Technology Student Association

Technology Student Association
Abbreviation TSA
Motto "Learning to lead in a technical world."[1]
Predecessor American Industrial Arts Student Association
Formation 1978
Type Youth organization, Career and technical student organization
Legal status Non-profit organization
Headquarters Reston, Virginia
Region served
United States
Germany
Turkey
Japan
Membership
250,000 students
2,000 chapters
Official language
English
Website TSAweb.org

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national student organization created to develop skills 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. The organization has 250,000 members.[2] The 2017 national conference was held June 21–25, 2017, in Orlando, Florida.[3] The 2018 national conference will be held June 22-26, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia.[4]

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. Sample middle school events include Agriculture and Biotechnology Issues, 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 Desktop Publishing.[5] 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.[6]

Program 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. Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) is an annual one-day competition where students use their skills to solve issues facing our global society.[7] TSA has partnered with the VEX Robotics Competition to allow students to design and create robots to complete specific tasks.[8] UNITE is a summer program funded by the U.S. Army Research Office that encourages high school students to pursue engineering careers.[9] The Verizon Innovative App Challenge allows students to compete in creating an idea for a new app. Every TSA middle school and high school member is required to submit LEAP (Leadership. Education. Achievement. Personal Growth.) documentation as part of every competition in which they compete. LEAP documentation tracks the leadership activities and experiences a TSA member has completed as part of each competition.[10]

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.[12]

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.[12]

Today, the association has grown to include over 250,000 members in 2,000 secondary schools across 49 states.[2] It has established an Honor Society, manages numerous competitive events and has partnerships with several organizations.

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.[13]

Notable alumni

References

  1. ↑ Due to an amendment to Section 1 of Article XII of the National TSA Bylaws adopted at the annual business meeting on July 1, 2016, the motto will be "Learning to lead in a technical world," effective August 30, 2016.
  2. 1 2 "National TSA Conference: Defining Your Future" (PDF). Technology Student Association. 2017-06-21. Retrieved 2017-06-22.
  3. ↑ "National Conference". Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
  4. ↑ "National Conference". Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2018-05-31.
  5. ↑ "Our Story". TSAweb.org. Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
  6. ↑ "Competitions". TSAweb.org. Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
  7. ↑ "TEAMS". Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
  8. ↑ "VEX Robotics Competition". Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
  9. ↑ "UNITE Program". Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
  10. ↑ "UNITE Program". Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2017-11-28.
  11. ↑ "Mission Statement, TSA Motto and Creed". Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
  12. 1 2 "History". TSAweb.org. Technology Student Association. 1995-04-24. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
  13. ↑ "National Service Project". TSAweb.org. Technology Student Association. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
  14. ↑ "Chad Hurley". London Speaker Bureau. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
  15. 1 2 Matthew, Joshua (2014-03-12). "I'm America's STEM Future, But I Also Need America's Help For That Future". Real Clear Education. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
  16. ↑ "Notable Alumni". Stone Bridge TSA. 2016. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
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