SkillsUSA is an organization that was designed and created to help students develop skills and talents in their vocational areas. There are over 5000 student members of SkillsUSA in Maryland and over 250,000 student members on the National level. Throughout every school year, students participate in SkillsUSA Competitions starting within their schools on a local basis, then move onto the Regional level, State Competitions, and finally with a placement from the State competition, move onto the Nationals. All students who compete on any level, are all winners. They walk away with not only the skills they have been taught and the experience of demonstrating those skills to judges in their areas, but with a sense of accomplishment that will remain with them throughout their lives.

SkillsUSA just isn't about competition. Students participate in other activities such as leadership development, social development, community service, fund raising, career development, public relations, and participate in a Professional Development Program that will infuse confidence and prepare them for entry into the work force. This aspect of encouragement goes along with the Center's belief that each student will be provided with technical training and a saleable skill to further their education and gain entry level employment. The staff at CAT-S is looking forward to working with each student this school year and encouraging the participation of the students, families, and school community in seeing our students succeed.

SkillsUSA benefits you in the following ways:

• Professional Development to be a productive citizen and valued employee
• Networking –employment contacts
• SkillsUSA Championships–showcase your skills in your training area
• Leadership training
• School related activities

Maryland’s SkillsUSA delegation of students, teachers, parents and administrators including a CAT-South delegation attended the organization’s 2005 National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, MO, bringing home medals in 16 competitions. The CAT-South delegation included Lacy McDaniel (Dental Assisting), Roxanne Hubbard, Katherine Straub (Post Secondary Internetworking), John Grimes, Nicholas Browning (Residential Wiring), Rick Schultz, John Wenger (Sheet Metal), Nick Mastroianni, Geoffrey Basil, Julia Bennett, and Joyce Smith. Lacv McDaniel was awarded a Silver medal in Dental Assisting.

To see all of the results, visit the Winners page.

Why do we raise money for the activities? It cost money to go to the competitions. You must have the appropriate clothes, we raise money for the clothing. If you make it to the state competitions, you must have airfare and hotel fees. The Professional Development (PDP) activities documentation must be purchased. Students that attend the  Leadership Training conference must have travel and hotel fees. While our emphasis is on the skills that you learn in the organization, it takes money to carry out the activities.

At club activities we discuss fundraising, community service, the Skills Championship, social events, leadership development, public relations, and employment opportunities.

To join SkillsUSA you pay your state and local membership dues to your teacher or school advisor. Then jump in and participate!

2005 SkillsUSA Championships National, State, and Regional Winners

2004 SkillsUSA Championships National, State and Regional Winners

Official SkillsUSA Web Site

SkillsUSA Maryland Web Site