Join SkillsUSA

If your school offers courses in applied sciences, technology, engineering, and manufacturing, including transportation, distribution, logistics, architecture, and construction, SkillsUSA is for you!

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Educators & Administrators

Imagine a training program full of motivated students who are engaged in learning and captivated by the relevant information you share with them. In 17,115 classrooms, SkillsUSA makes teaching more fun and rewarding. It gives instructors the spirit to push their students to excel and the satisfaction of seeing them achieve success.

Request to start a chapter

Students & Parents

If you’re interested in bringing SkillsUSA to your school, explore the criteria to determine if your school is eligible to start a SkillsUSA chapter. If your request is approved, our new advisor liaison will be with you every step of the way to help you make your SkillsUSA chapter a rewarding educational experience for.

Request to start a chapter

Checklist for New Chapters

1

Request Membership Kit

Request a Membership Kit by emailing SkillsUSA Iowa, calling 844-875-4457 or download membership forms and materials for the current school year.

2

Obtain School Approval

Meet with your school administrator to request permission to start a new program and to gain support for the SkillsUSA chapter (it’s a good idea to have the membership kit to explain program basics and benefits to students, instructors and the school).

3

Meet State Requirements

Contact SkillsUSA Iowa and request to be placed on the state mailing list. Find out about any upcoming activities or deadlines. If you are starting a new chapter, complete an application for charter and chapter bylaws/constitution.

4

Submit Your Members

Once you get approval, make your chapter's membership official by entering your membership roster. Once you have entered members' names, be sure to hit submit and send your dues to SkillsUSA. If dues are not submitted, individuals are not official SkillsUSA members.

5

Promote Your Chapter

Explain SkillsUSA to other faculty and the industry advisory council that supports your program, and ask for their support and involvement as the chapter develops by serving as guest speakers, contest judges, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are membership dues?

SkillsUSA is a professional membership association. Membership requires a fee that provides programmatic experiences and business and industry connection.

High School Membership - $8.00 State + $8.00 National

Post-Secondary Membership - $8.00 State + $8.00 National

Middle School Membership - $8.00 State + $8.00 National

Advisor Membership - $13.00 State + $20.00 National

The Total Participation Plan (TPP) for HS and MS assigns pricing for your entire program based on a range of program enrollment plus the purchase of educational resources. The Campus Affiliation Plan for PS assigns pricing for your entire program based on a range of program enrollment. (Both TPP and CAP are eligible for Perkins reimbursement with restrictions.)

What are the requirements for starting a chapter?

Chapter should be started at the local level by an instructor and obtain the approval from school administration. Chapters are required to adhere to SkillsUSA and SkillsUSA Iowa requirements.

What is included in SkillsUSA membership?

In addition to an official membership card and sticker, members have exclusive access to all of the college and career preparation opportunities SkillsUSA provides. These include access to SkillsUSA scholarships and resources, participation in SkillsUSA's Championships program, opportunities to attend conferences designed to prepare them for the workforce. Membership is for one school year, culminating June 30 of each year.

What is the deadline for submitting membership?

Membership is open year-round; however, SkillsUSA encourages all chapters to activate their chapter by submitting initial membership by November 1. This ensures that the chapters continues to receive communication, publications, and services from SkillsUSA. The deadline for members to be eligible to compete at the State Leadership and Skills Conference's Championships is March 1.

What is the minimum number of members needed on a roster?

To meet the requirement set forth by the Iowa Department of Education State Plan for Perkins V, a chapter must have 5 members and 1 adviser by the membership deadline of March 1 annually.

Who can be a SkillsUSA member?

SkillsUSA membership is available to students with career interests in applied sciences, technology, engineering, and manufacturing, including transportation, distribution, logistics, architecture, and construction in grades six through twelve and collegiate/post-secondary students. SkillsUSA membership is also open to advisors, alumni, and professional members. All members must register through an official local chapter in the official membership system.

Who can assist me with more questions?

Reach the customer care hotline: call 844-875-4557 or e-mail customercare@skillsusa.org. Operators are on call 8am to 5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and 11am to 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday (Eastern Standard Time). You can also CHAT online on the membership registration site.