142 SUBMISSION The completed portfolio must be submitted digitally as a single PDF according to the current SkillsUSA Massachusetts submission requirements. Selected projects may be recognized during the State Leadership & Skills Conference Award Ceremony. SKILLSUSA XPLORE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR SkillsUSA Xplore gives members an opportunity to lead hands-on career exploration experiences for younger students. Through interactive activities, students can introduce others to skilled trades and in-demand careers while strengthening their own leadership, communication, workplace, and technical skills. Leadership Opportunities STATE OFFICER CANDIDACY APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2027 Serving as a SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Officer gives members the opportunity to represent students across the Commonwealth while strengthening their leadership, communication, teamwork, and professionalism. Strong State Officers are dependable, punctual, cooperative, enthusiastic, confident, and committed to serving others. BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES State Officers gain hands-on leadership experience while representing SkillsUSA Massachusetts at conferences, meetings, trainings, and special events. Officers have opportunities to: • Build confidence, professionalism, and public- speaking skills • Develop and carry out statewide programs and activities • Work closely with fellow officers, advisors, business partners, and industry leaders • Represent SkillsUSA members across Massachusetts • Participate in conferences, trainings, presentations, and service initiatives • Strengthen leadership skills through real-world experiences and teamwork RESPONSIBILITIES State Officers serve as part of the State Executive Council and work together to support the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Program of Work. Officers are expected to carry out the duties of their elected office, participate in statewide initiatives, develop presentations and workshops, and represent the organization professionally throughout their term. State Officers should be prepared to make SkillsUSA a significant commitment during the year and actively participate in required meetings, conferences, trainings, and other activities. REQUIRED ATTENDANCE State Officers may be required to participate in: • Monthly State Executive Council meetings • State Officer Training • Fall State Leadership Conference • District Qualifying Events • State Leadership & Skills Conference • National Leadership & Skills Conference • Additional leadership training, service projects, partner events, and statewide activities ELECTION PROCESS Candidates complete the State Officer application process and must meet all eligibility requirements before advancing. Candidates may participate in testing, interviews, speeches, delegate questions, campaigning, and other activities established as part of the election process. At the State Leadership & Skills Conference, qualified candidates participate in the election process before the House of Delegates. State Officers are elected by voting delegates and later determine individual officer positions during State Officer Training. TRANSPORTATION & COMMITMENT State Officers participate in activities throughout Massachusetts, and travel may be required throughout the year. Candidates, advisors, administrators, and parents/ guardians should understand this commitment before applying and be prepared to assist with transportation when necessary.