SkillsUSA participates in White House “CTE Innovators” Event

On 30 June, 2015, three SkillsUSA student members, three SkillsUSA instructors, and two members of the SkillsUSA national staff were among those honored in Washington, D.C. to participate in a White House convening: “Celebrating Innovations in Career and Technical Education” (CTE). First Lady Michelle Obama delivered remarks praising the good work of educators, educational institutions, and - especially - students striving to develop cutting-edge skills that align with the jobs that companies actually need to fill. The White House conference included a showcase of student projects, and discussions with educators, philanthropists, business leaders, and policy makers on ways to expand CTE programs.

Photo: Honored at the White House as CTE Innovators were SkillsUSA students and advisors, including instructor Timothy McLeod and student Ahmad Shawwal, Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center, Virginia; student Brooke Johnson, University of North Carolina, Asheville; student Benjamin Miller, Hermitage Technical Center, Virginia; instructor Todd Anderson, Green Country Tech Center, Oklahoma; and Thomas O’Day, Arlington Career Center, Virginia. (Photo and caption provided by SUSA.)

The event followed the release of an Executive Order that expands the United States Presidential Scholars program to establish a new category including scholars in career and technical education. In her remarks, Mrs. Obama celebrated work connecting the classroom to real-life career opportunities. She highlighted the value of hands-on skills in driving a new wave of innovation, and she encouraged young people in the room to pursue the learning and skill development necessary to become the next generation of leaders. The students and educators participating in the event were selected through a competitive process.

“It is an honor for SkillsUSA to be recognized by the White House as an innovator and thought-leader in public education CTE partnerships,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director, Timothy Lawrence. “As change comes, we want to not only be a part of it, but also be a leader in meeting the need for a trained workforce that can help close the skills gap in America.” 

SkillsUSA is the national organization in the United States for students in trade, industrial, technical, and health occupations education. The organization serves more than 300,000 high school, college, and postsecondary students - and their instructors - in technical, skilled, and service occupation instructional programs. In strong cooperation with Skills/Compétences Canada, the organization will bring the world to the 2016 meeting of WorldSkills General Assembly. The last time WorldSkills came to North America it was for the world-class 40th WorldSkills Competition in Calgary, Canada in 2009. Plans are already in the works; watch for more information on the 2016 WorldSkills International General Assembly soon.

For more information on the Presidential Executive Order, visit: www.ed.gov

To watch the video of First Lady Michelle Obama’s remarks, go to: www.whitehouse.gov