Iowa: Recognized as a Gold Standard Program
SkillsUSA’s State Standards of Excellence Program experienced growth in its fourth year as 35 states completed the process and received recognition. The purpose of the program is to ensure state associations have in place policies, procedures and structure on an annual basis that deliver a high level of service to membership. This program is not competitive between states but serves as a system to allow states to benchmark their performance and determine improvements to become the very best organization for their members. State associations, rather than the state SkillsUSA director, are recognized for achieving State Standards of Excellence. Congratulations to the state SkillsUSA directors who provide leadership for these state associations.
WHAT IS SKILLSUSA?
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student to excel. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations and for further education. SkillsUSA was formerly known as VICA (the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America). With More than 370,000 students and advisors join SkillsUSA annually, organized into more than 19,000 sections and 53 state and territorial associations. Combining alumni and lifetime membership, the total number impacted this year is more than 434,171. SkillsUSA has served more than 13.6 million members since its founding in 1965.
Mission
SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA is an applied method of instruction for preparing America’s high performance workers in public career and technical programs. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work—high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free-enterprise system and involvement in community service.
Partners
More than 16,000 teachers and school administrators served as professional SkillsUSA members and advisors. More than 600 business, industry and labor sponsors actively support SkillsUSA at the national level through financial aid, in-kind contributions, and involvement of their people in SkillsUSA activities. Many more work directly with state associations and local chapters.