Technology Student Association: Shaping Future STEM Leaders

The Technology Student Association (TSA) stands as a prominent national organization dedicated to fostering interest and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among students. With a rich history and a forward-looking approach, TSA provides a platform for middle and high school students to explore their passion for technology and develop crucial skills for future careers.

A National Force in STEM Education

TSA is a national non-profit career and technical student organization (CTSO) with a substantial membership of over 300,000 middle and high school students. These students are actively involved in various STEM-related activities, making TSA a significant force in promoting STEM education across the United States. Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology education courses, TSA’s membership includes over 248,000 middle and high school students in approximately 2,000 schools spanning 49 states.

Mission and Support

The Technology Student Association is a non-profit national student organization and its mission is to inspire its student members to prepare for careers in a technology-driven economy and culture. TSA is supported by educators, parents and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically literate society. Members learn through exciting competitive events, leadership opportunities and much more. The diversity of activities makes TSA a positive experience for every student. From engineers to business managers, our alumni credit TSA with a positive influence on their lives.

A Glimpse into TSA's History

The Technology Student Association (TSA), formerly the American Industrial Arts Student Association (AIASA), is the oldest student membership organization dedicated exclusively to students enrolled in technology and engineering education classes in middle and high schools. Its rich history spans more than four decades. From 1958 to 1978, AIASA was a sponsored activity of the American Industrial Arts Association (AIAA). From 1978 to 1988, the organization grew in size, strength, structure, and impact on students and secondary school programs. In 1988, the AIASA changed its name to the Technology Student Association as part of a shift in focus from industrial arts to mainstream technology. This action followed a similar name change by the Texas state delegation the previous year. In 1989, the official logo, submitted by a chapter advisor, was adopted. Today, the association has grown to include more than 300,000 members in more than 2,300 secondary schools across 48 states.

Chapters: The Heart of TSA

TSA chapters take the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests. Together, chapter members work on competitive events, attend conferences on the state and national levels and have a good time raising funds to get there. Chapter organization develops leadership, as members may become officers within their state and then run nationally. Our chapters are committed to a national service project and are among the most service-oriented groups in the community.

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Starting a Chapter

To Join A TSA Chapter if your school doesn’t already have a TSA chapter, you can start one with a teacher advisor and a group of motivated students.

Competitive Events: A Platform for Innovation

Imagine an activity so captivating that your students spend hours working on it after school for weeks at a time. That’s what happens when TSA members engage in TSA’s competitions. Only TSA members have the opportunity to compete at exciting state conferences and then at the annual National Conference. Expert judging by technology educators and industry representatives inspires the best from participants.

Competitive events are separated into middle school and high school levels, with students competing only with their respective age group. Competitions take place at the local, regional, state, and national level. All TSA competitions are correlated with national science, technology, engineering and mathematics and business standards. Scores are based upon a nationally developed rubric and winners are chosen based on these scores. In many events, semi-finalists (top 12) move onto a second round of competition which usually involves an interview with the judges about the project.

Examples of Competitive Events

TSA offers a diverse range of competitive events that cater to various interests and skill sets. Sample middle school events include Biotechnology, Career Prep, Video Game Design, and Inventions and Innovations. High school events include Animatronics, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Dragster Design, Promotional Design, System Control Technology, Flight Endurance, Software Development, and Webmaster.

Participants select a contemporary biotechnology problem that addresses the annual theme and demonstrates understanding of the topic through documented research, the development of a solution, a display (including an optional model or prototype), and an effective multimedia presentation. In response to the annual design challenge, participants develop a set of architectural plans and related materials, and construct both a physical and computer-generated model to accurately depict their design. Participants use digital audio technology to create original content for a podcast piece that addresses the annual theme. The podcast must feature high level storytelling techniques, voice acting, and folly sound effects; the full entry must include documentation of the podcast development process and elements. Participants develop, build, and package a board game that focuses on a subject of their choice. Creative packaging, and the instructions, pieces, and cards associated with the pilot game will be evaluated. Participants take a parliamentary procedure test to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Based on the annual theme, participants conduct research on a technology-related career, prepare a letter of introduction to a potential employer, and develop a job-specific resume. Participants create an illustrated children’s story based on the annual theme. The entry product is a physical storybook of artistic, instructional, and social value.

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Partnerships and Initiatives

The Technology Student Association has partnered with many groups to promote other skills. Junior Solar Sprint is a national program allows students to design solar-powered cars. As part of its national service project, TSA has a partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS). TSA members raise money to help fund research, education, advocacy, and patient support.

State Delegations: A Local Impact

TSA state delegations plan and support a calendar of activities for technology teachers and students. For example, Mississippi TSA is the only career and technical student organization dedicated exclusively to students enrolled in middle and high school technology education courses. Mississippi has 81 chapters with over 2500 students and advisors as members. Board PresidentMs. Alison GoekeExecutive DirectorDr. In Washington, TSA serves more than 175 middle and high schools, and more than 11,000 students.

Notable Alumni

From engineers to business managers, our alumni credit TSA with a positive influence on their lives.

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