Founding of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America

History & Origins

Apr 14

How a Bold Vision for Career Education Became a National Movement

In 1965, a group of students, educators and industry leaders came together with a shared vision: to empower young people with the skills, leadership and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce. This vision led to the founding of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) — the organization that would later become SkillsUSA.

Black-and-white photo of the first SkillsUSA conference, with delegates seated in rows and holding state signs, under a chandelier in a formal hall.

From Vision to Reality: The Birth of a National Organization

At the Trade and Industrial Youth Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, representatives from 14 states gathered to establish an organization dedicated to vocational education. They developed VICA’s core elements — its name, colors, motto, purposes and goals — laying the foundation for what would become one of the most influential career and technical student organizations in the nation.

A Look Back: Archival Photos and Historic Documents

Step into the past and explore the rich history of SkillsUSA, from its early days as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) to the national movement it is today. Our Heritage Archive preserves the moments that shaped our organization — featuring rare photographs, historic documents and memorabilia that tell the story of SkillsUSA’s evolution.

VICA’s first Executive Director, Larry Johnson, poses with a large VICA display featuring badges and awards.

A group of young women and men on stage participate in a formal ceremony.

Two men review a booklet in front of a VICA backdrop at an event.

A young woman speaks at a podium with a VICA blazer, likely during a speech contest.

Students work on auto repair in a garage setting under a VICA banner.

A group of students listen attentively to a teacher during a training session.

A large crowd gathers outdoors at night for what appears to be a VICA event or announcement.

Student delegates from various states attend a conference meeting with national banners behind the stage.

A display booth shows VICA apparel and memorabilia, likely at a conference or fair.

A large group of VICA members pose on stairs in a grand building for a formal portrait.

Five men in suits sit and stand behind a table at a formal meeting or signing.

A group performs or presents on stage under a VICA sign during a public event.

Young people hold state signs at a packed youth leadership meeting.

A large group of SkillsUSA members poses in a formal room for a commemorative photo.

Students sit in rows in a large hall, engaged in a presentation or lecture.

A student speaker presents at a VICA conference under a decorated stage.

A man presents an award at a VICA event hosted at the Marion Hotel.

A group of young people pose together smiling at what appears to be a celebratory event.

A packed conference hall hosts a formal VICA event with banners on the stage.

A smiling VICA member stands behind a podium, possibly giving a speech or presentation.

A small group poses for a photo at a table, likely VICA officers or representatives.

A speaker presents an award to a student on stage at the Marion Hotel under the VICA banner.

A formal meeting with state signs and a full audience at a VICA national conference.

A young man carefully lights a ceremonial candle as part of a presentation.

VICA officers pose on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in red jackets.

Two male students and a female student celebrate a win with medals and raised arms on stage.

Young men participate in a candle-lighting ceremony at a VICA event.

VICA members in suits sit on stage during a formal event, listening intently.

A group of VICA members, both male and female, pose behind a table for a formal group photo.

Founders’ Stories and Testimonials: The Visionaries Who Built a Movement

Behind every great organization is a group of passionate individuals with a vision. SkillsUSA began as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) in 1965, thanks to the dedication of educators, students, and industry leaders who believed in the power of hands-on learning and leadership development.

Larry Johnson | First Executive Director (1965-1988)

"We set out to create something bigger than ourselves — a movement that would prepare students for the real world by giving them the skills, confidence and leadership they need to succeed."

As the first executive director, Larry Johnson played a pivotal role in shaping the structure of VICA, from its motto and emblem to its first national competitions and leadership programs. His leadership for over two decades helped establish the strong foundation that SkillsUSA continues to build upon today.

The VICA national conference was held at the Marion Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1966. At this conference, the VICA emblem was unveiled and the first official state charters were presented. Governor of Arkansas Orval Faubus was the keynote speaker and the entertainment was Up with People, an entertainment group that wasa significant cultural phenomenon known for its participation in notable events like the Olympics and several Super Bowls. The Marion Hotel (also known as the Hotel Marion) in downtown Little Rock was famous in Arkansas for much of the twentieth century. Construction began on the hotel in 1905 and it closed in early 1980.

Alumni Reflections: Stories of Impact

For nearly six decades, SkillsUSA has shaped the lives of millions of students — providing the skills, mentorship and opportunities that launched their careers.

“SkillsUSA Changed My Future” | John Martinez, Class of 1983

"I joined VICA as a high school student in a welding program. I had no idea it would lead me to a lifelong career in manufacturing. Competing in VICA gave me the confidence to pursue my passion, and today, I run my own metal fabrication business. SkillsUSA helped me turn my skills into a career."

