MASSACHUSETTS EARNS 49 MEDALS AT SKILLSUSA CHAMPIONSHIPS

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SkillsUSA Massachusetts Competitors

Students celebrate 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference results as new academic year gets underway

RAYNHAM, MA, UNITED STATES, September 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As the new academic year unfolds and a new generation of leaders and skilled workers enter the classroom, SkillsUSA Massachusetts celebrates the program’s outstanding performance during the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, earning 49 medals and placing among the nation’s top state associations.

Competing against the country’s best career and technical education students, Massachusetts contestants captured 14 gold, 17 silver and 18 bronze medals during the national championships, held June 1-5 in Atlanta. Massachusetts ranked sixth nationally in total medals among 59 state and territorial associations.

In all, Massachusetts students earned medals in 33 contest areas, representing 36% of the competitions entered. Nearly every Massachusetts competitor demonstrated excellence on the national stage, with students finishing in the top 10 in 87 contests; that represented 94% of the state’s students.

“These results demonstrate the exceptional talent, dedication and work ethic of Massachusetts students,” said Karen Ward, executive director of SkillsUSA Massachusetts.

The state’s strong performance extended beyond medal counts. A total of 124 students earned SkillPoint Certifications, an industry-recognized credential indicating proficiency in technical and employability skills. Overall, 76% of Massachusetts contestants achieved industry proficiency standards.

Massachusetts also continued its tradition of student leadership, with Mariyana Lords of Nashoba Valley Technical High School elected to national secretary. The election marks the 26th time a Massachusetts student has been selected to serve as a national SkillsUSA officer.

“The students who stood on the medal podium in Atlanta are the same students who will soon be entering our workforce as skilled technicians, trades professionals, health care workers and industry leaders, while others will continue their education before launching their careers,” Ward said. “In every case, employers and communities across Massachusetts will benefit from the knowledge, professionalism and technical expertise these students have developed through career and technical education and SkillsUSA.”

Held as part of the national conference, the SkillsUSA Championships are the nation’s premier showcase of career and technical education students, with competitors tested against industry-developed standards in fields ranging from construction and manufacturing to health care, transportation, information technology and leadership.

The success of Massachusetts students reflects the state’s continued investment in career and technical education and the strong partnerships among schools, educators and industry leaders who help prepare students for high-demand careers.

2026 Massachusetts Results at a Glance
[Click on "Results" on this page for list of medals, contests, student names and schools]

Student Medalists
- 49 total medalists
- 14 Gold
- 17 Silver
- 18 Bronze
- 30% of Massachusetts contestants earned medals
- Most recipients are high school students; one team is comprised of middle school students

Contest Success
- Medals earned in 33 contest areas
- Gold medals in 11 contests
- Silver medals in 12 contests
- Bronze medals in 10 contests
- 87 top-10 finishes
- 94% of contests entered resulted in a top-10 placement

Industry Certifications
- 124 SkillPoint Certifications earned
- 76% of contestants achieved industry proficiency

National Recognition
- Sixth-highest medal total nationally among 59 state and territorial associations
- One Massachusetts student elected to national office
- 26 Massachusetts students have now served as national officers

ABOUT SKILLSUSA MASSACHUSETTS
SkillsUSA Massachusetts, an educational nonprofit organization, is dedicated to equipping high school, college, and adult learners with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in technical, skilled, and service-oriented industries. Through its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experiences, competitions, and community service initiatives, SkillsUSA Massachusetts aims to foster leadership, teamwork, and technical proficiency among its members. The program has 39,000 members in Massachusetts CTE high schools, post-secondary programs and colleges, covering more than 130 trade, technical and skilled service occupations.

Kyra Newman
JLV Communications, LLC
+1 804-357-4873
kyra@jlvcomms.com