Updates from SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference

Spring has sprung into action with a full line-up of regional and statewide STEM competitions.
FLATE values these competitions and takes an active role in participating and promoting these events, as it not only engages and excites students about careers in STEM, but helps develop technical skills and leadership qualities that prepare students for advanced technology careers once they graduate from high school. At the Florida SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, held at Lakeland in April, FLATE sponsored various competitions for students and sessions for educators and team advisors.

The three day event drew attendees from across Florida who participated in various STEM based competitions with statewide teams. FLATE has actively been engaged with SkillsUSA

Florida, and this year sponsored the Advisors’ Luncheon which had over 85 attendees, as well as gift bags and gift certificates for the mechatronics competition winners. The Advisors’ Luncheon, which was also sponsored by FLATE, was a hotspot to showcase and share information about FLATE’s educational resources with Conference attendees. The luncheon featured a motivational presentation centered on a Star Wars theme. Using “The Force in You” theme, by Diane Culpepper, Executive Director of Lake Technical College, focused her presentation on the importance of educators, their role in mentoring students, and the value in networking/joining professional organizations. Building on what Culpepper articulated, FLATE, FAITE and FL DOE had the opportunity to present each organization to Conference attendees and showcase how organizations in Florida collaborate with one another to promote STEM/technical education. 

SkillsUSA is a national organization that “represents a partnership of teachers, school and
industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.” It prepares students for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations. For more information about the Florida Chapter of SkillsUSA and upcoming events visit http://www.skillsusafl.org. For information on STEM competitions and how to get involved in statewide Career & Technical student organization visit http://fl-ate.org/programs/student-organizations/, or contact Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org.

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