VICA International Degree Recipients

The VICA International Degree was the highest honor an individual could earn during the era of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), the predecessor of SkillsUSA. This elite designation recognized members who not only completed their training programs with distinction but also demonstrated dedication to their craft by logging significant hours of experience in the workforce.

Earning the International Degree required more than just classroom excellence—it demanded leadership, service, and a deep commitment to skilled trades. It was a true mark of distinction, signaling that the recipient had gone above and beyond to embody the values and mission of SkillsUSA at the highest level.

We’re proud to preserve this legacy and recognize the individuals who achieved this rare honor. Their names are etched into our history and serve as an inspiration to future generations of student leaders and skilled professionals.

1974
- Debbie Finnell, KY
- Bobby Reddin, KY
- Vicki Yarbrough, KY
1975
- Elliott Phillips, AL
1976
- Roger Carroll, AL
- Kathy Jones, OK
- Randy Jones, OK
- Steven Graves, AL
- Wayne Nelson, AL
1977
- Brandy Brunson, NM
- Rondle Castle, IL
- John Combs, NM
- Donna Lynn Smith, VA
- Debbie Stigall, KY
1978
- Dottie Daniel, AL
- Sheila McCaleb, AL
- Ed Nelson, AL
- Dayna Nesser, NM
- Robert Pfeiler, OK
1979
- Toni Cantrell, NC
- Karen Davis, NM
- Lenora Garrett, MS
- John Hitzges, NM
- Greg Phares, OK
- Ronda Pool, NM
1980
- Kelly Jeter, OK
- Paul Mauldin, NM
- Kenny Milacek, OK
- Tammy Reedy, NC
- William Richardson, MO
- Linda Schroeder, MO
- Terri Ward, OK
1981
- Howard Bray, NC
- Tony Clark, MO
- Lynda Jayjohn, OH
- Kimberly Ann Weaver, TX
- David Williams, NM
1982
- Terry W. Goin, NM
- Lisa Hale, NM
- Pamela A. Meredith, OH
- Vicki L. Smith, OH
1983
- Julie Edwards, VA
- Leigh Ann Holloman, NM
- Roger Wilkerson, VA
1984
- Susan Davidson, NC
- Kurt Dowd, OK
- Shelly Jo First, OH
- Dennis Harrison, MS
- David Wayne Kirkland, AL
1985
- David D. Moutz, OH
1987
- Jesse Wayne Lee, NC
1988
- Kimberly A. Bowman, PA
- Amie L. Gray, TX
- Belinda Kincaid, TX
Professional Development Program
1989
- Terry L. Henson, TX
- Julie Oberholzer, PA
- Julie Richards, VA
1990
- John Latchum, Jr., OK
- Kymberly Marks, TX
- Julie Rose, TX
1992
- Jeffrey Coles, VA
1996
- Amy Alt, OH
- Kathryn Turner, KY
1997
- Anjila Lebsock, AZ
2000
- Amy Herndon, OK
- Anthony Quinn, OK
- John Johnson, OK
2001
- Scott Welker, OK
2002
- Melissa White, MO
2003
- Justin Killion, OK
- John Lebsock, CO
2004
- Quincy Hughes, OK
- Sonja Lake, WY
2007
- Gerald Suggs, RI
2010
- Karyn Hawthorne, IL
- Kim Cioni, IL
- Eric Hill, IL
- Nicholas Hulva, IL
2012
- Brice Harader-Pate, OK
2014
- Joshua Brunk, PA
2015
- Juliana Rosa, VA
- Esther E. Shafer, MD
2016
- Rita Yeary, VA
2019
- Judith L. Anderson, VA
- Kathy Estep, PA
- Laura Paige Carbary Smith, VA
- Deborah M. Kenn Tripp, VA

A Legacy That Lives On

While the name changed to SkillsUSA in 2004, the mission remained the same: to empower students with the skills and leadership to succeed in the modern workforce. Today, SkillsUSA continues to serve as the bridge between education and industry, just as VICA’s founders envisioned nearly 60 years ago.

As we honor our past, we also celebrate the future — one where every student has the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and leadership necessary for lifelong success.

Explore more of our history through the SkillsUSA Heritage Hub and see how we’ve grown from VICA to a national movement empowering the next generation of skilled professionals.

Our story is still being written. The impact of SkillsUSA is seen in every student who discovers their career path, every educator who empowers their classroom, and every industry leader who supports technical education. And that’s where you come in.

Share Your Story + Content with SkillsUSA

Whether you're a student, educator, alumni or industry partner, we want to hear how SkillsUSA has impacted you. Your voice matters — and your story helps preserve our shared legacy. Submit a quote, photo or short video and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.

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Cody Hays