Build a Successful SkillsUSA Chapter

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Building a Successful Chapter

Give Students the Structure to Lead

Build a student-led SkillsUSA chapter using Tennessee-specific guidance, practical planning tools, and proven resources developed for College/Postsecondary advisors.

Explore the Tennessee Resource Center Start With the Chapter Checklist

Successful SkillsUSA Chapter

Everything You Need to Build an Exceptional Chapter

Building a Successful Chapter serves as the foundation of Tennessee's advisor development system. It combines national SkillsUSA resources, Tennessee best practices, planning tools, and real chapter examples into one practical roadmap.

Advisors can use the guide throughout the year to launch a chapter, establish student leadership, build a Program of Work, prepare for conferences and competitions, and create a sustainable chapter culture.

The Advisor's Role

Guide the Process. Let Students Lead the Work.

One of the most important responsibilities of an advisor is helping students learn an effective planning process while giving them genuine responsibility for chapter activities.

Students learn and grow when they organize meetings, plan events, communicate with partners, manage projects, solve problems, and reflect on results.

New Chapter Checklist

Start With the Right Foundation

1 Obtain a Membership Kit or download current membership materials.
2 Meet with campus administration to request support and explain the value of SkillsUSA for students, programs, and workforce preparation.
3 Contact the state office, join state communications, review upcoming deadlines, and complete the new chapter charter process when applicable.
4 Identify one or more faculty members, counselors, or campus leaders who can help support the chapter.
5 Build support among faculty, especially when the chapter will include students from multiple technical or academic programs.
6 Introduce SkillsUSA to industry advisory councils and invite partners to serve as speakers, judges, mentors, and supporters.

Growing Your Chapter

Move From Registration to Engagement

Student Interest

Launch With Energy

  • Remember that eligible TBR CTE students and advisors are funded members and must be registered.
  • Invite state officers or students from another chapter to speak.
  • Host a kickoff event that is informative, welcoming, and engaging.
Student Leadership

Create a Leadership Structure

  • Elect campus-wide chapter officers.
  • Form student-led committees.
  • Give students meaningful responsibilities tied to the Program of Work.
Classroom Integration

Connect SkillsUSA to Instruction

  • Use classroom activities to reinforce workplace and leadership skills.
  • Integrate Career Essentials and Framework-based learning.
  • Select activities that align with program competencies and employer expectations.

SkillsUSA Championships

Prepare Students to Demonstrate Excellence

Competition preparation should connect technical instruction, leadership, workplace expectations, and professional behavior.

Determine whether your campus will hold a local contest. Publish rules, dates, expectations, and awards. Invite industry partners to help plan, judge, and provide feedback. Register students for state and national events. Prepare students using current Technical Standards and contest updates. Include leadership competitions as well as technical competitions. Close the year with recognition for students, partners, and supporters. Evaluate the year and begin planning for improvement.

Developing a Program of Work

Plan a Balanced Year of Student-Led Activities

Activities should be student-driven with advisor guidance and support. Student committees should plan and complete work across all seven SkillsUSA Program of Work areas.

Chapters should complete at least one meaningful activity in each area during the school year.

View Tennessee Chapter Planning Resources

Keys to Developing Your Chapter

The Seven Areas of the Program of Work

Open each area to review its definition and sample chapter activities.

1. Professional Development +

Definition

Activities that help students learn leadership and work-related skills.

Sample Ideas

  • Host an industry guest speaker.
  • Organize an industry panel with the local Chamber of Commerce.
  • Provide leadership training.
  • Assist with campus tours.
  • Participate in student recruitment events.
2. Employability +

Definition

Activities that increase awareness of quality job practices, workplace attitudes, employer contacts, and employment opportunities.

Sample Ideas

  • Mock job interviews.
  • Résumé writing workshops.
  • Life skills workshops.
  • Job fairs.
  • Employer networking events.
3. Community Service +

Definition

Activities that improve the quality of life within the school and community.

Sample Ideas

  • Local park cleanup.
  • Disaster-relief donation drive.
  • Veterans recognition event.
  • Canned food or coat drive.
  • Angel Tree project.
4. Ways and Means +

Definition

Activities that raise the funds necessary for the chapter to operate.

Sample Ideas

  • Penny Wars.
  • Tune-Up Tuesdays.
  • Fall Festival.
  • Business sponsorships.
  • Silent auctions.
  • Yard sales.
  • Shirt sponsorships.
5. SkillsUSA Championships +

Definition

Activities that allow members to demonstrate leadership and technical skills through competitive events.

Sample Ideas

  • Skills demonstrations during class.
  • Mock competitions with local industry judges.
  • Hosting a high school regional event.
  • Competition practice sessions.
  • Technical Standards review workshops.
6. Public Relations +

Definition

Activities that make the public aware of member accomplishments and chapter contributions.

Sample Ideas

  • SkillsUSA showcase during an open house.
  • Chapter YouTube or social media channel.
  • Chapter newsletter.
  • SkillsUSA Week activities.
  • Local media stories and press releases.
7. Social Activities +

Definition

Activities that create opportunities for members to build relationships within the school and community.

Sample Ideas

  • Student Appreciation Day.
  • Karaoke night.
  • College sporting events.
  • Chapter cookouts.
  • Game nights.

Advisor Learning Modules

Continue Building Your Local Chapter

Available Now Steps to Start Your Chapter
Coming Soon Holding Effective Chapter Meetings
Coming Soon Conducting Officer Elections
Coming Soon Developing a Successful Program of Work
Available Now Leadership Development
Coming Soon Community Service
Available Now SkillsUSA Championships Available Now Membership Kit

Education, Curriculum & Professional Development

Support Teaching and Career Readiness

Learn About Career Clusters Career Essentials Curriculum CareerSafe Online Safety Training Advisor Professional Development Tennessee Career and Technical Education

Marketing, Advocacy & Scholarships

Promote and Support Your Chapter

SkillsUSA Brand Center SkillsUSA Tennessee Communications SkillsUSA Advocacy Steps to Chapter Advocacy Scholarships and Financial Aid