Idaho is one of 23 state associations to achieve the Gold level of SkillsUSA’s State Standards of Excellence program for 2020.

SkillsUSA is a career technical student organization (CTSO) dedicated to improving the quality of America’s future skilled workforce through the development of personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. Students participate in activities and competitive events designed to prepare them for leadership in the world of work. Membership is organized into chapters at participating high schools and postsecondary institutions; these chapters are overseen by the state association, for which the State Standards of Excellence program is designed.

Now in its fourth year, this non-competitive program encourages state associations to meet organizational, governance, and fiscal responsibility standards, thus benchmarking their performance and determining improvements to serve their members best. Though the SkillsUSA Idaho state association earned a Silver level in 2019, this is the first time the Idaho state association has achieved the Gold level. The achievement is especially notable given the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic during the 2019-2020 school year, including canceling the State Leadership and Skills Conference (SLSC) in 2020, planning a virtual SCLC in 2021, and transitioning competitive events to a virtual environment.

“Earning the Gold Standard of Excellence really shows the commitment of everyone involved in SkillsUSA across the state of Idaho and provides a very bright spot during a difficult year,” said Chet Andes, SkillsUSA Idaho state association director. “It’s a sign of good things to come, and we’ll emerge stronger as an organization and state.”

Daniel Kelly, CTSO manager for SkillsUSA Idaho, echos Andes’ sentiment.

“To me, this shows that SkillsUSA Idaho’s members are truly Champions at Work. Even in a virtual year, we’re able to attain greater goals and challenges constantly,” said Kelly. “Achieving the Gold level Standards of Excellence for the first time is testament to the strength of our association, our teachers, and our students, who are empowered to succeed every day.” For more information about SkillsUSA, visit skillsusaidaho.com or skillsusa.org.