SkillsUSA Day on the Hill
SkillsUSA Day on the Hill is one of the premier leadership and advocacy experiences available to Tennessee College/Postsecondary members. Held each spring in partnership with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Student Government Presidents Council (SGPC), the event provides students with an opportunity to engage directly with state government and advocate for the future of career and technical education.
Participants travel to Nashville to meet with state legislators, observe the legislative process, and discuss the impact of career and technical education on Tennessee's workforce and economy. Students gain firsthand experience in civic engagement while sharing their personal educational journeys and the value of SkillsUSA and technical education programs.
More than a field trip, Day on the Hill is a leadership development experience. Students strengthen communication, professionalism, teamwork, public speaking, and advocacy skills while representing their institutions and communities at the state level. Through conversations with elected officials and policymakers, participants learn how public policy influences education, workforce development, and economic opportunity throughout Tennessee.
The event also provides students with a unique opportunity to network with fellow student leaders from across the state, members of the Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee Board of Regents leadership, and other advocates for postsecondary education and workforce development.
SkillsUSA members serve as ambassadors for their colleges, their communities, and the thousands of students enrolled in career and technical education programs across Tennessee. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, participants help ensure that student voices are represented in conversations about the future of education and workforce preparation.
Each institution may have the opportunity to send student representatives to participate in this statewide leadership experience. Additional details, registration information, and event logistics will be released during the spring term once the Tennessee Board of Regents finalizes the schedule.
What Participants Can Expect
- Meet with Tennessee legislators and policymakers.
- Learn how state government and the legislative process work.
- Advocate for career and technical education and workforce development.
- Develop leadership, communication, and professionalism skills.
- Network with student leaders from across Tennessee.
- Represent your institution and the SkillsUSA organization.
- Gain a deeper understanding of civic engagement and public service.
Advisors are encouraged to attend and support their students throughout the experience.
SkillsUSA Framework Connections
Day on the Hill supports the development of numerous SkillsUSA Framework elements, including communication, leadership, responsibility, professionalism, service orientation, planning and organizing, teamwork, and multicultural sensitivity and awareness.