Principles of the SkillsUSA Framework
Alongside his successful career in investment banking and capital management, John Westerfield has a documented history of supporting educational programs serving youth in New York City. In addition to serving as an advisor for the SkillsUSA chapter at Roosevelt High School, John Westerfield financed the program for 5 years after a loss of funding. SkillsUSA is a national organization that works with private businesses and workforce development organizations to deliver career training programs for students in middle school, high school, and college. The organization's mission is to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century workforce and give back to their communities. Every SkillsUSA program is based on the organization's three-pronged framework. All participants are provided with training to develop technical and workplace skills. This includes computer skills, professional development, leadership, and collaboration skills. In order to ensure that participants are competitive in the workforce, SkillsUSA programs also help students develop in-demand soft skills such as agility, strong work ethic, and personal responsibility.