2. What is SkillsUSA? SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit student organization that serves students enrolled in career and technical education training programs at our nation’s public high schools and colleges. SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers and responsible American citizens.

3. What is SkillsUSA? SkillsUSA complements technical skills training with instruction in the employability skills that make a well-rounded worker and citizen. Founded in 1965, SkillsUSA has developed nearly 9.5 million workers through active partnerships between employers and educators.

4. What is SkillsUSA? SkillsUSA has approximately 15,000 school chapters in 54 state and territorial associations, and serves more than 300,000 members annually. More than 16,000 instructors and administrators are professional members of SkillsUSA.

5. What is SkillsUSA? SkillsUSA is an applied method of learning where students practice skills and build self-confidence while helping their schools and communities. SkillsUSA provides experiences in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. Our program emphasizes high ethical standards, superior work skills, lifelong education and pride.

6. SkillsUSA Theme The SkillsUSA competition theme for the 2013-14 year is SkillsUSA: Champions at Work Educated and Skilled to Lead America The topic to be addressed by contestants in the Chapter Display, Prepared Speech and Promotional Bulletin Board contests is how our slogan, SkillsUSA: Champions at Work, relates to our national program of work in the area of Professional Development.

7. SkillsUSA Motto Preparing for leadership in the world of work.

8. SkillsUSA Pledge Upon my honor, I pledge: To prepare myself by diligent study and ardent practice to become a worker whose services will be recognized as honorable by my employer and fellow workers. To base my expectations of reward upon the solid foundation of service. To honor and respect my vocation in such a way as to bring repute to myself. And further, to spare no effort in upholding the ideals of SkillsUSA.

9. SkillsUSA Creed I believe in the dignity of work I hold that society has advanced to its present culture through the use of the worker's hands and mind. I will maintain a feeling of humbleness for the knowledge and skills that I receive from professionals, and I will conduct myself with dignity in the work I do.

10. Symbolism of the SkillsUSA Emblem The shield represents patriotism The shield denotes our belief in democracy, liberty and the American way of life. The gear represents the industrial society The gear, symbolic of the industrial society, denotes the interdependence and cooperation of the individual working with labor and management for the betterment of mankind.

11. Symbolism of the SkillsUSA Emblem The torch represents knowledge The flaming torch reflects the light of knowledge, which dispels the darkness of ignorance. In the light of the torch, progress will be made toward the vocational goals of the individual. The orbital circles represent technology The circles represent the challenge of modern technology and the training needed to accept and master the challenge of new technical frontiers and the need for continuous education. The hands represent the individual The hands portray a search for knowledge and our desire to acquire a skill. In the process of attaining knowledge and skill, we will develop a respect for the dignity of work and become productive and responsible citizens.

12. SkillsUSA Colors The colors red, white, blue and gold represent the national SkillsUSA organization. Red and white represent the individual states and chapters. Blue represents the common union of the states and of the chapters. Gold represents the individual, the most important element of the organization.

13. Work Force Ready System Skills Connect Assessments The SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System provides assessments for Career and Technical Education that are supported by industry, education and policy leaders.

14. We've engaged industry, education and policy leaders to ensure that employers will recognize our assessments, help instructors validate their programs and provide career- seekers with proof of what they can do. Skill Connect Assessments are 100% industry driven and defined. Skills Connect Assessments

15. Interactive - Animations allow assessment of a broader range of competencies than available paper-based or text-only assessments. The assessments are rigorous and relevant. Industry-driven – Developed by industry experts. Designed to meet the needs of education and industry. Responsive –Real-time assessment capability allows immediate grading and validation on student performance to standards and competencies. Diverse – Assesses employability and technical skills in more than 40 unique areas Affordable – Designed with budgets of instructional programs and individual career seekers in mind Skills Connect Assessments

16. 3D Visualization and Animation Advertising Design Architectural Drafting Audio-Radio Production Automated Manufacturing Technology Cabinetmaking Carpentry CNC Milling and Turning Technology Commercial Baking Computer Maintenance Technology Cosmetology Criminal Justice / CSI Culinary Arts Customer Service Digital File Preparation/Digital File Output Electrical Construction Wiring Electronics Application and Technology Employability Energy Industry Employability Skills Engineering Technology Graphic Communications Internetworking Marine Service Technology Masonry Mechatronics Medical Assisting Motorcycle Service Technology Nail Care Nurse Assisting Offset Press Operations/Binding and Finishing Photography Plumbing Power Equipment Technology Robotics Screen Printing Technology Printing Blueprint Technical Drafting Television Video Production Welding

17. Criminal Justice / CSI Blueprint Explain concepts and applications of the major principles of federal laws related to criminal justice and crime scene investigation (10%) Demonstrate standard patrol procedures in a simulated situation (4%) Investigate a traffic report and traffic accidents using standard procedures in a given situation (6%) Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for emergency and crisis situations encountered by law enforcement officers (4%)

18. Criminal Justice / CSI Blueprint Demonstrate standard procedures for searching for, collecting, removing and evaluating physical evidence from a crime scene (16%) Apply proper procedures for collecting clear and legible latent fingerprints from a crime scene (10%) Demonstrate procedures to arrest and search a subject in a simulated situation (16%)