been doing it as long as I can remember. Helping my dad work in the garage was my favorite pastime, not to mention, I used to love playing in the grease.”
McCreery earned the right to be a member of WorldTeam by winning local, district and national contests in
Autobody Repair in the SkillsUSA Championships. Competitors in WorldSkills must
be under the age of 23. There will be a total of 20 members of WorldTeam. Other occupational areas in which the United States will compete include: Automotive
Service, Beauty Therapy, Bricklaying, Cabinetmaking, Car Painting, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Cooking, Graphic Design, Hairdressing, IT/PC Networking, Mechatronics, Mobile Robotics, Offset Printing, Plumbing, Refrigeration, Restaurant Service, Web Design and Welding.
During its 60-year history, WorldSkills International (formerly known as the "Skill Olympics") has come to symbolize the pinnacle of excellence in vocational training.It provides a unique means of exchange and comparison of world-class competency standards in the industrial trades and service sectors of the global economy. The continued growth of WorldSkills International attests to the fact that traditional trade and craft skills along with the newer technology multi-skilled occupations makes an essential contribution to the economic and social well being of peoples everywhere.
This year, in London, more than 1,000 competitors will test their skills. Five thousand international experts, delegates and judges will gather from around the world, and 3,000 volunteers will be recruited to assist in the event. A total of 150,000 student and public spectators will attend the competition ExCeL London. For more information about the competition go to: http://www.worldskills.org.
Congratulations, Cameron! |
Work Force Ready System Website
Posted 8/29/2011
SkillsUSA offers 47 technical and employability assessments in 11 cluster areas, including four co-branded assessments with ASE/AYES and five co-branded assessments with PrintED/GAERF. A complete list of available assessments can be found on the SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System website. The price for the Skill Connect Assessments remains at $10 for SkillsUSA members and $20 for non-members for the 2011-2012 school year.
For additional information on the Work Force Ready System or assessments, contact Patty Duncan at (703) 737-0633 or visit the Work Force Ready System website here.
2011-2012 Membership Kits
Posted 8/29/2011
The 2011-12 SkillsUSA membership kits have been mailed to all chapters that affiliated with SkillsUSA last year. The kits include enrollment instructions, programs, scholarship and recognition opportunities, membership cards, a recruitment poster, a SkillsUSA Creed poster, an affiliation sticker and fliers on the Work Force Ready System and new products. The kit also contains the 2012 SkillsUSA Championships overview flier. This year's membership inentive is the book, "Leveraging Your Leadership Thorugh Effective Chapter Meetings" for all chapters that register 20 or more students plus one professional by the November 15 full services deadline.
Go to Bat for SkillsUSA
Posted 8/29/2011
Here's your chance to "play ball" for SkillsUSA! By signing up, you can take part in a home-run derby and score points for SkillsUSA as well as compete to win a trip to the 2011 MLB World Series!
Join the fun today and play for a good cause - SkillsUSA!
Go to: http://www.statefarm.com/gotobat and choose SkillsUSA as your charity!
District Conferences
Posted 8/25/2011
There are 13 districts in Colorado for SkillsUSA. Each district is responsible for holding it's own district conference to determine who earns the right to represent that district at the State Conference in April. If you are not sure when your district conference is, or who to contact, please email or phone Mr. Raymond at the state office and he will make sure you get hooked up with the right district conference.
If you know when your district conference is, please let the state SkillsUSA office know so we can post your dates here on our webpage and on our Facebook page.
Save the Date - SkillsUSA Colorado State Conference
Posted 8/25/2011
IT'S SET! Mark your calendars now - The 2012 SkillsUSA Colorado State Conference will be held April 18-20, 2012 at Warren Tech/Red Rocks in Golden, CO. As you can tell by the countdown clock above, it's not that far away! So start planning now.
A room block is being reserved at the Denver West Marriott again, as well.
More details will be coming as we get started on the year, but mark your calendars now!
Save the Date - Fall Leadership Conference
Posted 8/23/2011
Mark your calendars now for the 2011 Fall Leadership Conference - DECEMBER 2, 2011!
We will be returning to Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado - but we've made some changes and have a lot of fun and exciting leadership training for you!
This year, we're bringing in two nationall trainers to work with students using the Student leadership Challenge - a highly effective and successul leadership model that teaches students that anyone can be a leader, regardless of age and experience. Grounded in over 25 years of extensive research, the Student Leadership Challenge identifies five practices of exemplary leadership that are common when leaders are able to make extraordinary things happen:
- Model the Way
- Inspire a Shared Vision
- Challenge the Process
- Enable Others to Act
- Encourage the Heart
Advisors: We have heard your requests and needs and we have planned a special concurrent workshop just for you dealing with financial leadership activities, chapter management, state conference survival, and more! If you have a topic you’d like to see addressed, please email Tony Raymond and we'll work in your suggestion!
