Chapter activities will provide some of the best opportunities your students will have to learn by doing. A successful program of work creates a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom. Your students learn how to accept responsibility, work as a team, manage a budget, and handle success and failure.

Local chapters typically hold their activities on a monthly basis, according to a calendar of events developed early in the year.

There is no right or wrong combination of activities; just do what works best for your school. It is better to hold a few high quality events during the year than to suffer "busy bee syndrome" and run lots of events "for" the students instead of "by" the students.

Remember, it usually takes students longer to plan activities for themselves than it would take an adult. Allow ample planning time for the student team in charge of each event.

Fundraising is a key part of the SkillsUSA program of work. Without funds, it is hard to conduct most activities. In addition to helping to finance the local chapter, a fundraising activity can also provide many valuable learning experiences for students. From project management to forecasting profits, setting timelines, working in teams and being accountable for results, fundraising teaches many skills that will be needed on the job and in life.

Georgia's State Director