Start a Chapter

Bring SkillsUSA Tennessee to your school or community and provide students with opportunities to lead, grow, and prepare for their future careers. By starting a chapter, advisors equip students with the tools and experiences they need to excel academically, personally, and professionally.

Steps to Start a SkillsUSA Chapter

The steps below outline the general process for starting a SkillsUSA chapter; however, individual schools or districts may have additional policies or approval procedures. Be sure to check with your administration or CTE director for any local requirements.

1 | Obtain School Approval

  • Talk to your CTE director or principal about how SkillsUSA supports career and technical education and student career readiness.

  • Clearly outline how the chapter aligns with your school or district’s goals.

  • Secure formal approval from your school administration to start a SkillsUSA chapter.

2 | Identify a Chapter Advisor

  • Select a faculty or staff member to serve as the chapter advisor.

  • The advisor will provide mentorship, structure, and guidance for student members.

3 | Understand the Role of an Advisor

  • Advisors serve as mentors, coaches, and facilitators.

  • Key responsibilities include managing chapter activities, coordinating affiliation, supporting student participation in conferences and events, and promoting leadership and career development.

  • Review the Advisor Essentials page for helpful resources and expectations.

4 | Contact the Customer Care Team

5 | Recruit Student Members

  • Invite students interested in CTE and leadership to join your chapter.

  • Host an interest meeting to introduce students to SkillsUSA’s mission and opportunities.

  • Begin collecting parental paperwork and chapter, state, and national membership dues.

6 | Register Your Members

  • Register your chapter through SkillsUSA Register.

  • Submit member rosters and ensure all state and national membership dues are paid to SkillsUSA’s national office in Leesburg, Virginia.

  • Refer to the Membership page for more information.

7 | Launch Your Chapter

  • Host your first chapter meeting to welcome members and introduce goals.

  • Elect chapter officers or form a leadership team.

  • Set clear goals and plan key chapter activities.

  • Develop a year-long calendar with important dates, deadlines, and chapter meetings.

  • Work with your school to advertise SkillsUSA through morning announcements, flyers, or open house events.

  • Use social media or a bulletin board to highlight chapter events and student achievements.

8 | Prepare for the First Year

  • Subscribe to the Memo Monday email newsletter for updates.

  • Bookmark the Calendar to track deadlines and events.

  • Connect with other advisors in your school district or region for mentorship and collaboration.

  • Focus on foundational activities: membership registration, recruitment, and participation in one or two key conferences.

  • Empower student leadership: chapter officers should lead meetings, plan activities, and drive engagement; the advisor’s role is to guide, support, and advise.

  • Start small and grow: success comes from consistency and engagement over time.

9 | Get Involved in SkillsUSA Programs & Conferences

10 | Stay Informed & Supported

Questions?

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