Wolcott Tech Named National Model of Excellence by SkillsUSA

 

Leesburg, Va., April 16, 2025 – SkillsUSA has named 24 SkillsUSA schools as Models of Excellence for 2025. The annual program recognizes the exceptional integration of Personal, Workplace and Technical Skills into SkillsUSA chapter activities. This is the highest honor bestowed on chapters by SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization working to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.

The Models of Excellence program promotes the intentional learning of Personal, Workplace and Technical Skills as outlined in the SkillsUSA Framework for student development. Specific characteristics defined within each skill area benchmark student achievement and chapter programming. The hands-on approach of this program actualizes the SkillsUSA mission as students take the lead on all activities and practice the skills that employers seek including communication, teamwork and problem solving. Their SkillsUSA instructors guide them – but never do the work for them – elevating their learning from classroom instruction to the successful application of skills.

“Our SkillsUSA top 24 Models of Excellence schools represent the best in chapter achievement and community involvement,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “These students are America’s future skilled workforce and future leaders in their local communities. It is a tremendous honor for these schools and their recognition validates these outstanding SkillsUSA programs.”

The 24 SkillsUSA chapters selected as Models of Excellence will be interviewed in June at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta. A panel of judges will evaluate each chapter based on their goals, student-led plan of action, results, final evaluation and integration of the SkillsUSA Framework. All chapters will be honored at the NLSC, and the top three schools will be named on June 27 at the SkillsUSA Awards Session at State Farm Arena for Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills. The winners receive national recognition and the opportunity to share their stories in SkillsUSA publications and trainings. The top 24 SkillsUSA Models of Excellence for 2025 include:

SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference 2025

Personal Skills

Cape Cod Tech (Massachusetts)

Cesar Chavez High School (California)

Cleburne High School (Texas)

La Joya Community High School (Arizona)

Lawrence County High School (Tennessee)

Warren High School (California)

Waverly-Shell Rock Senior High School (Iowa)

Wayne County JVS (Ohio)

 

Workplace Skills

Carteret Community College (North Carolina)

Cooley Middle School (Arizona)

Greater Lowell Tech High (Massachusetts)

McIntosh County Academy (Georgia)

Nicholas County Career and Technical Center (West Virginia)

Oliver Wolcott Technical High School (Connecticut)

Southern Adirondack Educational Center (New York)

WEMOCO Career and Education Center (New York)

 

Technical Skills

Camden County High (Georgia)

Center for Advanced Technical Studies (South Carolina)

East Butler High (Nebraska)

Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (Massachusetts)

South Branch Career & Technical Center (West Virginia)

South Forsyth High School (Georgia)

The Villages High School (Florida)

West – MEC NWC (Arizona)

 

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 442,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at www.skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.