We’ll still have all the great features of the Avalanche of Leaders, including:
- Behind the Scenes Tours of Pepsi Center
- A Meet and Greet with Bernie the Avs mascot
- Broomball and Skating Time on the ICE!!!
- AND AN AVALANCHE GAME!!!
We are finalizing details as of this writing and we'll post news and updates, along with registration information here on this page and on our Facebook page as soon as they are available! Stay tuned!
We look forward to seeing you at the 2011 Fall Leadership Conference - An Avalanche of Leaders!!
SkillsUSA Theme for 2011-12
Posted 8/3/2011
The SkillsUSA competition theme for the 2011-12 school year is:
SkillsUSA: Champions at Work - Skilled and Motivated
The topic to be adressed by contestants in the Chapter Display, Prepared Speech and Promotional Bulletin Board contests iss how our slogan, SkillsUSA: Champions at Work, relates to our national program of work in the area of Professional Development.
Within this topic, contestants might illustrate or discuss any of the following:
- How does participation in SkillsUSA increase student motivation for success?
- How do SkillsUSA’s Championships provide students an opportunity to showcase
their technical and professional skills?
- How does involvement in SkillsUSA increase America’s competitive edge in the
global economy?
- How does participation in SkillsUSA give students hope for their future?
- What activities in SkillsUSA assist students in mastering technical skills?
- How does SkillsUSA train a motivated workforce?
- How do SkillsUSA’s partnerships with business and industry ensure that students are
prepared for tomorrow’s workplace?
- What opportunities does SkillsUSA provide to celebrate and honor student
achievement?
- How does involvement in SkillsUSA keep students in school?
- How does involvement in SkillsUSA inspire students to continue life-long learning?
- How does participation in SkillsUSA assist students in finding their passion?
- How does participation in SkillsUSA motivate students to pursue their career
dreams?
- What strategies does SkillsUSA use to promote student success?
State Farm's Go-to-Bat Program Reminder
Posted 8/3/2011
SkillsUSA is rallying all its fans to help support participation in the Go-To-Bat program, an online, charitable initiative driven by State Farm’s commitment to helping communities get to a better state. As a Go-To-Bat charity, SkillsUSA has an opportunity to win one of the weekly $18,000 donations that will be awarded during the second half of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season. Supporters can help rally for their favorite cause and increase SkillsUSA’s shot at capturing a donation along with giving themselves a chance to win a trip for two to the 2011 World Series.
SkillsUSA supporters and baseball fans can visit www.statefarm.com/gotobat, select SkillsUSA on the website, then swing for the fences in the State Farm Go-To-Bat game to increase the batting average of SkillsUSA. Once a week, for 10 weeks, State Farm will choose the charity with the highest Go-To-Bat game batting average and make a donation of $18,000
in support of its cause. Also, an individual winner who goes to bat for the winning charity
will be randomly selected and receive a trip for two to Games 3 and 4 of the 2011 World
Series. A total of 10 winners will be drawn during the Go-To-Bat program, which
stretches through the baseball summer and concludes on Monday, September 26.
Fans can increase both their chances and SkillsUSA’s chances of winning by returning daily to www.statefarm.com/gotobat and playing the online State Farm Go-To-Bat game. Players
can earn additional entries and increase their chances to win by sharing their participation
on Facebook. The game is more fun than last year and easier, too. You can play up to three times a day. Just register and play ball!
National Conference Winner Photos
Posted 8/3/2011
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2011 NLSC - JOB DEMO A WINNERS
Front row L to R: National technical committee members Gene Hernandez and Monty Prather; High School medalists—Silver-Ashlynn Balmer, Lapeer County Ed Tech Center (Michigan.); Gold-Natasha Garcia, Diman RVTHS (Massachusetts.); Bronze-Christopher Outland, Center of Applied Tech North (Maryland.); national technical committee members Frank Cowgill (Colorado SkillsUSA's Alumni Coordinator) and Gary Hulslanver.
Back row L to R: National technical committee member Cathy Moon; Postsecondary/college medalists—Silver-Jose Perez, E L A Occupational Center (California); Gold-Jonah Castillo, Pueblo Community College (Colorado); Bronze-Susan Wangari, Tri County RVTS (Massachusetts); and, national technical committee member Lane Yokgyama. |
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2011 NLSC - COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
WINNERS
Front row from L to R: High School medalists - Silver-Jeremy Hansen, Warren Occupational Tech Center (Colorado); Gold-Robert Kleffner, Meridian Charter High School (Idaho); Bronze-Tyler Tesch, A & M Consolidated High School (Texas).
