2026 – 2027
Official Partnership Guide
Invest directly in Illinois's next generation of skilled workers.
SkillsUSA Illinois, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization — partnership contributions may be tax-deductible.
SkillsUSAIllinois.org 833.754.5545
WHO WE ARE
What is SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA Illinois prepares the next generation of skilled workers with the personal, workplace, and technical skills employers need most. Through hands-on competition, leadership development, and career and technical education, our students graduate ready to enter — and lead — Illinois's skilled workforce.
MISSION STATEMENT
SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students. We empower students to become skilled professions, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.
PREPARING STUDENTS TO BE "JOB READY DAY ONE."
Personal Skills
Integrity, work ethic, and professionalism
Workplace Skills
Teamwork, communication, and leadership
Technical Skills
Industry-specific, hands-on competency
"
SkillsUSA is on the front line, encouraging soft skills, specific skills. They are the connective tissue between opportunities that exist and the hopes that a lot of parents & kids have for their own future…SkillsUSA is actually moving the needle in a way that nobody else is.
— Mike Rowe, Actor, Host, Narrator
SKILLSUSA ILLINOIS · OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP GUIDE
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HOW WE DO IT
The SkillsUSA Framework
Every chapter, competition, and leadership activity is built on one shared model of employability. The Framework names the skills employers ask for most and gives students a common language for them.
COMPONENT 01
Personal Skills
Integrity · Work Ethic · Professionalism · Responsibility · Adaptability & Flexibility · Self-Motivation
COMPONENT 02
Workplace Skills
Communication · Decision Making · Teamwork · Multicultural Sensitivity & Awareness · Planning, Organizing & Management · Leadership
COMPONENT 03
Technical Skills Grounded in Academics
Computer & Technology Literacy · Job-Specific Skills · Professional Development · Safety & Health · Service Orientation · Understanding All Aspects of Industry
WHAT IT MEANS FOR AN EMPLOYER
Shows up ready
Students are held to workplace standards for attendance, dress, and conduct at every event.
Measured, not assumed
Competitions are written and judged by industry to real occupational standards.
Built to lead
Chapter and state officers run meetings, budgets, and statewide programs.
SKILLSUSA ILLINOIS · OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP GUIDE
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WHERE STUDENTS GO
Career Pathways We Support
Illinois students compete across twelve career clusters and more than 100 hands-on competitions. Find your industry — that is where your partnership goes to work.
01
Advanced Manufacturing
CNC · Industrial Motor Control · Mobile Robotics · Technical Drafting
02
Construction
Carpentry · Electrical · Plumbing · Masonry · HVAC · Commercial Roofing
03
Supply Chain & Transportation
Automotive · Diesel · Collision Repair · Aviation · Power Equipment Technology
04
Healthcare & Human Services
Nursing Assisting · Medical Terminology · Cosmetology · Esthetics · Barbering
05
Public Service & Safety
Firefighting · EMT · Criminal Justice · Crime Scene Investigation
06
Digital Technology
Computer Programming · Cybersecurity Commercial sUAS Drone · Internetworking
07
Cross-Cutting
Community Service · Job Interview ·
Job Skill Demonstration · Quiz Bowl
08
Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
Culinary Arts · Baking & Pastry Arts · Restaurant Service
09
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
3D Visualization & Animation · Video Production · Advertising Design
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10
Education
Early Childhood Education ·
Preschool Display
11
Management & Entrepreneurship
Facilithon · Entrepreneurship
12
Marketing & Sales
Customer Service · Pin Design · T-shirt Design · Promotional Bulletin Board
BY THE NUMBERS
A National Movement, Proven in Illinois
SkillsUSA is the answer to America's skills gap — and the scale keeps growing.
