what_is

What:

SkillsUSA-VICA is a national organization serving more than 240,000 high school and college students and professional members who are enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations.

Where:

SkillsUSA-VICA has almost a quarter million student members annually, organized into more than 13,000 chapters and 53 state and territorial associations (including Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands).

Its Purpose:

SkillsUSA-VICA prepares America's high performance workers. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work, high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA-VICA also promotes understanding of the free enterprise system and involvement in community service activities.

Partnerships With Business/Education/Students:

Approximately 15,000 teachers and school administrators serve as professional SkillsUSA-VICA members and instructors. More than 1,000 corporations, trade associations and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA-VICA on a national level through financial aid, in-kind contributions, and involvement of their people in SkillsUSA-VICA activities. Many more work directly with state associations and local chapters.

The SkillsUSA-VICA Pledge

Upon my honor, I pledge:

To prepare myself by diligent study and ardent practice to become a worker whose services will be recognized as honorable by my employer and fellow workers.
To base my expectations of reward upon the solid foundation of service.
To honor and respect my vocation in such a way as to bring repute to myself.
And further, to spare no effort in upholding the ideals of SkillsUSA-VICA

Colors

The colors red, white, blue and gold represent the national SkillsUSA-VICA organization.

Red and white represent the individual states and chapters.
Blue represents the common union of the states and of the chapters.
Gold represents the individual, the most important element of the organization.

Symbolism of the SkillsUSA-VICA emblem
The shield represents patriotism
The shield denotes our belief in democracy, liberty and the American way of life.
The gear represents the industrial society
The gear, symbolic of the industrial society, denotes the interdependence and cooperation of the individual working with labor and management for the betterment of mankind.
The torch represents knowledge
The flaming torch reflects the light of knowledge, which dispels the darkness of ignorance. In the light of the torch, progress will be made toward the vocational goals of the individual.
The orbital circles represent technology
The circles present the challenge of modern technology and the training needed to accept and master the challenge of new technical frontiers and the need for continuous education.
The hands represent the individual
The hands portray a search for knowledge and our desire to acquire a skill. In the process of attaining knowledge and skill, we will develop a respect for the dignity of work and become productive and responsible citizens.