Back row L to R: Postsecondary medalists - Silver-George Buchanan, Texas State Technical College-Waco (Texas); Gold-Lee Futter, Ozarks Technical Community College (Missouri); and Bronze-Sabastian Bossarte, University of Arkansas Fort Smith (Arkansas) (not pictured). |
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2011 NLSC - JOB INTERVIEW WINNERS
Front row from L to R: High School medalists - Silver –Brooke Miller, Skyline High School (Utah); Gold-Trinity Story, North Point High School for STI (Maryland); Bronze-Oscar Sanchez Santaolalla, Warren Occupational Technical Center (Colo.).
Back row L to R: Postsecondary medalists - Silver-Andrew Bergemann, Madison Area Tech College (Wisconsin); Gold-Jamie Russo, Tennessee Technology Center at Chattanooga (Tennessee); and Bronze-Carlos Aguayo, Thomas Kelly High School (Illinois). |
Justin Barnes' custom-painted skateboard goes to Colorado student
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At the 2011 NLSC, Justin Barnes, of JB Grafix and American Chopper fame, custom painted a skateboard for Leah Rife, Colorado's Promotional Bulletin Board's contestant from Pikes Peak Community College. Mr. Barnes paided the board for Leah while she was competing. Leah is the founder of Laika Skate Company. Congratulations, Leah! |
Colorado Students Medal at 2011 NLSC!
Posted 7/25/2011
The 2011 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Championships was a huge success - one of the largest in the organization's history!
This year, Colorado had several medalists at the 2011 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Championships in Kansas City, MO! Congratulations to:
- Jonah Castillo - Pueblo Comm. College - First Place, Postsecondary, Job Demo A
- Jeremy Hansen - Warren Tech - Second Place, Secondary, Computer Programming
- Oscar Sanchez-Santaolalla - Warren Tech - Third Place, Secondary, Job Interview
Awesome work by all of the competitors from Colorado!
The complete results from the 2011 SkillsUSA Championships are available here. Note: To retrieve a particular contestant's score, you need your contestant number and date of birth.
Also, meet the new national officers for SkillsUSA by clicking here.
News from the National Office
Posted 7/13/2011
Here are some highlights of news from the National SkillsUSA office:
STATE FARM’S GO-TO-BAT PROGRAM
SkillsUSA is rallying all its fans to help support participation in the Go-To-Bat program, an online, charitable initiative driven by State Farm’s commitment to helping communities get to a better state. As a Go-To-Bat charity, SkillsUSA has an opportunity to win one of the weekly $18,000 donations that will be awarded during the second half of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season. Supporters can help rally for their favorite cause and increase SkillsUSA’s shot at capturing a donation along with giving themselves a chance to win a trip for two to the 2011 World Series.
SkillsUSA supporters and baseball fans can visit www.statefarm.com/gotobat, select SkillsUSA on the website, then swing for the fences in the State Farm Go-To-Bat game to increase the batting average of SkillsUSA. Once a week, for 10 weeks, State Farm will choose the charity with the highest Go-To-Bat game batting average and make a donation of $18,000 in support of its cause. Also, an individual winner who goes to bat for the winning charity will be randomly selected and receive a trip for two to Games 3 and 4 of the 2011 World Series. A total of 10 winners will be drawn during the Go-To-Bat program, which stretches through the baseball summer and concludes on September 26.
Fans can increase both their chances and SkillsUSA’s chances of winning by returning daily to www.statefarm.com/gotobat and playing the online State Farm Go-To-Bat game. Players can earn additional entries and increase their chances to win by sharing their participation on Facebook.
The Go-To-Bat program will culminate during the 2011 MLB World Series with a pre-game ceremony showcasing its collective impact and recognizing the individual winners and the winning charities. Also, State Farm will announce and present a $25,000 donation to the charity that finishes the promotional campaign with the highest Go-To-Bat batting average.
The game is more fun than last year and easier, too. You can play up to three times a day. Just register and play ball!
Another Banner Conference for a New Group of Students
Post-conference correspondence to the National SkillsUSA office has been saying: “Wow!” Students from every state in the nation, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were together for what many said was “a life-changing experience.” Here are some factoids from the conference:
- More than 260 student officers from 36 states attending Officer 101/201 for leadership training -- an increase from last year and the organization's largest ever.
- Ffteen new national officers elected from a field of 40 candidates.
- The SkillsUSA WorldTeam – which will compete in London this coming October and is the largest team in 23 years – appeared on stage for the first time together on Friday night.
- Nearly 5,700 contestants were present at the Awards Ceremony
- This was SkillsUSA’s largest conference with a total registration of more than 9,600 and a total participation of nearly 15,000.
- All contestant scores are available online and privacy is protected by contestant number and birth date.
- Champions Night on Tuesday, sponsored by Carhartt and Pepsi in the Power and Light District set a new record for participation numbers.