444,100
National SkillsUSA members
420,616
Student members nationwide
23,484
Teacher (professional) members
5,110
Schools, all 50 states & territories
Illinois's Proven Track Record
2026 State Leadership & Skills Conference — actual results
2,634
Total attendees
2,351
Student competitors
103
Hands-on competitions
83
Illinois chapters represented
2027 SLSC & TECHSPO at a Glance
THE EVENT YOU ARE SUPPORTING
2,600+
Expected participants
100+
Competitions
12
Career clusters
DATES
April 29 – May 1, 2027
VENUE
Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, IL
TECHSPO
40+ exhibitors alongside the competition floor
Every sponsorship in this guide directly supports this event — choose where your investment makes an impact.
SKILLSUSA ILLINOIS · OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP GUIDE
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WHY PARTNER
Benefits to Our Partners
A SkillsUSA Illinois partnership is a direct connection to students who have already been prepared for the future workforce — tested by competition, coached by their instructors, and ready to work.
01
Direct Talent Pipeline
Connect with 2,600+ Illinois CTE students statewide — the future employees your industry needs most, already trained to occupational standards.
02
Statewide Visibility
Logo placement, signage, conference app, and social media recognition in front of students, teachers, and parents across Illinois.
03
Workforce Investment
Fund the equipment, tools, and training that help close the skilled-trades gap in Illinois — in the trades you hire in.
04
Flexible, Visible Impact
Every gift maps to something tangible you can see in action — from 100 competitor name badges to an entire career cluster.
ALSO INCLUDED WITH PARTNERSHIP
Potential connection with advisors who teach in your discipline
Recruiting access at TECHSPO on the contest floor
A judging or volunteer role for your team members
Tax-deductible giving through a registered 501(c)(3)
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THE TIERS
Three Levels of Partnership
Your tier is set by your total annual commitment — a single sponsorship, several items from the menu, or a combination of cash and in-kind support. Everything adds up toward the same level.
BRONZE
$1,000 – $10,000
Get in front of the whole conference: discount exhibit space, logo on the app and website, and recognition in the advisor packet.
BEST FOR FIRST-TIME PARTNERS
SILVER
$10,000 – $25,000
Everything in Bronze, plus ceremony recognition, social media spotlights, and a premium booth location.
BEST FOR ACTIVE RECRUITERS
GOLD
$25,000+
Everything in Silver, plus a speaking platform, banner placement, premium logo treatment, and a named sponsorship.
BEST FOR STATEWIDE LEADERS
BEYOND THE TIERS
TECHSPO Exhibit Booth
A 10'x10' or larger exhibit space with live demonstrations and a TRY-A-SKILL activity. Standard, Official Partner, and nonprofit rates available.
In-Kind & Multi-Year
Donate equipment, materials, storage, transportation, or professional services. Multi-year commitments can be recognized as Major Conference Sponsorships.
Named Funds
Establish an ongoing, named fund — like an access & excellence fund for your industry — that supports students year after year.
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WHAT EACH LEVEL INCLUDES
Tier Benefits at a Glance
BRONZE
$1K – $10K
SILVER
$10K – $25K
GOLD
$25K+
Discounted TECHSPO booth space
✓
✓
✓
Logo on conference program app
✓
✓
✓
Logo on SkillsUSAIllinois.org
✓
✓
✓
Recognition in the Advisor packet
✓
✓
✓
Mention during Opening Ceremony
✓
✓
Mention during Awards Ceremony
✓
✓
Spotlight on social media
✓
✓
Premium booth location at TECHSPO
✓
✓
Advisor session speaking opportunity
✓
Opportunity to speak during one ceremony
✓
Premium logo placement on app & website
✓
Banner with logo displayed at the conference
✓
Named sponsorship of a career cluster or event element
✓
Year-round recognition as an Official Partner
✓
Benefits are cumulative — each level includes everything in the levels below it.
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THE MENU
Your Partnership Menu — Full Price List
Nine categories. Mix and match any items to build a package and reach your tier.
