Technology Student Association - Technology Student Association

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is an international student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as business education.TSA aims to develop leadership, academic, and business management skills in the workplace among students and leaders within the community. TSA’s membership includes over 300,000 middle and high school students in 2,200 schools spanning 3 countries, making it the second largest CTSO club.

Competition

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, state, regional and national level. A component of leadership is often entailed in events at both levels, with some events being devoted to leadership (such as the Leadership Challenge).

All TSA competitions are correlated with national science, technology, engineering and mathematics and business standards. Expert judging by technology educators and industry representatives inspires the best from participants. Members are rewarded not only with medals or trophies, but also with memories of the camaraderie and the challenge of a TSA conference. Sample middle school events include Agriculture and Biotechnology Issues, Career Prep, Electronic Gaming and Go Green Manufacturing. High school events include Animatronics, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Desktop Publishing. Scores are out of 100 points and based upon a nationally developed rubric. 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. First, second, and third-place winners are awarded a trophy, and finalists (top 10) are recognized at the national level.

History

TSA became an independent organization in 1978, when AIASA Inc. was formed to oversee the activities of the American Industrial Arts Student Association. Between the foundation of AIASA as an independent organization (it had formerly been a part of the American Industrial Arts Association) and 1988, the association grew and began to take shape.

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. In 1990, the logo received a trademark from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Today, the Association has grown to include over 300,000 members in 2,500 secondary schools across 48 states. It has established an Honor Society, manages numerous competitive events and has partnerships with several organizations.

TSA's Mission Statement: The Technology Student Association fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Members apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts through co-curricular activities, competitive events and related programs.

Program Initiatives

Junior Solar Sprint â€" A national STEM based program empowering teachers, mentors and other community members to engage 5th â€" 8th grade youth in designing, building and racing model solar cars.

TEAMS â€" (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) â€" An annual one-day competition for students in middle and high school that allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in STEM to solve issues facing our global society.

TSA VEX Robotics Competition â€" An engaging competition platform through which students are exposed to the latest in robotics education, and concurrently, to opportunities that will further their knowledge in STEM areas. The TSA VEX Robotics Competition is made possible through funding from VEX Robotics, Inc.

UNITE â€" A four to six week summer program, funded by the U.S. Army Research Office, encouraging high school students to pursue engineering careers. Through hands-on activities and team-based learning, students explore the connections between math, science and real-world applications.

Verizon Innovative App Challenge â€" Middle school and high school students use their STEM knowledge, their ingenuity, and their creativity to come up with a mobile app concept that meets the needs of their school or community. The goal of the challenge is to provide an engaging and empowering learning experience to increase student interest and knowledge in STEM and mobile technology fields.

Additionally, TSA has a service partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS), which are parts of their National Service Project. TSA members raise money to promote advocacy and research in the ACS, and the ACS issues Spirit of Service awards at each national conference. In the past, conferences have hosted Relay for Life events on site.

Incumbent National Officers

Notable alumni

• Chad Hurley - Co-founder of YouTube (Film - 1992)
• Andy Hertzfeld - Member of the original Macintosh development team in the 1980s and computer entrepreneur
• Carrie Underwood - Country singer and music star, past member of Oklahoma TSA
• Mark Zuckerberg - Facebook founder and past member of New York TSA
• Hunter Hayes - Country singer and music star, past member of Tennessee TSA
• Justin Lauer - Florida TSA Executive Director, National TSA Distinguished Service Award Winner, National TSA Honorary Lifetime Member, past member of Florida TSA

References

External links

• Official TSA Website
• Office of Vocational and Adult Education (USDOE)`
• Official Florida TSA Website