- The 100% Advisor Reception sponsored by Irwin, also on Tuesday, had a record 375 teachers attending. Seven sponsors provided 15 mega prizes, and they were collectively valued at just under $30,000.
- SkillsUSA Night at the Kansas City Royals game, on Thursday, was a great success. It was a thrill to see nearly 10,000 students, teachers and supporters in the stands (and SkillsUSA board President Russ Hoffbauer threw a pretty good first pitch, too).
- The Opening Ceremony was sponsored by Bosch and Georgia-Pacific and featured SkillsUSA CEO Champion of the Year, John McGlade of Air Products. He said he felt the appreciation of nearly 13,000 students and teachers for the work he and Air Products are doing on their behalf. What they didn’t know was that John had taken his advocacy up a notch by writing of Air Products’ support for SkillsUSA to President Obama, the Secretary of Labor, and two offices in the White House.
- Speaking of advocacy, this year’s Wednesday morning Call to Action for instructors and administrators was attended by more than 800 people, and more than 200 signed up to be added to the Active Advisor list. Steve DeWitt of the Association for Career and Technical Education spoke on the budget in Washington. Our newest board member, Mark Williams, representing the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education consortium, spoke on the importance of advocacy and on the new brand for CTE. Dave Camden represented Toyota, which sponsored the Call to Action, and as a member of the Youth Development Foundation, He spoke of how important industry support is for SkillsUSA and CTE. Thanks to their support, this was truly a call to action at a time when SkillsUSA and CTE really need it.
- The SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference has often been called “the showcase of career and technical education.” That’s what it was again this year. The final VIP list included 365 names. Even better, during the YDF Awards Luncheon, when asked for a show of hands of people attending the conference for the first time, at least 40 percent of the attendees responded. There were also significant delegations of executives at conference from Air Products, Harley-Davidson, Autodesk, John Deere, Lowe’s, State Farm and mikeroweWORKS Foundation. The entire board of the National Center for Construction Education and Research attended as well. Representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Education Association attended and were well cared for by our VIP Host Committee and partners. Kansas City Mayor, Sly James, spoke at the VIP Breakfast on Thursday morning and Sharon Hoge, assistant commissioner of the Office of College and Career Readiness, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education spoke during the VIP reception on Wednesday evening.
- More than 500 students and teachers participated in the Timberland PRO community service projects planting trees and helping at the Kansas City food bank. The Community Blood Center registered 45 volunteers and collected 32 units of blood. There were 42 first-time donors. This was the most successful blood drive at the NLSC.
- Media coverage was up again this year. At the most recent count, there were 70 stories about SkillsUSA in the Kansas City news media including appearances on all four network affiliates and the front page of the Kansas City Star on Thursday and Saturday. News releases on all of the medalists, Skill Point recipients and honorees were also sent to the media.
- The Opening Ceremony and the Awards Ceremony were both carried on streaming video thanks to the underwriting of Lowe’s. The Opening Ceremony had 2,548 unique viewers (a single computer with a unique IP address) while the ceremony was live. Since then 2,891 viewers have watched it in the archived version. For the Awards Ceremony, there were 6,495 viewers live streaming 7,907 hours of content. Since then, 3,496 viewers have looked at the archived footage for part one of the ceremony and 1,796 have watched part two.
- Thanks to a generous donation by Harley-Davidson Motor Co., SkillsUSA hosted a drawing of a 2011 Dyna® Super Glide® Motorcycle at the 2011 NLSC Awards Ceremony. As a special addition, Harley-Davidson teamed up with Justin Barnes to custom-paint the bike. You may know Justin of JB Grafix from his appearances on The Discovery Channel program, “American
Chopper.” The winner of the custom-painted 2011 Dyna Super Glide was Franklin Canales of Meriden, CT.
NLSC Survey - We want your opinions!
If you attended the 2011 National Leadership and Skills Conference (including the
SkillsUSA Championships) last month, we would like your feedback concerning the quality of your experience in Kansas City.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey at the link below. All feedback is used for program improvement.
To take the survey, go to http://www.skillsusa.org/events/nlscsurvey.shtml
The survey program will be available at this link through July 29.
Dates announced for 2012 NLSC
Because Kansas City will be hosting the Major League Baseball's All-Star Game in 2012 and the schedule conflicted with the annual conference schedule, SkillsUSA has agreed to move the National Leadership and Skills Conference up by a couple of days in 2012 only. Following is the revised schedule for NLSC 2012. The 48th NLSC will be held June 23-27, 2012.
The 2012 NLSC schedule will be from Saturday to Wednesday. This means the Opening Ceremony will be held on Monday, June 25, the SkillsUSA Championships will be heldMonday and Tuesday, June 25-26, and the Awards Ceremony will be held Wednesday, June 27. Please make sure to mark your calendars NOW and plan on attending the 2012 NLSC!
