Crescent Tools is celebrating 24 SkillsUSA chapters from around the country who have been named Models of Excellence through SkillsUSA and its Chapter Excellence Program. The winning SkillsUSA chapters were chosen from a field of over 4,000 eligible chapters and were recognized at the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Louisville, Kentucky, in front of more than 12,000 students, advisors and industry leaders.

In addition to the recognition, Crescent Tools will give $2,000 to each chapter's sponsoring school in honor of their success toward preparing students with the personal, technical and workplace skills they need to thrive in their respective industry. Crescent is this year's sponsor of the Chapter Excellence Program.

"Supporting the education programs that produce talented men and women in the trades is a critical, foundational effort that helps move our country forward," said Curt Weber, senior director of brand management with Crescent Tools. "As a hand tool brand, we do a lot to support trades like construction that use our tools, but this is about much more than that. We want to support all skilled trades and reward the passionate teachers and students who put everything into making these programs successful."

Representatives from the schools selected as Models of Excellence attended the NLSC and were recognized at a special event on June 26 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The event is a showcase of career and technical education students with more than 18,000 in attendance. A full list of the MOE schools can be found at  www.skillsusa.org.