There are many STEM programs for high school students, but few of them let you explore STEM beyond the classroom through hands-on projects and competitions the same way the Technology Student Association (TSA) does.
As a TSA member, you’ll team up with like-minded students, handle real-world challenges, and even show your creations on regional or national stages. In this article, we’ll talk about what the organization offers you, how to join, and why you would want to be a member.
- What Is the Technology Student Association?
- Technology Student Association Programs
- Technology Student Association Application Deadline
- Technology Student Association Requirements
- How to Get into the Technology Student Association
- Why Join the Technology Student Association?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is the Technology Student Association?
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national non-profit organization for middle and high school students who are interested in STEM. It is officially recognized as a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), making it “intracurricular.” That means its programs are often tied to what you learn in tech or engineering classes in school.
The organization’s motto is “Learning to lead in a technical world,” with a mission to help students develop personal skills, leadership abilities, and career opportunities in STEM fields. Because of that, you can expect to learn technical skills and how to lead and work in a team.
As a Technology Student Association member, you can participate in STEM-focused competitions, leadership projects, and community service as part of your school experience. You’ll also get a chance to apply your creativity and knowledge in practical challenges.
Technology Student Association Programs
The two major components of Technology Student Association’s programs are competitions and conferences. Through these programs, you can apply what you learn to real competitions and events.
Technology Student Association competitions
Every year, TSA offers dozens of different competitions for high school members in various categories. These competitive events cover almost every aspect of STEM-related fields, from engineering to digital arts.
Here are a few examples of TSA competitions that you can participate in:
- Animatronics. Students design and build a working animatronic device with sound and movement based on an annual theme. Entries are judged on technical design, creativity, and how well the device functions and tells a story.
- Board Game Design. Teams create an original board game, including rules, packaging, and playable components. During a live demonstration, judges evaluate creativity, playability, theme integration, and presentation.
- Forensic Science. Participants use forensic techniques to analyze a mock crime scene. They’ll examine evidence, interpret data, and present conclusions in a written report and interview format.
- Flight Endurance. Students build a lightweight, rubber-band-powered aircraft and compete for the longest flight time. The challenge focuses on aerodynamics, construction accuracy, and performance consistency.
- Future Technology Teacher. This event tests students’ teaching and presentation skills through a lesson plan, classroom activity, and interview. It’s designed for those considering a career in STEM education.
TSA competitions start at the regional or state level (depending on your area), and winners usually advance to compete at the national level at the National TSA Conference.
Technology Student Association conferences
There are regional, state, and national conferences, and each one is a chance to expand your TSA experience beyond your own chapter. Technology Student Association conferences are where you’ll find competition sessions, workshops, guest speakers, and networking socials.
State delegations usually hold leadership conferences in the fall, but they also have regional competitions throughout the school year. You can find information regarding your state conferences on the specific TSA state delegation’s website.
Meanwhile, the National TSA Conference is held every year in a different city in the US, typically in late June, and it’s the culmination of the TSA year. The National TSA Conference for 2025 was held from June 27 to July 1 in Nashville, Tennessee, with the theme “Tune In To Technology.” National conferences are also where new national officers (student leaders) are elected each year.
Technology Student Association Application Deadline
There’s technically no application deadline for becoming a Technology Student Association member at your school’s chapter. Most TSA chapters start their activities at the beginning of the school year. If you plan to be an active member and want more time to work on your projects, then you should join as soon as they open recruitment.
But let’s say you’re looking to affiliate your chapter with your state TSA. In that case, you should be aware that many state TSA delegations set their own membership deadlines (typically in the fall or early winter) that chapters must meet to participate in regional or state competitions.
For example, Pennsylvania TSA requires chapters to register by December 1 each year. Schools that affiliate late have to pay a late fee and might even be barred from some regional events.
The National TSA also designates a “priority membership” date each year. If you affiliate by that date, you get the following:
- Gold seal affiliation certificate
- Small gift as a token of appreciation
- Uninterrupted membership service
Technology Student Association Requirements
If you want to join the Technology Student Association as a student, the good news is that your school’s TSA advisor handles most of the technical registration. However, you still need to meet certain requirements to become an active member of your local chapter.
Eligibility
To join your school’s TSA chapter, you must:
- Be in middle or high school
- Be enrolled in a STEM-related course at your school or have taken one in the past
Required documents
Requirements can slightly differ between schools and districts. But, generally, you can expect your TSA advisor to ask for these documents:
- Student membership form. This is provided by your school’s TSA chapter or advisor
- Parental permission slip. This is especially needed if you’ll be traveling to events or staying after school for meetings
- Medical release or emergency contact form. This is typically required if you attend conferences or competitions
- Code of conduct or behavior agreement. You may need this depending on school or event rules
Program cost
How much your membership fee is depends on your school and state, but it usually falls between $15 and $25 a year. The fee covers national and state TSA dues and sometimes helps fund local chapter activities.