New, Unique Degree Program Starts In Colorado
Posted 7/11/2011
A very unique degree program made possible through a partnership with Red Rocks Community College and Colorado State University (CSU) of Pubelo’s Automotive Industry Management (AIM) program will make its debut at Warren Tech this fall. Spearheaded by Kelly Hebert, an instructor at Warren Tech and SkillsUSA Advisor, the progam is an Associate's degree program in parts management. So far the program has stirred up quite a bit of interest. To read the artcile in Parts and People about the new program, click here.
Colorado Brings Home Medals!
Posted 7/11/2011
Congratulations to the following Colorado students who earned top honors at the 2011 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Championships in Kansas City at the end of June:
- Jonah Castillo - Pueblo Community College - Post Secondary Job Demo A - Gold (1st Place)
- Jeremy Hansen - Warren Tech - Secondary Computer Programming - Silver (2nd Place)
- Oscar Sanchez Santaolalla - Warren Tech - Secondary Job Interview - Bronze (3rd Place)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF COLORADO'S WINNERS!
NLSC Results Available Online
POSTED 7/11/2011
You can view the complete list of medalists of the 2011 National Leadership and Skills Championshipsby clicking here. To view individual scores, click here. To access the individual scores, you will need your contestant number and your date of birth. Congratulations to all the participants and the winners for an outstanding showing at the conference!
LIVE Webcast from the NLSC!
POSTED 5/31/2011
Once again, SkillsUSA will broadcast the pre-event activities and the entire opening and awards ceremonies online from the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City. This live streaming video will give family, friends and sponsors the opportunity to watch the keynote speakers and see students as they receive their awards.
Please pass the word to advisors, students and family of conference attendees. The sessions will be broadcast here: www.skillsusa.org/events/nlscvideo.shtml.
SkillsUSA's web streaming from the NLSC is sponsored by Lowe's. Please pass this along to all registered participants and their families!
Mike Rowe addresses "disconnect" with skilled trades
POSTED 5/18/2011
Check out this video from Mike Rowe after he testifed to Congress on the disconnect America has with the skilled trades.
2011 NLSC Activities
POSTED 5/11/2011 - UPDATED 5/12/2011
Wondering what to do, where to go and where to park in Kansas City when you're not participating in NLSC events? Then download this document for a list of ideas of activities, restaurants and parking locations in downtown Kansas City!
DUNK TANK: Bosch Power Tools will, once again, help raise money for the Alumni Fun by hosting a dunk tank during the 2011 NLSC. The dunk tank will operate Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the Bosch outdoor exhibit area. All proceeds raised by the dunk tank will benefit the alumni fund. Chances cost $1 a ball or 6 balls for $5. Last year, the effort raised more than $800 for the Alumni and Friends Assocaition. All proceeds will be tracked by state, and the state raising the most funds for the alumni will be recognized by SkillsUSA and Bosch at the August State Director's meeting.
BLOOD DRIVES: There will be TWO blood drives at the NLSC. Both drives will be sponsored by the Kansas City Community Blood Center and will be held on the following dates:
- Monday, June 20, in Bartle Hall, Room 2101 - 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Friday, June 24, in Bartle Hall, Room 2105, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Please try to make time to stop by during one of these times when you can participate in this worthy cause. Donors must weigh no less than 115 lbs. and must be at least 17 years of age (or a donor can be 16 years of age with written parental permission.)
5K CHAMPIONS RUN: Sponsored by the SkillsUSA Alumni and Friends Association, SkillsUSA will be holding the fourth annual 5K Champions Run at the NLSC. The race will take place Friday, June 24 and starts at 9:00 a.m. at the English Landing Park in Parkville, MO. The park is about 15 minutes from downtown. Transportation will be provided from the convention center on Friday morning. Registration is $20 per person and includes a unique T-shirt for the first 300 people who register. Awards will be presented to the first 300 finishers and the fastest three males and females will be recognized. No headphones, strollers, animals, skates or skateboards will be allowed on the racecourse. Register now to be part of this fun event that benefits the alumni association. For more information, click here.
Scholarship Reminder
Posted 5/12/2011
The SkillsUSA Alumni & Friends Association is offering two annual merit-based $500 scholarships to qualifying students. The scholarships will recognize the qualities in SkillsUSA students the Alumni & Friends Association support, including leadership, commitment to community service, advocacy for career and technical education and his/her chosen career area. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2011. If you have any questions, please contact Nikki Clausen at (703) 737-0639. For an application, click here.
Housing Forms Due 5/13
POSTED 5/11/2011
Just a reminder that all housing registration forms are due MAY 13, 2011 to the State Office (c/o Tony Raymond), 9101 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230.
