Membership Information

What type of membership is best for my program?
Generally it's best if all students in a specific CTE class are members. This eliminates the member/non-member issues that can result. It also allows you to more effectively integrate SkillsUSA into your program because regular meetings, functions and activities have relevance to everyone in class. Being affiliated with SkillsUSA gives your students access to leadership and skill development experiences that will prepare them for workforce success.

Students must be enrolled in a high school or post-secondary career and technical education program. Each section (program) must have a teacher who will serve as the Advisor for the students.

The chart below compares the Program Affiliation Membership program to the "per person" membership. Review the comparison chart below:

Program Affiliation Membership (group membership)		Per Person Membership
Program affiliation is designed for the total amount of enrolled students in your program, the entire school or the entire district to be members. This applies to appropriate programs only. (For a list of qualifying programs, visit here.)		"Per person" membership is submitted through the online membership system and allows teachers and students to join at individual rates..
	Enroll everyone at once and save money! View Pricing here.		Dues for this school-year: $13 per student $19 per instructor
	Conference fees are extra. Add on Supplemental Packages for conferences and save 10% to 15% per person. View pricing here.		Student Membership Benefits Teacher Membership Benefits.
	Receive all of the Student Membership Benefits and Teacher Membership Benefits.		Conference fees are extra.
	Each Teacher receives a set of seven (7) National Leadership Handbooks ($35 value) as part of the membership.		Join online or Join by mail. Must be submitted to the national office.
	Download the Program Affiliation Membership (PDF)

Program Affiliation Membership

The SkillsUSA Program Affiliation Membership allows eligible students who are enrolled in technical, skilled and service occupations to participate in SkillsUSA as an integral part of their education.

This plan focuses on delivering a full SkillsUSA program to all eligible students in a classroom, on a campus or in a school district. This plan also focuses on the development of essential employability, participative and attitude development skills as called for in the U.S. Department of Labor's Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) Report.

Under the Program Affiliation Membership, all students (in eligible programs*) are SkillsUSA members. You simply sign up your whole class or all students at your school in SkillsUSA-related programs using a scaled classroom/institution fee. (If you have 22 or more students, the fee is less than the total individual dues would be, and one fee covers both state and national dues.)

*Eligible programs include those that align with the contests published by SkillsUSA. This does not mean every program at a school must join SkillsUSA--only those that align with the contests. For example, marketing students should not join SkillsUSA because DECA provides more services to meet their needs. For clarification, please contact the SkillsUSA--Arizona office.

Teacher Membership Benefits

Free Teacher Incentives
If you submit online or postmark your roster by Nov. 15, 2008, and register at least 20 student members plus one or more professional members, you will receive a free SkillsUSA Chapter Banner (value $25).

Instructors who submit a roster with 100-percent membership plus one or more professionals also receive a SkillsUSA Program of Work calendar (value $5.95) and a poster.

Deadline: Your roster must be submitted online or postmarked by Nov. 15, 2008, to receive these free items!

SkillsUSA Magazine Subscription
All SkillsUSA members receive a subscription to SkillsUSA Champions, the official publication of the organization. Postmark your roster by Nov. 15, 2008, to receive all four issues for this school year. Back issues available upon request (limited quantities).

Scholarship Opportunities for Students
SkillsUSA members have opportunities for more than $1 million in scholarships, contests, awards and honors. Review the SkillsUSA Programs and Opportunities book for more information.

Members Only Section of the Website
Visit the Members Only section of the SkillsUSA Web site to view information/offers for our members only. The login and password are located on the back of the student and professional membership cards.

Car Rental Discounts
SkillsUSA Professional members are eligible for car discounts (see back of your Professional member card for details).

Stanley Tool Offer
SkillsUSA's valued industry partner, Stanley Tools, is providing a unique new discounted tool set program for SkillsUSA members and instructors, and their families. You can enjoy up to a 25 percent discount on selected tool sets through this offer. Get the details.

Professional Membership Cards
All SkillsUSA Professional members are mailed their Membership Cards and a renewal letter separately each fall. Watch your mail for this wallet card, and call our membership office at 800-355-8422 if you do not receive it.

Student Membership Benefits

SkillsUSA Magazine Subscription
All SkillsUSA members receive a subscription to SkillsUSA Champions, the official publication of the organization. This quarterly magazine includes feature stories about outstanding individuals and their achievements, articles about SkillsUSA chapters and the latest information on careers and training. Your instructor should submit online or postmark your roster by Nov. 15, 2008, to receive all issues.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities
SkillsUSA members have opportunities for more than $1 million annually in scholarships, contests, awards and honors. Review the SkillsUSA Programs and Opportunities book for a list of scholarships. Many are tied to the national SkillsUSA Championships. Each state offers its own awards and scholarships through their state conference.

Members Only Section of Web Site
Visit the Members Only section of the SkillsUSA Web site to view information, career resources and fun downloads for our members only. Ask your instructor for a Membership Card if you did not receive one when you joined. Your instructor can call the national office at 800-355-8422 to request additional membership cards as needed.

Go to: www.skillsusa.org/members/

The LOGIN and PASSWORD are on located the back of the student membership card.

What Do Students Get for Their Dues?
Dues-paying student members of SkillsUSA automatically receive the following benefits:

A subscription to SkillsUSA Champions, the official magazine of SkillsUSA
Access to career resources and contact with industry
Opportunities to compete in the SkillsUSA Championships at the local, state or national levels
Opportunities for scholarships, awards and honors
Job contacts and networking opportunities
A chance to learn and practice professional and leadership skills
Recognition from peers, teachers and leaders within the community

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay with a Purchase Order (P.O.)?

Yes. However, membership received with a purchase order after March 1, will not be processed until the payment is received. The change is necessary due to the lag time in receiving payment on membership purchase orders, which becomes an issue as schools close for the summer.

Where do I begin with all of this information?

To keep you from being overwhelmed with information and questions, we recommend that you contact our office. We can provide you with step-by-step information, a membership kit and even schedule classroom visits. Also, contact Mr. Ross Rector, Chandler HS Advisor, to be connected to an Advisor mentor who can assist you with your program.

How do I get my students excited about joining SkillsUSA?

Even for an experienced SkillsUSA Advisor, this can be a challenging task. Scheduling a visit, from our office, with a State Officer is often a great way to allow your students to see a “peer” who is involved and benefiting from being a member. Contact Jeremy Montoya, Membership & State Officer Manager, for information about scheduling a classroom visit.

How do I make time for SkillsUSA when I’m too busy teaching?

There are many responses to these types of inquiries. SkillsUSA’s Professional Development Program (PDP) covers 84 Employability Skills—many are the same competencies that are required by your school district and the Arizona Department of Education. Additionally, SkillsUSA does not have to be an “after school” activity. Many of our Advisors have found creative ways to incorporate SkillsUSA activities into classroom instruction. Our office would be happy to connect you with an Advisor Mentor who can help!