Technology Students Association

  • TSA logo

    The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national, non-profit organization of middle and high school students who are engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Since TSA was chartered in 1978, almost 4,000,000 student members have participated through challenging competitions, leadership opportunities, and community service.

    Mission

    The Technology Student Association enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in STEM, whereby members apply and integrate these concepts through intracurricular activities, competitions, and related programs.

    Membership   

    250,000 middle and high school students

    100% likely to graduate from high school

    39% female and/or minority representation Over 2500 teachers (advisors)
    75% college-bound Over 2000 plus schools in 49 state delegations

    Competitions

    TSA provides rules and guidelines for over 60 middle school and high school competitions held at the annual national TSA conference. Students are challenged to use and improve their STEM skills in both team and individual events in such areas as: communication; design and engineering; environmental systems; transportation; and manufacturing/construction. All competitions are aligned with STEM standards; ten core leadership skills (communication, creative thinking, critical thinking, decision making, ethics, evaluation, organization, problem solving, self-esteem, and teamwork); and The 16 Career Clusters.

    Programs and Initiatives

    LEAP (Leadership.  Education.  Achievement.  Personal Growth) - TSA's comprehensive leadership program, applied to The Student Leadership Challenge, that includes three opportunity tracts for TSA members: LEAP Legacy Chapter, Competition Engagement, and On-site Professional Training. LEAP brings to life the TSA motto, creed, and mission statement.

    Junior Solar Sprint A national STEM-based program, funded by the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program, that empowers teachers, mentors, and community members to engage 5th – 8th grade youth in designing, building, and racing model solar cars.

    Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TEAMS)  – An annual STEM competition providing students in middle schools and high schools the opportunity to discover engineering. Students work together in teams and use practical applications of math and science to answer engineering questions about everyday, real-world challenges.

    TSA VEX Robotics Competition – An engaging robotics competition in which students further their knowledge and skills in STEM areas. This competition is a collaborative effort of TSA and VEX Robotics, Inc.

    UNITE – A four-to-six week summer program, funded by the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program, that encourages high school students to pursue college-level studies -- and ultimately, careers -- in engineering and related STEM fields. 

    Verizon Innovative Learning app challenge A competition offering middle and high school students the opportunity to use their creativity, ingenuity, and STEM knowledge to create a mobile app concept that meets a school or community need. The goal is to provide an engaging, empowering learning experience to increase student interest and knowledge in STEM and mobile technology fields.

    Recognition and Affiliation

    • U.S. Department of Education, state departments of education, and local education agencies
    • National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
    • International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA)
    • Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
    • Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
    • Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)
    • Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
    • American Cancer Society (TSA’s national service project partner)

                           

    TSA is a non-partisan, non-sectarian 501(c)(3) national association of STEM students.The Technology Student Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, creed, ethnicity, gender, gender identity/expression, or disability.