REASONS TO JOIN TSA
- STEM competitions
- Career and technical skills development
- Leadership opportunities
- Local, regional, state, and national conferences
- Achievement Program
- Networking with members and industry professionals
- Scholarships and awards
- FUN!
COMPETITIONS
I am interested in competitions for...
High School
Middle School
Engineering Design
Participants develop a solution to an annual theme that is based on a specific challenge noted by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in its compilation of the grand challenges for engineering in the 21st century. The solution will include a documentation portfolio, a display, and a model/prototype. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.
Technology Problem Solving
Participants use problem-solving skills to design and construct a finite solution to a challenge provided onsite at the conference. Solutions are evaluated at the end of 90 minutes using measures appropriate to the challenge, such as elapsed time, horizontal or vertical distance, and/or strength.
Video Game Design
Participants design, build, and launch an E-rated online video game – with accompanying required documentation - that addresses the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise they gained during the development of the game.
Dragster
Participants design, draw, and construct a CO2-powered dragster that adheres to the annual specifications, design and documentation requirements, and theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview and compete in a double-elimination race.
Electrical Applications
Participants take a test on basic electrical and electronic theory. In response to an onsite challenge, semifinalists assemble a specified circuit from a schematic diagram, make required electrical measurements, and explain their solution in an interview.
Essays on Technology
Participants conduct research on specific subtopics from a broad technology area posted as part of the annual theme. Using a previously prepared note card as an approved resource, participants draft an outline of the subtopic randomly selected onsite at the conference. Semifinalists write an essay on that subtopic.
Flight
Participants submit a documentation portfolio and fabricate a glider designed to stay in flight for the greatest elapsed time. Semifinalists use their technical drawing skills to construct a glider that is flown onsite.
Forensic Technology
Participants take a test of basic forensic science theory to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists participate in an onsite forensic skills demonstration.
Inventions and Innovations
To address the annual theme, participants research a need - and brainstorm a solution - for an invention or innovation of a device, system, or process. Participants document their work in an interactive display and the creation of a model/prototype. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their work and participate in an interview.
![Six elected students to serve as the 2024-2025 National TSA Officer team.](https://tsaweb.org/images/default-source/website-images/leadership-officerteam.jpg?sfvrsn=4710d430_3)
LEADERSHIP
RESOURCES
Affiliated TSA members have access to resources to help enrich their TSA experience. Some highlights include:
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
- Awards and Scholarships
- Leadership Program
- National Service Project
- TSA Achievement Program, Pathways to Excellence
![Bkgd_Interior stock-photo-classmate-classroom-sharing-international-friend-concept-409247206](/images/default-source/default-album/bkgd_interior.png?sfvrsn=3f82e729_5)