What is TSA?
The Technology Student Association, a non-profit student organization, is the only student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of young people in industrial technology education programs. Its mission is to inspire its student members to prepare for careers in a technology-driven economy and culture.
TSA is the only student organization dedicated exclusively to students enrolled in technology education classes, grades K-12. TSA is recognized by the US Department of Education, The Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the International Technology Education Association, the Washington Industrial Technology Education Association, and the National Coordinating Council of Career and Technical Student Organizations.
Involvement in TSA benefits teachers as well as students. Relating class activities to local, regional, state, and national technology related competitive events can be highly motivational for students. The natural interaction between teachers and students can provide an excellent learning environment, while working toward goals.
TSA’s Mission Statement?
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.
TSA’s Motto?
‘Learning to Live in a Technical World”
Who are TSA members?
Washington TSA’s membership includes nearly 1000 middle and high school students in over 30 schools across the state. TSA members are highly motivated students who are preparing for careers in Technological Fields including:
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Industrial Design
- Information Technology
- Communication Technology
- Film & Video Production
- Materials Technology
- Medical and Biotechnology
- Transportation
TSA members are leaders in their schools and they represent many more students at their own schools. They:
- are students from different races and ethnic backgrounds, with different grade point averages.
- have an interest in technology and a desire to be a part of a team with common goals.
- have taken, or are currently taking a class in Technology Education or Industrial Technology.
What do TSA Members do?
Washington TSA provides its members with a variety of opportunities to develop their skills, learn about industry, and prepare for their future. Our members take classes in a variety of technical skill areas, then put those skills to work by competing at TSA events. Here is just a sample of the opportunities available to WTSA members through membership in this organization.
Competitive Events:
Washington TSA offers a variety of competitive events for students to practice and demonstrate their technical skills, leadership abilities, and employability skills. These competitions take place at 2 different levels. At the Middle/ Jr. High School level, there are 31 different events. The High School level offers 33 events. These are Nationally sanctioned events that the student members can compete in at the local, regional, state, and national levels.
The competitive events are the major focus of the organization and its members, as they provide an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities outside of the school walls. Based on industry standards, these events provide students with the chance to connect the classroom to the real world. Further through our use of judges from industry, these events enable our students to interact with professionals in the field. Please see or Competitive Events Page for more information.
Leadership Opportunities:
Leadership training is offered at the state and national level. Washington TSA hosts leadership training seminars through out the state to help our students develop skills that will enable them to be the future leaders of industry.
Each chapter or school elects their own officer team to run the chapter. Additionally the students elect their peers to be state officers. These students take the lead in motivating their peers and organizing their association.
Conferences:
State and national conferences are held each year for students to demonstrate their skills through competition and learn more about the world of industrial technology. At the State Conference students from across the state come together with one goal in mind, demonstrating their abilities and taking home a championship. These students compete in our various competitive events, attend the annual Education Fair, participate in special classes, and interact with others from diverse backgrounds.
