Whether a student is just starting out as a Technology Student Association (TSA) member or has been a member for a number of years, parents and volunteers can have a significant impact on a student’s experience by being interested, enthusiastic, and involved.
As one of the eight career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, TSA provides middle and high school students with opportunities for leadership, teamwork, community service, personal growth, and recognition. TSA chapters plan a program of work for the year that includes technology competitions and activities that help prepare TSA student members for entry – ultimately – into the workforce.
Competitions
TSA provides rules and guidelines for more than 70 middle school competitions and high school competitions for use in the classroom. All TSA competitions are aligned with STEM standards; 21st century leadership skills; and the U.S. Department of Education's National Career Clusters Framework®.
Leadership
Leadership opportunities abound for TSA student members through areas such as chapter committee participation, officer candidate programs, and community service. TSA’s leadership program can provide guidance to students as they pursue such opportunities.
Personal Growth
As students work on TSA-related projects they learn to engage as a team; accept and give recognition; increase their knowledge; and help others. TSA provides the structure for a successful group or individual experience—shaped and managed by membership in TSA - with the assistance of a chapter advisor/teacher.
How You Can Help
A key role you can take on as a TSA parent or volunteer is to encourage and support students as they engage in TSA activities. This could involve:
- supporting a TSA parent booster group and fundraising initiatives
- volunteering to drive to a local or regional competition
- volunteering as a judge at a local, state, or national TSA conference
- being “on call” for the TSA chapter advisor when the advisor needs help
For specific TSA programs that welcome the efforts of volunteers, see below, or contact the TSA chapter advisor.
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Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) and Senior Solar Sprint (SSS) are funded by the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) and managed by TSA. For both JSS and SSS, students apply scientific understanding, creativity, experimentation, and teamwork to design, build, and race model solar vehicles. Using the TSA event guidelines format, these programs are designed to support the instruction of STEM in categories such as alternative fuels, engineering design, and aerodynamics. Students participate in JSS and SSS through TSA chapters and U.S. Army-hosted locations across the country. JSS and SSS Volunteer Opportunities
TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) is an annual science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competition—each year based on a new theme—that challenges teams of middle school and high school students to collaboratively solve real-world engineering issues by applying their STEM knowledge in practical and creative ways. TEAMS Volunteer Opportunities
The TSA VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) and the TSA VEX IQ Challenge (VIQC) provide students with an exciting team opportunity to gain STEM experience in an action-packed environment at the national TSA conference. VEX Volunteer Opportunities