Dallas College Students Shine at SkillsUSA National Competition

Dallas College students proudly display their medals after a successful showing at the SkillsUSA national competition.

News Summary

Dallas College students achieved remarkable success at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, earning 18 medals, including several golds in various categories. Noteworthy performers demonstrated exceptional skills in fields such as advertising design and community action projects. The conference highlighted the importance of career and technical education, showcasing Dallas College’s commitment to preparing students for the workforce. With ongoing support from grants and impressive achievements, the college continues to empower students, particularly in technical fields, driving economic growth in Texas.

Dallas – Dallas College students excelled at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta from June 23 to June 27, 2025, bringing home a total of 18 medals. A strong contingent of 46 students represented the college after qualifying by winning gold medals at the state level earlier in the year.

Among the standout performers was Minh Kieu, a recent graduate who earned a gold medal in advertising design by delivering six projects in just six hours. His impressive work caught the attention of a comic book publisher looking to collaborate with him. Kieu credited Dallas College for providing him with the resources and confidence necessary to thrive in his field.

Other notable gold medalists from Dallas College included Khai Huynh, Moise Steeve, Saho Zabzi, and Mohammed Khan in the Chapter Display competition, as well as Caleb Giddings and Harrison Nguyen for their Community Action Project. Silver medals were awarded to students such as Brook Tilahun, Jason Tejeda, Ryan Lee, Noor AlRubaye, and Kent Ho for their performance in Chapter Business Procedure, along with Norma Salinas for her leadership role in “Facilithon” Leadership in Facility Management. Additionally, bronze medals were earned by Courtney Chaney, Eboni Johnson, Ariana Ross, and Morgan Deanna Barnes for their work in Entrepreneurship, with Rosemary Pate taking home bronze in Restaurant Service.

Dr. Maria Boccalandro, the dean of special academic programs at Dallas College, highlighted the significance of SkillsUSA and the vital role of career and technical education (CTE) in driving economic development. The U.S. Department of Labor reported 7.4 million job openings nationwide in April 2025, with over 596,000 opportunities in Texas alone, showcasing a growing demand for CTE professionals. This emphasis on education aligns with Dallas College’s mission to build a well-trained workforce.

On the national stage, Dallas College students have established a successful track record in SkillsUSA competitions, often receiving immediate job offers from judges. Many participants were awarded professional tools and full-ride scholarships, further emphasizing the practical benefits of their educational experiences. Dallas College is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025, representing seven campuses and various centers throughout Dallas County, effectively serving over 127,000 students each year.

The college is also recognized as the largest provider of dual credit programs in Texas, with around 30,000 high school students enrolled across 63 different programs. An example of success in this dual credit initiative is Alexa Garcia-Alexander, a student from Garland ISD who made history as the first female in Texas to win the motorcycle service technology category at the state competition. Garcia-Alexander is currently training for the upcoming national competition, expressing her commitment to encouraging more women to enter technical fields.

In support of these initiatives, Dallas College recently received a Skills Development Fund grant of $1,009,383 from the Texas Workforce Commission. This funding will provide customized training for over 600 workers in the area, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance workforce skills in key industries across Texas. The grant was officially announced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

As Dallas College continues to foster talent and skill among its students, its presence in competitions like SkillsUSA not only highlights the capabilities of its students but also showcases the broader significance of career and technical education in the workforce landscape.