Every spring, high school and college students across the country face off in a high-stakes test of digital skill: the SkillsUSA State Web Design and Development competitions. The goal for each team is to win gold at the state level to earn a spot at the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta taking place June 1-5, 2026.
Behind the scenes, Web Professionals Global is changing how these states find their champions. By providing a “competition in a box,” they ensure that state leaders can focus on the students rather than the stress of building a complex technical event from scratch.
Closing the Skills Gap
Since we began working directly with state organizations, the results have been undeniable. “We have seen the level of competition improve significantly at both the state and national level,” the organization notes.
By using professional-grade standards, students are arriving at the national stage better prepared to “hit the ground running.” They aren’t just winning medals; they are developing the exact skills needed to contribute to a professional web team on day one of a new job.
What the Competition Package Includes
To keep the playing field level and the quality high, more states each year are opting for a comprehensive support package. This includes:
- A Professional Exam: An online test modeled after the national standards.
- The Project & Rubric: Real-world client assets and a clear scoring guide for fair judging.
- A Modern “IDE”: Each team gets a pre-loaded online coding environment, meaning they don’t have to waste time setting up software.
- Direct Support: Guidance for the judges and chairs running the show.
Innovation for Judges and Competitors
In the past, judging a web competition was a logistical nightmare involving thumb drives or hovering over a student’s shoulder to look at their laptop screen.
Web Professionals Global has modernized this through a specialized judging app. Now, judges can review and score work remotely from their own devices. This flexibility even allows for a “hybrid” model where competitors or judges can participate from different locations without missing a beat.
Supporting States Nationwide
This spring, the organization has already powered competitions in a diverse group of states, including:
- The South: TN, LA, MS
- The Midwest: IN, IL, OH
- The West & Islands: AZ, CO, HI
The feedback from these states remains stellar. By removing the burden of creating a curriculum and technical infrastructure from scratch, Web Professionals Global allows State SkillsUSA programs to do what they do best: mentor the next generation of digital creators.
As the road to Atlanta heats up, these students aren’t just competing; they are proving they have what it takes to build the future of the web.
A Message from Mark
“We at Web Professionals Global would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the state directors, the volunteer judges, and the dedicated teachers who make these events possible. Our 25+ years of experience running these competitions has shown us that when you raise the bar, students will always rise to meet it. The 2026 state recaps show a level of technical stamina and creative problem-solving that should make every educator proud. We are building more than just websites; we are building the future of the digital economy.” –Mark DuBois, Executive Director, Web Professionals Global
Connect with Us
Web Professionals Global is proud to be the official partner for the SkillsUSA Web Design and Development competition. Whether you are a state director looking to modernize your event or a teacher looking for a “Strategic Springboard” curriculum that aligns with these high standards, we are here to help.
For those planning to take advantage of our competition offering for the 2027 season, we encourage you to reach out early. Our turnkey solution is designed to take the pressure off state programs, providing everything from the judging rubrics to the cloud-based IDE.
Contact our team at hello@webprofessionalsglobal.org to learn how we can support your students in 2027.
Click here for a recap of the 2025 National Competition and stay tuned for preview articles for the 2026 National Competition.
