4,500 Students and Educators Attend the 30th
Anniversary Technology Student Association National Conference

Technology Student Association (TSA) members nationwide, as well as two schools from Germany, attended the 30th Anniversary National TSA Conference in Orlando, Florida, June 28 - July 2, 2008 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. The TSA conference provides the venue for its members to compete in more than 60 competitive events based on principles and concepts learned through projects during the school year in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. TSA’s 30th annual conference recognized the technological future of its youth and the nation with the theme "TSA: Imagine It."

High school and middle school technology students, guided by their chapter advisors, prepared all year to compete with their peers in technology events such as Agriculture and Biotechnology, CAD, Construction Challenge, Cyberspace Pursuit, Engineering Design, Flight Endurance, Medical Technology, Promotional Graphics, Robotics and Transportation Modeling. Attendees also participated in the DuPont Leadership Academy, designed to develop and enhance leadership skills through customized sessions for middle and high school students and teachers, graduating seniors and chapter and state TSA officers. Other activities included Special Interest Sessions and the annual TSA business meeting whereby the 2008-2009 National TSA Officers were elected.

The first General Session, held on Sunday, June 29th, featured a keynote speech by The Director for Technology in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, Ms. Mary J. Miller. TSA again partnered with The American Cancer Society (ACS) for its National Service Project, and conference attendees participated in the TSA/ACS Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back commemorative event. Chapters and states were recognized for their ACS fundraising efforts throughout the year.

In addition, conference attendees enjoyed the latest in technology innovation at the one-day Education Fair. Exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services included Applied Technologies, AutoDesk, Inc., Disney Youth Education Services, Goodheart-Willcox Publishers, I Support Learning, International Technology Education Association (ITEA), F1 In Schools, Inc., National Center for Technological Literacy, Pitsco, Saywire, SolidWorks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the American Cancer Society.

For information about the 2008 Technology Student Association national conference, please visit the homepage at www.tsaweb.org or contact Lynda Haitz, lhaitz@tsaweb.org.