EMU Today

Ypsilanti, MI — SkillsUSA Michigan is excited to unveil the Regional Championship Expansion Project, aimed at enhancing and expanding the regional competition infrastructure for students across the state. This initiative will address current geographical disparities in access to competitive opportunities, ensuring that all students have equitable access to skill-building training and career-enhancing experiences.

SkillsUSA Michigan is a leading Career and Technical Student Organization, dedicated to preparing students for high-wage, high-skill careers through a robust workforce development framework. Affiliated with SkillsUSA Inc., the state association is authorized by the Office of Career and Technical Education to operate at Eastern Michigan University. It serves over 4,500 members annually across 10 critical industries, including Manufacturing, STEM, Construction, and Transportation.

The project has garnered significant support from a variety of stakeholders committed to workforce development and education:

• Ford Motor Company and Ford Philanthropy
• RR Donnelley
• General Motors Foundation
• Michigan Sugar Company
• SME Education Foundation
• SkillsUSA National Office
• Office of Career and Technical Education
• Eastern Michigan University

The primary aim of the Regional Championship Expansion Project is to create a comprehensive framework for regional competitions that fosters consistency and equitable access. Key activities will include increasing the number of regional competitions offered so more students can participate, implementing training sessions for participants, developing standardized guidelines for regional competitions, and fostering increased connections between industry professionals and education institutions.

The first phase of the project will focus on expanding competitions in the manufacturing and STEM sectors. 

“By strengthening the regional competition infrastructure, we are providing youth development opportunities for more students and investing in the future of Michigan’s skilled workforce at the same time,” said Danielle West, SkillsUSA Michigan state director. “We are grateful for the commitment and collaboration from our partners who share our vision for enhancing career and technical education initiatives in our state.”

SkillsUSA Michigan is part of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology at Eastern Michigan University. The College has a grant from the Michigan Office of Career and Technical Education to manage SkillsUSA Michigan.

For more information about SkillsUSA Michigan or its Regional Championship Expansion Project, contact Danielle West at dwest30@emich.edu.

About SkillsUSA 
SkillsUSA is dedicated to empowering students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.  As the leading workforce development organization for students, SkillsUSA has played a vital role in enhancing career readiness and fostering partnerships between industry and education for 60 years.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.