Dallas College Students Shine at SkillsUSA Conference

Dallas College students showcase their skills and achievements at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

News Summary

Dallas College students excelled at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, winning 18 medals, including gold for outstanding skills in various competitions. The event showcased their training in career and technical education, leading to job offers and scholarships. With a commitment to excellence, Dallas College prepares its students for the demands of today’s job market.

Dallas – Dallas College students showcased their skills at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held from June 23 to June 27 in Atlanta, by winning a remarkable total of 18 medals. This achievement highlights the college’s commitment to excellence in career and technical education (CTE).

A total of 46 students from Dallas College participated in this prestigious national competition after qualifying by winning gold medals at the state level earlier this year. Their performance not only reflects their hard work but also underscores the quality of training provided in technical fields at the college.

The SkillsUSA event aims to prepare students for rewarding careers through competitions, industry networking, and practical skill assessments. This year, the significance of CTE was further emphasized by recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, which reported 7.4 million job openings in April 2025, with more than 596,000 available in Texas alone. These numbers highlight the growing demand for skilled professionals in various industries.

Achievements and Awards

Among the students, Minh Kieu, a recent graduate with an associate degree in digital art and design, distinguished herself by earning a gold medal in advertising design. She impressed judges by creating six deliverables, including a logo, within a rigorous six-hour timeframe. Her work caught the attention of industry professionals, some of whom expressed interest in potential collaboration.

Other gold medal recipients included:

Khai Huynh, Moise Steeve, Saho Zabzi, and Mohammed Khan for Chapter Display
Caleb Giddings and Harrison Nguyen for Community Action Project

In addition to the gold medals, several students brought home silver and bronze medals:

Silver Medal Winners

Brook Tilahun, Jason Tejeda, Ryan Lee, Noor AlRubaye, and Kent Ho for Chapter Business Procedure
Norma Salinas for Leadership in Facility Management (Facilithon)

Bronze Medal Winners

Courtney Chaney, Eboni Johnson, Ariana Ross, and Morgan Deanna Barnes for Entrepreneurship
Rosemary Pate for Restaurant Service

Opportunities Arising

The participation and success of Dallas College students at SkillsUSA led to positive outcomes beyond medals. Several students received job offers from industry judges during the event, signifying that they are well-prepared to enter the workforce. Additionally, many students were awarded full-ride scholarships to four-year universities and received professional equipment from industry sponsors in recognition of their exceptional skills.

Dallas College: A Commitment to Education

Dallas College is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025 and serves over 127,000 students across seven campuses in Dallas County. The institution offers more than 100 areas of study, including a range of associate degrees and certificates. It is also the largest provider of dual credit in Texas, catering to around 30,000 high school students.

The college’s emphasis on career and technical education is vital as it prepares students for trade and technical careers, aligning with the current job market’s demands. As the need for skilled workers continues to rise, Dallas College remains dedicated to equipping its students with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful careers.

SkillsUSA is one of the key platforms through which Dallas College students can demonstrate their abilities, network with industry professionals, and gain exposure to real-world job environments. The accomplishments of Dallas College at this year’s conference illustrate the effectiveness of their training programs and the bright future of their graduates.