How to Get into the Technology Student Association
Whether your school already has a chapter or you’re looking to start one, here’s how you can join the Technology Student Association:
Joining your school’s chapter
It’s pretty easy to join the TSA if your school already has a chapter. Here are the steps:
- Attend an interest meeting. Most chapters host an introductory meeting at the beginning of the school year. This is where you’ll learn about upcoming events, projects, and how to get involved.
- Complete any required forms. Aside from the TSA membership form, your school might ask you to fill out a permission slip or a student club form. Make sure to turn in any paperwork on time.
- Pay your membership dues. You can either bring cash or a check to your advisor or use your school’s online payment system, if available.
- Start participating in chapter activities. Once registered, you can attend meetings, choose events to compete in, and begin working on projects with your team.
Starting a chapter
If your school doesn’t have a TSA chapter yet, you can help start one. Here’s how:
- Find a faculty advisor. Find a teacher (someone who teaches STEM-related courses) who’s willing to be your chapter’s advisor.
- Recruit at least 10 students. TSA requires a minimum of 10 student members per chapter. You can find prospective members through the use of flyers, social media, or school announcements.
- Register the chapter online. Your advisor will need to go to the TSA website and create a chapter account. They’ll choose a membership plan (Red CAP or White CAP) and submit your school’s information.
- Submit the member roster and payment. The advisor will list all student members and arrange the payment of national and state dues. Your chapter becomes official once TSA processes the registration and payment.
You can reach out to your State Delegation representative if you need help navigating the chapter registration process.
Why Join the Technology Student Association?
If you’re a serious STEM student, then you should definitely consider being part of the Technology Student Association. Here are some of the benefits you can experience as a member:
1. Get hands-on STEM experience
TSA lets you apply what you learn in class to real-world projects, which is especially evident in its competitions. Instead of just solving equations or writing essays, you might spend weeks designing a robot, creating an original game, or preparing a podcast.
These experiences help you learn technical skills by doing, which is one of the best ways to understand complex STEM concepts.
2. Experience leadership and personal growth
TSA is a student-led organization, which means there are many ways for you to take charge and grow as a leader. Each school chapter votes for student officers who help plan meetings, organize teams, and manage projects. This is a good start in gaining real experience leading peers.
Even if you don’t take on an officer role, you can lead in your own way. For one, many events require you to work in teams, communicate clearly, and present your ideas to judges. You might be the team leader in the Video Game Design competition, which gives you the additional responsibility of really looking out for your teammates.
3. Network with educators and fellow students
When you join TSA, you become part of a large community of students and teachers who are also passionate about technology and learning. You’ll meet students from other schools who share your interests at competitions and conferences. These connections can lead to friendships or even future collaborations on projects.
You’ll also interact with educators who can offer advice, guidance, and support. TSA events usually include workshops that are led by industry professionals, college faculty, or experienced advisors. These sessions can show you STEM pathways you might not have considered and give you direct access to professionals in fields you do want to pursue.
4. Possibly receive scholarships
TSA recognizes high-achieving students through awards and scholarships at both the state and national levels. These scholarships are given to members who show excellence in leadership, academics, or technical projects. They aren’t guaranteed, but you may qualify if you’re active in your chapter and perform well in competitions.
For example, the National TSA offers the National Technical Honor Society and the William P. Elrod Memorial Scholarship, among others. Several state TSA programs may offer their own awards too.
5. Gain recognition for your efforts
TSA gives you the chance to compete and be recognized for your hard work at every level. Obviously, you get awarded for winning competitions, but you can also receive achievement awards for consistent involvement or leadership, among other possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Technology Student Association do?
The Technology Student Association (TSA) engages middle and high school students in STEM competitions, leadership activities, and career readiness programs. TSA chapters let students design projects, compete at the local, state, and national levels, and attend conferences with peers to network and showcase their skills.
2. Who started the Technology Student Association?
TSA started as the American Industrial Arts Student Association (AIASA), which was formed in 1978 under the support of the American Industrial Arts Association. In 1988, AIASA was renamed the Technology Student Association as the organization’s focus shifted toward modern technology education
3. What are the benefits of joining the Technology Student Association?
The benefits of joining the Technology Student Association include getting hands-on STEM experience, experiencing leadership and personal growth, networking with educators and fellow students, possibly receiving scholarships, and gaining recognition for your efforts.
Takeaways
- The Technology Student Association is a nationwide organization for middle and high school students who are passionate about STEM. It offers competitions, programs, and leadership opportunities that let students apply technology skills outside the classroom.
- TSA members can compete in events ranging from animatronics to digital design, testing their skills in real projects. They also attend regional, state, and national conferences to showcase their work and network with students and educators from other schools.
- If your school has an existing TSA chapter, joining is as easy as signing up and paying the membership fee. If you’re starting a chapter at your school, you’ll need the help of a faculty advisor to affiliate your chapter with the National TSA.
- Being an active member of the TSA shows you’re serious about being a STEM student and professional in the future. Polish up your college application so your TSA membership (and other academic and extracurricular activities) can have a better impact on admissions officers.
