Globe Miami Times Connecting you to the Pulse of Globe Miami
Miami High School (MHS) is home to a transformative afterschool program that equips students with leadership, teamwork, and technical skills for life beyond high school. SkillsUSA, a nationwide career and technical education (CTE) organization, has been making an impact at MHS since 2010 under the guidance of advisor Mary Yazzie. What began as a small initiative has become a thriving program that fosters personal and professional growth for its participants.
SkillsUSA at MHS was initially introduced by a former teacher and was further developed when Mary Yazzie took over in 2010. As a visual arts and graphic design teacher at MHS since 2008, Yazzie saw the program’s potential to equip students with skills far beyond the classroom.
“SkillsUSA is about teaching kids how to be leaders and preparing them for the workforce,” Yazzie explains.
The program, funded through the Perkins Grant, Priority Grant, and the Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (based on CTE enrollment at the MHS campus), is available to students in CTE programs such as graphic design, construction, and coding. Participation has grown steadily, with 15 students enrolled this year, the largest group yet. Two advisors have also joined the program – Mrs. Schiefert, advisor for the coding program and Mr. Palmer, advisor for the construction program.
Students meet weekly to plan events, participate in training, and organize initiatives like the 8th Grade Leadership Conference. At this conference, MHS students design and lead sessions aimed at encouraging younger students to explore CTE programs, showcasing the skills and opportunities they can provide.
The program also offers competitions at state and national levels, with categories ranging from construction to graphic design. Participation requires dedication and teamwork, and students often fundraise through community events like Trunk or Treat and face painting at local gatherings and school events to support their activities.
Yazzie has seen firsthand how SkillsUSA transforms students. “Freshmen join the program shy and unsure of themselves,” she shares. “By senior year, they’re running entire programs, speaking confidently, and walking with pride.”
These observations are echoed by students like Ysabel Eylicio, a former SkillsUSA president at MHS who participated from 2014 to 2017. Initially drawn to the program by friends, Eylicio credits SkillsUSA with helping her develop communication and leadership skills that have propelled her educational and professional journey.
Eylicio, now a Process Control Technician at Capstone Copper, reflects on how SkillsUSA prepared her for success. “The program gave me the opportunity to ‘open up’ and become more vocal from my original shy and quiet demeanor,” she says. The teamwork and public speaking skills she honed in SkillsUSA were instrumental in earning scholarships and thriving in her career.
SkillsUSA’s impact extends beyond the local community. MHS alumni have achieved incredible success in diverse fields, from engineering to the arts. Yazzie proudly recounts stories of former students, including a Japanese exchange student who now works in hotel management, a gallery owner in Paris, and a pilot. These success stories highlight the program’s ability to prepare students with practical skills that have a lasting impact.
Miami Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Richard Ramos sees SkillsUSA as a vital part of the district’s mission.
“SkillsUSA empowers students to take ownership in their school community through leadership and service,” he says. “Aligned with the SkillsUSA philosophy, students build leadership skills to support college and career, and vision for future endeavors. These features go hand-in-hand with the student agency we are establishing.”
The program’s focus on leadership and community aligns perfectly with other district initiatives, such as the Kids at Hope framework and CTE programs. By teaching students to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve effectively, SkillsUSA prepares them to meet the demands of today’s workforce.
SkillsUSA at MHS also provides students with opportunities to attend conferences and leadership training camps. A recent trip to Camp Champion in Williams, Arizona, brought together 400–500 students from across the state, offering an environment for learning and networking.
For some students, the program opens doors to national competitions and trips, such as a past visit to Washington, D.C., for National SkillsUSA. These experiences not only expose students to a broader world but also enhance their résumés and prepare them for future academic and professional challenges.
Recruitment for SkillsUSA begins early, with initiatives like the 8th Grade Leadership Conference playing a pivotal role. High school students design and lead interactive sessions, inspiring middle schoolers to consider joining CTE programs and SkillsUSA when they reach high school.
The program’s inclusivity is another hallmark.
“SkillsUSA is for those kids who want to grow and find their place in the workforce, even if they do not continue to a 4-year college or university,” Yazzie explains. “This really creates an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Students interested in joining SkillsUSA can contact Mary Yazzie (myazzie@miamiusd40.org) or attend one of the program’s Thursday meetings. As part of a nationwide organization, SkillsUSA offers a wide range of resources, from competitions to mentorship opportunities, all designed to help students succeed.
For students like Eylicio and countless others, SkillsUSA has been a launchpad for success, proving that with the right support and opportunities, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
Carissa Pool is an Arizona native who grew up in Glendale and now lives in Peoria. Carissa earned her bachelor of arts degree from Arizona State University West and in her 15-plus year career in marketing and public relations has worked with a range of clients across various industries, from construction to non-profits. While she takes great pride in her professional achievements, her greatest joys come from writing and cherishing her role as a mother to her two young daughters.