PAYMENT for registration and housing is due June 1. All payments should be made to the State Office! For more information, please contact Tony Raymond at tony.raymond@cccs.edu or 720-858-2794.
2011 NLSC Deadlines!
POSTED 4/28/2011
Now that state is over, it's time to make sure you have everything in order to head to the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Kansas City, MO! The national conference is June 19-June 24, 2011.
Advsiors: Here is a link to the NLSC Info packet for Colorado. And here is a link to the NLSC page on the SkillsUSA website.
Registration Deadline is MAY 1, 2011!
Payments for registration and hotel are due to the State Office (c/o Tony Raymond) 9101 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230 by JUNE 1, 2011.
For more inforamtion, or for questions, please contact Tony Raymond, SkillsUSA Colorado State Advisor, at tony.raymond@cccs.edu, or by calling (720) 858-2794.
2011 State Conference: A Great Success!
POSTED: 4/28/2011
The 2011 SkillsUSA Colorado State Leadership and Skills Championships were a huge success! All our appreciation and thanks go out to all the contestants, advisors, judges, technical staff, host schools for making it all possible! Thanks also to Mr. Tim Lawrence, the National SkillsUSA Executive Director, for spending time in Colorado with our students!
Here is a link to a PDF version of the Awards Presentation. Congratulations again to all the winners!
In order to be a green as possible, we are putting the Certificates of Participation here, in a single PDF document. Simply open the document and search for your students' names and you can print them on your own printer.
Photos of the 2011 SkillsUSA Colorado State Leadership and Skills Conference can be found on our Facebook page or you can see them here.
Also, here's a link (Quicktime / Windows Media) to the video that was produced by Jon White and his Video Production students at the state conference! Thanks again to Mr. White and his great videograhers!
STATE CONFERENCE: DEADLINES APPROACHING
POSTED: 3/21/2011
You are reminded that the deadline to register for the 2011 SkillsUSA Colorado State Conference is April 1, 2011. No exceptions can be made. If registrations are not made by this time, your students cannot compete! All payments must be made by April 8, 2011.
Warren Tech's Brickley Wins NLSC Pin Design Contest
POSTED: 3/23/2011
Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has selected a pin designed by Casey Brickley, a graphic design student at Warren Tech as the wining design for their national pin contest. Casey will receive a plaque and a travel stipend to attend the SkillsUSA National Leadership& Skills Conference in Kansas City this June, where she and her advisor, Pete Cunis, will be recognized on stage during the opening ceremony. The school will receive a plaque as well as $5,000 for the advisor to use to improve curriculum or buy software or equipment for his classroom. Congratulations Casey and Mr. Cunis!
Click here to see the winning design!
Advertising Design, Graphic Communications and Screen Printing Technology Contest Travel Stipends
POSTED: 3/21/2011
The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) will again provide $250 travel stipends to each advertising design and graphic communications contestant (first place state high school and post-secondary). New, this year, they are including the screen printing technology contestants (first place state high school and post-secondary). Recipients must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a related/relevant occupational training program and must compete in the national advertising design, graphic communications, or screen printing technology contest. Please complete the information requested on the form on the NLSC Guide and return it to Karen Beatty at the national office by May 15. Checks will be issued to the state association directors by mid-June.
Student Photographer Wanted for NLSC
POSTED: 3/21/2011
The Timberland Company, a longtime partner and sponsor of SkillsUSA, seeks a seasoned photography student to provide photography services at the 2011 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City. Hours are flexible throughout the week, for a total of approximately 25-30 hours. Timberland is looking for color and black and white still photography at their vendor booth outside of Bartle Hall and before/during/after pictures of the community service event. The Timberland Company seeks to own the rights of these pictures post event as photos may be used within company presentations, slideshows, and print ads. The Timberland Company to pay travel expenses for student and school advisor if necessary. Editing/post-production capabilities preferred but not required. Interested parties should send 5-10 portfolio pictures to: cgreco@timberland.com A resume is appreciated.
Job Skill Demo Contest Clarifications
POSTED: 3/21/2011
Because there are still some issues surrounding Job Skill Demonstration A vs. Job Skill Demonstration O (Open), both the State Directors’ Technical Standards Subcomittee and the SkillsUSA Championships Executive Committee will be working together to clarify this issue. In the interim, they hope the following will help:
Job Skill Demo A: Any skill can be demonstrated, as long as it relates directly to the competencies taught in the competitor’s curriculum (occupational specialty or college major). Examples are a culinary student who demonstrates correctly the calibration of a meat thermometer or an active SkillsUSA student member in horticulture demonstrating a gardening technique. Another approach is that it can be from any program listed in the 2011-2012 SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards.
