Empowering Students to Lead, Advocate and Inspire

The Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI) is SkillsUSA’s premier student leadership and advocacy training event, held annually in Washington, D.C. This experience equips SkillsUSA members with the skills, confidence and real-world experience needed to advocate for career and technical education (CTE) at the highest levels.

For decades, WLTI has provided students, advisors and state leaders with an immersive, hands-on experience in government, leadership and civic engagement. Participants meet with policymakers, visit historic sites and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.

A small group in dark shirts poses tightly together beneath the Capitol dome.

Students in blue SkillsUSA shirts pose with a banner on the Capitol's lower steps.

SkillsUSA delegates in white shirts gather for a group photo in front of the Capitol.

A group of blue-shirted SkillsUSA participants poses with a banner in front of the Capitol.

Grey-shirted students fill the Capitol steps for a formal SkillsUSA photo.

Students in blue SkillsUSA shirts pose with a banner on the Capitol's lower steps.

A group in dark grey shirts poses with a SkillsUSA banner on the Capitol steps.

A group of red-blazered members stands on a tree-lined path with the Capitol in the distance.

A panoramic group of red-jacketed SkillsUSA members lines up on the Capitol lawn.

A panoramic shot shows SkillsUSA participants posing with a WLTI badge overlaid in the corner.

A large group of SkillsUSA students in red blazers poses on the Capitol steps.

A large group in red SkillsUSA jackets stands smiling in front of the Capitol dome.

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What is the Washington Leadership Training Institute?

WLTI is a unique opportunity for SkillsUSA student leaders to:

Engage in CTE Advocacy – Meet with U.S. Senators, Representatives and legislative staff to discuss the importance of career and technical education funding and workforce development.

Enhance Leadership and Public Speaking Skills – Attend workshops, leadership sessions and networking events designed to develop strong communicators and future industry leaders.

Experience Washington, D.C. – Explore historic sites, government institutions and national landmarks, gaining a deeper appreciation for civic responsibility and leadership.

WLTI Timeline: A History of Advocacy and Leadership

August 1-3, 1966 – The first Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI) was held in Washington, D.C.
November 9-13, 1969 – The conference moves to Arlington, Virginia.
November 15-19, 1971 – The conference moves back to Washington, D.C. for two years.
October 6-12, 1973 – The conference moves to Chevy Chase, Maryland, with participation growing.
October 27-November 2, 1979 – WLTI is held at the National Leadership Center in Leesburg, Virginia.
September 15-21, 1990 – WLTI relocates to Sterling, Virginia.
September 13-20, 1997 – WLTI moves to Fairfax, Virginia.
September 15-21, 2001 – WLTI is canceled due to the 9/11 attacks.
September 21-25, 2002 – The conference moves to Herndon, Virginia.
September 23-27, 2017 – The conference relocates to Alexandria, Virginia.
September 2020 – WLTI is not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent Years (2021-Present) – WLTI continues to take place in Alexandria, Virginia, maintaining its tradition of student advocacy and leadership development.

SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis A speaks into a microphone at an outdoor event or reception.

Participants engage in conversation during a breakout session or networking event.

A group of SkillsUSA students in red blazers poses on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Students collaborate at a table during a leadership training or workshop session.

Two students in red blazers make a heart shape with their arms on the Capitol lawn.

A group of excited students takes a selfie in front of the SkillsUSA/WLTI backdrop.

Panelists speak on stage at a leadership conference with a Capitol-themed backdrop.

A student in a red blazer speaks with a professional during a one-on-one mentorship or advocacy meeting.

A student in a red blazer sits quietly at a memorial bench, reflecting during a visit to the Pentagon Memorial.

Three students pose with fun props in front of a SkillsUSA photo backdrop.

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The WLTI Experience

WLTI provides an interactive, high-impact experience designed to develop SkillsUSA leaders and advocates. Activities include:

Meetings with Legislators

Students travel to Capitol Hill to discuss CTE priorities with members of Congress and their staff.
Learn how to effectively share personal success stories and make a case for continued investment in workforce education.

Leadership & Public Speaking Workshops

Training sessions focus on advocacy, media relations and storytelling to prepare students for leadership roles.
Students gain experience delivering speeches, engaging in policy discussions and networking with national leaders.

Laying of the Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the most memorable traditions of WLTI is when students participate in a formal wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring fallen service members.

National Leadership Awards & Recognition

Students completing WLTI leadership training earn a SkillsUSA Statesman Award, demonstrating exceptional leadership, civic engagement and advocacy skills.

Why WLTI Matters: The Impact of Student Advocacy

Through WLTI, students become the voice of CTE, influencing policies that affect career training, workforce funding and education reform. SkillsUSA members have played a critical role in securing federal and state funding for CTE programs through their advocacy efforts.

Thousands of students have trained in leadership and advocacy since WLTI’s inception.
Direct impact on CTE legislation, ensuring continued investment in workforce education.
Strong alumni network, with past participants advancing into government, industry leadership and education policy roles.

Join the Legacy

The stories of our founders and alumni remind us of the lasting impact of career and technical education. SkillsUSA is more than an organization—it’s a legacy of skill, leadership and opportunity that continues to shape the future of America’s workforce.

Are you a SkillsUSA alum with a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your SkillsUSA experience and be featured in our Heritage Hub.

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Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI)