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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- It was all hands on deck for a hands-on learning experience at the New York state fairgrounds Thursday. Actually, the more than 2,000 students from all parts of the state were showing off what they've already learned at the Skills USA Competition.

But it wasn't just for show. The students were competing in their fields of expertise in everything from culinary and cosmetology to video production and forensic science. The students were also competing as leaders with speeches and interviewing skills.

"But it's a culmination of everything they should be doing in their classroom to prepare them for this type of competition. And the competition is being judged and mostly chaired by business and industry people. So the students are getting training in a skill area, but yet also learning to do what they would have to do on a job site," said Trina Fiorenza.

Winners in some of the categories will go on to compete at the national level in Kansas City this June. Representatives from YNN were also on hand to help judge the Video production Competition.

Our parent company, Time Warner Cable, highlights initiatives like this with "Connect a Million Minds." The company is sponsoring programs and buying equipment to give students a hands on learning experience and YNN wants to recognize local middle and high school students who excel in science, technology, engineering or math with a new Connect a Million Minds student of the month award. To nominate a student, visit the nomination form and for more information on the Connect a Million Minds program, visit connectamillionminds.com.