Job Skill Demo Open: The competitor demonstrates a skill that is NOT RELATED to his or her occupational specialty. Examples would be a culinary student who demonstrates how to repair a carburetor or an interior design student who demonstrates a motorcycle repair technique. Also included in this category is any program that is not covered in the 2011-2012 SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards (an example would be an agricultural or business program).
If you have any questions, please contact Dave Worden at dworden@skillsusa.org
Keep It Green Reminder
POSTED: 3/21/2011
Lowe’s and SkillsUSA want to know what you are doing to keep it “green.” A new contest has been established for SkillsUSA instructors to show methods/techniques/technologies used in their classrooms that provide the ability to reduce the carbon footprint left on the environment.
If you are a proactive “green” instructor implementing innovative methodologies to teach your program, go to www.skillsusa.org/compete/lowesgreen.shtml and apply for one of six $2500 Lowe’s awards and the chance to attend the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, MO, this June. In addition, the six winning instructors will be asked to make presentations about their programs during a SkillsUSA University session on Wednesday, June 22.
To be eligible, instructors must be registered SkillsUSA professional members with active SkillsUSA chapters. Memberships for the 2010-2011 school year will be verified by the national headquarters. (Names must appear on a roster for this school year.) Only one entry per SkillsUSA professional member is permitted.
Deadline is April 1, 2011. For complete details and application instructions, please go to: www.skillsusa.org/compete/lowesgreen.shtml.
National Week of Service Reminder
POSTED: 3/21/2011
All SkillsUSA chapters are invited to participate in the SkillsUSA National Week of Service, May 2-8, 2011. Chapters may participate in two ways: 1) Conduct a community service project during that week, or 2) promote a service project the chapter did earlier in the school year during that week. This will help commemorate the founding of SkillsUSA on May 8, 1965. The SkillsUSA National Week of Service not only shines a spotlight on SkillsUSA’s dedication to serving others but it also showcases the skills and expertise of career and technical education students who are learning to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Chapter advisors are encouraged to send in a brief report on their community service activities to Niki Clausen at the National Headquarters – nclausen@skillsusa.org. Please let us know in a paragraph or two what th ehcpater does to help the community and we’ll post these reports and photos online. The first 50 chapters that report Week of Service plans to the national headquarters will receive a free item!
Imagine one amazing week in May when SkillsUSA students nationwide are busy reporting about their community service event or conducting service projects in their communities. Imagine the power they will hold in their hands as they and their fellow SkillsUSA members work nationwide to improve the lives of their neighbors in countless ways. Imagine the difference one week can make.
For planning materials, go to: www.skillsusa.org/events/service.shtml.
REMINDER: State Conference Dates
POSTED: 1/4/2011
Contrary to what the national website may indicate, the 2011 Colorado State Leadership and Skills Conference will be held APRIL 13-15, 2011at Warren Tech/Red Rocks Community College. We have reserved the Denver West Marriott as our conference hotel. Mark your calendars now.
Mega Prizes for Advisors
POSTED: 1/4/2011
National SkillsUSA is pleased to announce state and national mega prizes for advisors. Click here to review the current list of awesome prizes! They include: more than $30,000 worth of Lowe's gift cards for state awards; a trip to Washington, D.C., including hotel, travel stipend, suite for two to a Washington Nationals baseball game, tour of Washington, D.C., and the SkillsUSA National Leadership Center hosted by Tim Lawrence; five $2,000 tool shopping sprees from Klein Tools; a trip for two including hotel and travel stipend to Louisville, KY in April 2012 and much more.
How do SkillsUSA Chapters qualify? They must submit their membership by January 15 and be a 100% Chapter. That's all it takes! Also, chapters with a minimum of 10 members and a 10% growth in membership will be eligible for state awards. Be one of the numerous advisors honored for providing opportunities to all students in his/her classroom through membership in SkillsUSA.
Kobalt Tools Gift Package to 100% Chapters
POSTED: 1/4/2011
Kobalt Tools, will, once again, sponsor tool gift packages to chapters with 100% membership in various trade areas. Selection of the winning schools will be based on final 2011 membership numbers! So make sure you strive to get your chapter to be a 100% chapter!
Alumni Pin Design Contest
POSTED: 1/4/2011
The SkillsUSA Alumni and Friends Association is sponsoring an Alumni Pin Design Contest again this year. The winning design will become the official Alumni Pin for the 2011 National Leadership and Skills Conference. The deadline for the pin designs to be received by the National Office is March 1, 2011. Participants must be registered alumni members. If you have any questions, please contact Niki Clausen at (703) 737-0639. For more information and contest guidelines, click here.
