The Chapter Excellence Program (CEP) is the single best way to build a successful SkillsUSA chapter. The CEP recognizes achievement as it relates to the integration of the SkillsUSA Framework in chapter Program of Work (PoW) activities.
Every chapter is encouraged to participate in the CEP, and there are three award levels to recognize program involvement. The first two levels are acknowledged by a chapter’s state association, and the third level is recognized nationally. Each level is designed to give chapters a benchmark for success and future improvement, leading to stronger chapters and better-prepared students. The more a chapter applies the Framework, the greater the chance for CEP honors, so go for the gold and gain the recognition your chapter deserves through CEP participation!
Level 1: Quality Chapter
This first level honors chapters for achieving essential standards of excellence.
Level 2: Chapter of Distinction
This second level recognizes chapters that go beyond baseline requirements, and Chapter of Distinction award winners may earn bronze, silver or gold level of this award.
Level 3: Models of Excellence
Chapters in each state receiving a gold “Chapter of Distinction” award are eligible for national selection as a Models of Excellence chapter. These chapters define excellence. Best practices will be gleaned from the award winners and shared with the field to serve as models for other chapters to emulate in strengthening their local programs. Eight chapters will be chosen to represent each component of the SkillsUSA Framework (Personal, Workplace and Technical Skills), and one winner representing each component will be chosen at SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Click the image to download the CEP Advisor’s Guide
Want to participate in the CEP? Fill out the application on our membership site. Once logged in, click the “Membership” button and select “Chapter Excellence Program.”
Need some help with the CEP? Schedule a free one-on-one coaching session with our CEP and Program of Work coach Kellie Engelbrecht!
Implementing the CEP can result in benefits for members, teachers/chapter advisors and for the chapter, campus and community.
For members:
For teachers/chapter advisors:
For chapter/campus/community:
To earn Level 1 Quality Chapter Award, a chapter must:
To earn Level 2 Chapter of Distinction, a chapter must:
The Level 3 National Models of Excellence award is the highest honor a chapter can receive. To earn it, a chapter must:
Chapters receiving the Level 1 “Quality Chapter” award receive:
Chapters receiving the Level 2 “Chapter of Distinction” receive the Quality Chapter Award certificate plus an opportunity to compete for gold, silver and bronze status as a Chapter of Distinction.
Chapters achieving the Level 3 “Models of Excellence” award will each receive the Quality Chapter Award certificate, Gold Chapter of Distinction recognition items plus:
Note: Receipt of some of the items listed above is based on secured sponsorship.
Download the full list of 2023 CEP participating chapters, alphabetized by state. Congratulations to all of our chapters of excellence!
CEP Advisor’s Guide
CEP Application Template (Use this template to plan for the submission of your application with your chapter officers and members.)
Sample Chapter Program Management Tool (Use this sample chapter activity to plan your Program of Work and ensure that the SkillsUSA Framework is embedded within each activity.)
Chapter Program Management Tool Template (A blank version of the sample above to help students work on their project goals, action plans and evaluations prior to completing the online application)
Chapter of Distinction Rubric (Use this rubric to optimize your CEP application.)
Sample Chapter Budget
Ask each student member to complete this Essential Element self evaluation to help them identify strengths and weaknesses within the SkillsUSA Framework. This helps your chapter to create and plan your Program of Work with intentionality. When completing the assessment, include your chapter ID number, which you can find on our Registration site. (You’ll need to be logged in.) Assessments results will be emailed to the participant and advisor email address associated with the chapter. Advisors are able to receive an aggregated report of all chapter members for use in planning their chapter’s Program of Work and Framework skill-building lessons. To receive your chapter’s report, contact SkillsUSA’s Customer Care team.
