As the leading workforce development organization for learners, SkillsUSA is proud to be leading the way to help America’s future workforce. Approaching our 65th anniversary in 2030, we continue to focus on preparing learners for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. With the support of over 850 national partners, SkillsUSA is committed to addressing our nation’s workforce challenges with bold solutions and steadfast dedication.
Five Tenets to Drive Access to CTE
The SkillsUSA Drive to 65 Campaign reflects our commitment to expanding programs that empower CTE learners and connect them to career paths, employers, and jobs. The five tenets of our new strategic plan are to:
- Build an integrated digital ecosystem where learners control their career journey as they connect with chapters and partners.
- Serve one million learners and teachers across all CTE levels, focusing on underrepresented communities.
- Reimagine programming to engage more middle school, high school, and postsecondary learners in work-based learning.
- Transform our national conference into a CTE hotspot where learners, teachers, and instructors connect with workforce development opportunities and training.
- Increase fundraising to $25 million annually through partnerships and grants to support more programming and more learner success.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
Bridging the gap between education and industry is crucial as SkillsUSA is committed to aligning learners’ careers with their skills and job opportunities. We provide essential support for teachers and instructors, connecting them with industry for program support, employability training, and mentorship.
Workplace Learning for More Learners
Creating workplace learning experiences (WPLE) that encompass work-based learning (WBL) equips learners with essential skills. These experiences grow in complexity as learners advance, incorporating quality non-degree credentials aligned with the SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards and our Championships competition program.
This year, SkillsUSA has launched new workplace learning experiences for middle school, high school, and postsecondary learners. Our resources are designed for easy classroom implementation, serving as gateways to industry experiences. Participation in WBL significantly increases personal income and career satisfaction, especially for disadvantaged youth. SkillsUSA is committed to advancing the needs of marginalized learners, providing positive relationships with adults, exposure to new environments, and opportunities to develop social capital.
Realizing Our Incredible Potential
Building a talent pipeline for America has always been our focus — and this focus has never been more vital. SkillsUSA aligns with Advance CTE’s vision where each learner engages in a cohesive, flexible, and responsive career preparation ecosystem.
Join us in our national movement to boost learner outcomes. Together, we can lift up learners and build thriving communities. Align with us, get involved in our work-based learning initiatives, and join us at the local, state, or national levels to grow the talent pipeline. Connect with our team to receive updates on our progress on the SkillsUSA Drive to 65.
The views, opinions, services, and products shared in this post are solely for educational purposes and do not imply agreement or endorsement by Advance CTE, nor discrimination against similar brands, products, or services not mentioned.
This week the Senate remained in session for a few days of final work ahead of its annual August recess period. Lawmakers in the House recessed early last week and both chambers are expected to return to Capitol Hill in early September. As shared previously, the House has passed nearly half of the annual federal fiscal year 2025 (FY25) appropriations measures that compose the federal budget. The Labor-HHS-ED funding bill, which provides federal resources for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) and other critical education and workforce development programs, was recently 
This includes limiting the ability of social media companies to target advertisements toward young people. Despite the broad bipartisan Senate support for both measures, it remains unclear at this time whether the House will consider the legislation when lawmakers return in September. 
In the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the strains on the healthcare system continue to be felt, with
Florida 
In Washington, 
Wisconsin 
Some states focus on a broad strokes approach that expands access to the sector as a whole. Last year, 
Other states developed more focused career-specific pathways in close collaboration with industry partners. 
State CTE leaders utilize data as feedback to continuously improve systems, celebrate high-quality programs, and target areas for improvement. For example, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) utilizes NOCTI/NBS assessments and data for various purposes, including program evaluation, curriculum alignment, instructional improvement, professional development, and accountability. Learners meeting state-established benchmarks are eligible for the Pennsylvania Skills Certificate (PSC), recognizing individual advanced technical skill achievement.
High-quality CTE systems involve business/industry partners in verifying skills, ensuring learner assessments accurately reflect expertise. This practice not only benefits learners but also provides industry employees with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to CTE schools and programs. As one evaluator recently summarized, “I am always willing to set time aside to work with these learners and programs, as this is the future of my industry–one that I care about and want to impact.”