Students in Service Awards - A New College Student Scholarship Opportunity
POSTED: 1/4/2011
Washington Campus Compact has partnered with Inspireum, a technology company, to celebrate service work of outstanding college students. The Students in Service Awards include scholarships and grants.
Students who apply for this award will have their projects posted on the Students in Service Awards website. Students, educators, family members, and other community members will be invited to vote for their favorite student/service project. Fan votes and the Washington Campus Compact staff will select the top 50 inspirational semifinalists. A national selection committee of civic leaders, along with a fan vote, choose the final Students in Service Award winner and scholarship recipients.
An interim website has been developed with additional details on eligibility and the nominations process. Click here to check it out. A more comprehensive website will be open for nominations through January 28, 2011. For more information, click here.
State Pin Design Competition
POSTED: 10/18/2011
The 2011 State Pin Design Competition is now underway! Now that the students are settled in for the first semester, it’s time for you to start looking forward to the State SkillsUSA Colorado State Leadership and Skills Championships April 13-15, 2011! To kick things off right, we are announcing – the annual STATE PIN DESIGN COMPETITION! The contest is open to ANY affiliated SkillsUSA member in Colorado! The deadline for this pin design contest is December 17, 2010! Make sure your students get in on this great opportunity! You can download the rules here. Good luck!
Fall Leadership Conference Deadline Extended
POSTED: 10/18/2011
The deadline for the Fall Leadership Conference has been extended! There are only a few slots left so you need to get your reservations in as soon as possible! These slots won't last long! Get your information packet here.
Alumni Newsletter Now Available!
POSTED: 10/18/2011
The latest SkillsUSA Alumni newsletter is now available here. Check it out! Get involved! Make sure your alumni stay connected with this great organization!
Alumni Association Membership is FREE!
POSTED: 10/18/2011
Did you know that joining the SkillsUSA Alumni Association is FREE? That's right! Advisors: Download and share the alumni flier with all of your alumni and graduating seniors! Keep your students involved! Get the flier here.
REMINDER: Fall Leadership Conference Deadline Coming Soon!
POSTED: 10/11/2010
Advisors -- A reminder that the deadline for the Fall Leadership Conference is rapidly approaching and seats are starting to fill up fast! The Fall Leadership Conference is November 19th at Pepsi Center -- and for a whole day you'll get leadership training, a behind the scenes look at Pepsi Center, talk with some of their staff, get to play some broomball or ice skate on the Avs' ice, and then get to take in a hockey game between the Avs and the New York Rangers! Don't miss this great opportunity! For more information, download the information packet here.
Lowe's Grant Applications Available
POSTED: 9/30/2010
The
Lowe's Grant applications have been updated for the 2010-11 school
year. Get the details and apply online: http://www.skillsusa.org/educators/lowes.shtml
Service projects help students develop skills in critical thinking, organization, teamwork, communication and more. Lowe’s Charitable & Educational Foundation provides grants up to $10,000 for projects that provide life-changing experiences for your students.
There are four categories:
- Community Service Grants to improve an aspect of your local community
- Campus Improvement Grants to enhance your school campus or technical lab
- CareerSafe Online training vouchers to promote safety among technical students
DEADLINE
The deadline for all of these grants is December 1, 2010 at 11:59 p.m.
National Pin Design Contest Announced
POSTED 9/29/2010
SkillsUSA and Lowe's are sponsoring a national conference pin design competition that is open to all dues-paying student members. The winning design will become the official pin or T-shirt for the 2011 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Click here for more information.
The impact of CTE is talked about on The Today Show
POSTED 9/28/2010
Here's a video from the Today Show promoting career and technical education! Share it with your business and industry partners to show them the impact your student organization has! Click here to view the video.
Award for Aspirations in Computing honors young women in HS
POSTED 9/16/2010
The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing honors young women at the high-school level for computing-related achievements &interests. Awardees are selected for computing and IT aptitude, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education. Click here for more information.
2010 Fall Leadership Conference - November 19 - Mark your calendars now!
POSTED 9/16/2010
Mark your calendars! The 2010 Fall Leadership
Conference will be held November 19th! We will be returning to the Pepsi
Center for another Avalanche of Leaders - a day of leadership training,
industry presentations, tours of Pepsi Center, ice time and, of course,
an Avalanche game (vs. the New York Rangers)! Details to ...follow!
SkillsUSA Colorado is now on Facebook and Twitter
Are you on Facebook? Join us! Colorado SkillsUSA is now on Facebook! Become a fan by clicking here to join our network. We will be using this page to share information regarding Colorado SkillsUSA.
If you don't have a Facebook account, you can set one up here. We’re glad to have you join the Champions at Work!
For More Information
For more information about SkillsUSA Colorado, please contact the State Director, Tony Raymond, via email at tony.raymond@cccs.edu, or by calling (720) 858-2794.
