Center for Advanced Technical Studies honored as SkillsUSA Models of Excellence Chapter

The SkillsUSA Chapter located at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) has been named a SkillsUSA Models of Excellence Chapter for 2022 in the Framework component of Personal Skills.

The Center SkillsUSA Chapter is one of 24 SkillsUSA chapters across the nation to achieve Models of Excellence status. The SkillsUSA’s Chapter Excellence Program honors chapters for exemplary work in supporting the SkillsUSA Framework of developing personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. The Framework illustrates the intentional learning of critical workplace skills sought by industry.

Models of Excellence chapters define excellence, and their best practices will serve as models for other chapters to emulate in strengthening their local programs.

“I am once again extremely humbled and proud of the accomplishments of our students. Over the last few years, we have had strong student leaders and student members dedicated to their own personal and professional growth, as well as the growth of our community,” said SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor at The Center Joe Chapman. “This year was no exception. Through their adaptability, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, our students have continued to inspire us all here at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies. We are grateful for this prestigious honor and look forward to representing our chapter in Atlanta, Georgia, this June.”

Chapman and two student leaders from The Center’s SkillsUSA Chapter will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend the National Leadership & Skills Conference June 20-25, 2022, to participate in interviews, presentations, dinners, and other events used to evaluate the chapter.

The SkillsUSA Chapter at The Center will be evaluated on the logistics, execution, results and assessment of student growth in the Chapter based on the Chapter’s project called “Light Up Another’s Life”. The Chapter organized a holiday tree competition among three student organizations at The Center: SkillsUSA, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

Each student organization was given a tree and was asked to create/craft ornaments related to the respective programs or organization. The trees were then placed on display and voted on by staff at The Center for the best-decorated tree. SkillsUSA won the decoration contest. The SkillsUSA Chapter at The Center also adopted three families for the Families Helping Families organization. In total, over $1700 in gifts were donated, wrapped, and given to families for the holidays.

“Participating in Career and Technical Student Organizations at The Center is a great way to enhance and extend the learning environment beyond the traditional classroom. It is an honor to be recognized as a SkillsUSA Models of Excellence Chapter for three years in a row,” said Assistant Director of The Center, Will McGinty. “Mr. Chapman and his student leaders have done an outstanding job supporting our school and local community. We are extremely proud of our students’ accomplishments and this award recognizes their hard work and effort.”