Chippewa Valley Times

The SkillsUSA and Wisconsin Science Olympiad events, held at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, are providing more than just competition for middle and high school students. They have also become platforms for UW-Stout students to exercise and develop their leadership skills.

This spring, students from UW-Stout participated as volunteers and judges in events on their campus and in Madison, aligning with the university's focus on applied learning and its identity as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University. "Student participation in events like the Wisconsin Science Olympiad and SkillsUSA is vital because it transforms learning into action," said Tiffany Hoage, a project coordinator at the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Management.

In April 2025, UW-Stout students contributed to three significant events: the Wisconsin Science Olympiad State Tournament on April 4-5, the SkillsUSA Wisconsin Regional Competition on February 27-28, and the SkillsUSA State Competition in Madison on April 1-2. These competitions were attended by over a thousand school students, with UW-Stout students playing key roles in their organization and management.

Sean McNeill, a senior mechanical engineering major, was one of the volunteers who helped at these events. He was involved in organizing an engineering challenge at the SkillsUSA State Competition, where students built models of homes to withstand natural disasters. McNeill described witnessing the engineering process as an "awe-inspiring" experience, admiring the students' creativity and resilience.

First-year student Harshita Sharma, majoring in applied science and engineering technology, also assisted in both the regional and state SkillsUSA events. Her tasks ranged from designing contests to judging participants. Sharma noted that volunteering provided her with insights into her field and highlighted differences in educational approaches between India and the U.S.

The Wisconsin Science Olympiad involved around 1,300 students from more than 70 schools, competing in 51 events across various scientific subjects. The event required assistance from about 50 student volunteers from UW-Stout, including those in an event management class taught by Professor Kristal Gerdes.

Lily Meyer, another student volunteer with a double major in business administration and hotel, restaurant, and tourism management, also assisted. Meyer managed various logistical tasks and noted that the experience gave her a practical understanding of event planning, something she had only studied theoretically.

Hoage expressed a desire to see even more UW-Stout students from diverse disciplines participate in these initiatives in the future.