THE ASSOCIATIONThe Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national, nonprofit organization for middle and high school students with a strong interest in technology. Since TSA was chartered in 1978, over 2,000,000 students have participated.
MEMBERSHIP
150,000 middle and high school students
2,500 teachers and advisors
40% female representation
40% minority representation
75% college-bound
47 state delegations
MISSION
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.
MEMBER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
National competitive events
Annual national conference
Annual leadership academy
Achievement and recognition programs
Newsletters, directories, manuals, web site and other support materials
Local, state, regional and national organization activities
Technology Honor Society
RECOGNITIONS
U.S. Department of Education
National Association of Secondary School Principals
Association for Career and Technical Education
Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)
International Technology Education Association
American Cancer Society
State education departments
Local education agencies
RECENT INITIATIVES
Through a $200,000 grant awarded by the National Science Foundation, TSA hosted a two-day symposium in May 2006 for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) stakeholders and robotics education experts to develop a robotics assessment rubric that can be incorporated into competitive event activities and instruction in the classroom.
The F1 Challenge is a hands-on TSA team competition that features a five step process of designing, analyzing, manufacturing, testing, and racing a 1/20th scale formula one (F1) car. Based on technology standards, the challenge seeks to promote engineering among young people and give them access to the latest technology in the engineering and manufacturing world.
Jeff Wagley
wagleyj@lisd.net