01 · Student Experience
Lunch Sponsor (Friday)
$20,000
Conference T-Shirts
$17,500
Breakfast Sponsor
$5,000
Student Delegate Snacks
$5,000
Student Lanyards
$5,000
Student Competitor Welcome Bags
$4,000
Student Name Badges
$4,000
Water Stations Throughout Venue
$2,500
State Officer Hospitality
$2,000
02 · Competition Support
Competition Materials & Supplies
$10,000
Competition Tool & Equipment Fund
$10,000
Competition Printing & Packets
$5,000
Safety Equipment & PPE
$3,500
Competition Signage
$3,000
Competition Area Sponsor
$2,500
Competition Judge Hospitality
$2,500
Technical Chair Support Fund
$2,500
03 · Awards & Recognition
Awards Ceremony Sponsor
$25,000
Medal Stand Sponsor
$10,000
Prize Room Recognition Sponsor
$5,000
Stage Backdrop Sponsor
$15,000
Gold Medal Prize Sponsor
$3,000
Silver Medal Prize Sponsor
$2,500
Bronze Medal Prize Sponsor
$2,000
Award Presenter Sponsor
$2,500
04 · Technology
Conference WiFi Sponsor
$10,000
Conference App Sponsor
$7,500
Livestream Sponsor
$5,000
Event Photography Sponsor
$7,500
Event Videography Sponsor
$5,000
Digital Signage Sponsor
$3,500
Charging Stations
$3,000
05 · Volunteers & Judges
Volunteer Meals
$5,000
Volunteer T-Shirts
$3,500
Volunteer Headquarters
$3,000
Judge Appreciation Sponsor
$2,500
Volunteer Recognition Gifts
$2,500
06 · Facility & Operations
Event Operations Sponsor
$15,000
Registration Headquarters
$5,000
Printing & Copy Services
$2,500
Venue Signage & Wayfinding
$7,500
Shipping & Freight Costs
$3,500
Office & Competition Supplies
$2,500
Forklift & Equipment Rental
$2,500
07 · Career Clusters
Advanced Manufacturing
$5,000
Agriculture, Energy & Natural Resources
$5,000
Arts, Entertainment & Design
$5,000
Construction
$5,000
Digital Technology
$5,000
Education
$5,000
Healthcare & Human Services
$5,000
Hospitality, Events & Tourism
$5,000
Management & Entrepreneurship
$5,000
08 · Sponsor a Champion
NLSC Travel Assistance Fund
$10,000
Sponsor Five State Champions
$2,500
Sponsor One State Champion
$500
Student Scholarship Fund
Custom
09 · Fund-a-Need
Conference Technology Support
$10,000
Competition Printing
$5,000
WiFi for One Day
$5,000
Prizes for One Competition Area
$2,000
Competition Materials for 1 Contest
$1,500
Volunteer Meals for One Day
$1,000
Prefer to give equipment or services instead of cash? In-kind support counts toward your tier at fair market value.
SKILLSUSA ILLINOIS · OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP GUIDE
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Lunch Sponsor (Thursday)
$7,500
Champions Award Banners
$2,500
Key:
Opportunity Claimed
Marketing & Sales
$5,000
Public Service & Safety
$5,000
Supply Chain & Transportation
$5,000
Cross-Cutting / Leadership
$5,000
LET'S BUILD YOUR PARTNERSHIP
A plan built around how you want to engage
We want your sponsorship and commitment to be a direct reflection of how you (your business) wish to engage with and best support SkillsUSA Illinois! Our goal is to work with you to tailor a plan that gives you the exposure with our students, teachers and programs that match the investment level, marketing exposure and workforce benefits you need.
STEP 1
Tell us your goals, budget range, and the trades you hire in.
STEP 2
We draft a package from the menu and confirm your tier.
STEP 3
You approve, and we put your name to work now.
Marla Swanson
SKILLSUSA ILLINOIS BOARD MEMBER
Katie Friedl
SKILLSUSA ILLINOIS STATE DIRECTOR
SkillsUSA Illinois, Inc. · P.O. Box 103, Pekin, IL 60554 · SkillsUSAIllinois.org · 833.754.5545 SkillsUSA Illinois, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.