Why TSA

The most important benefit of TSA membership is the inspiration and enthusiasm that students gain from receiving recognition for applying their knowledge. Other benefits include:

• Enhancing technological literacy and leadership capabilities
• Working through complex activities from conception to completion
• Competing at local, state, and national competition levels
• Meeting business and industry professionals
• Attending organized meetings
• Networking with like-minded students and educators nationwide
• Contributing to national service initiatives
• Receiving membership services including the School Scene newsletter
• Gaining recognition through honor societies, scholarships, and achievement programs
• Having influence in shaping technology education's future

Becoming a TSA advisor is a decision that means your school is part of a national organization that promotes and recognizes excellence in its technology students through applied Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based competitive events and leadership activities. Each year approximately 30 competitive events are designed and developed at both the middle and high school levels. All events are correlated to the STEM concepts associated with State and National standards. Event criteria, STEM correlations, and professionally developed Leadership Lessons are provided to all state delegations annually.

Many state delegations host a yearly state conference that includes competition, along with leadership and chapter development opportunities. In addition, a mentor program provides ongoing chapter support for new advisors.

There are many variables that affect the time an advisor devotes to their TSA program. Some of those variables include:

• Whether the program is co-curricular or extra-curricular
• The design and scope of the program of work — a yearly plan that encompasses competition and non-competition events, fundraising activities, service projects, social activities, and other various events
• The organizational approach of the chapter — students run the organization through a structure of elected officers, committee chairs, and committee members. Experienced chapters require less advisor time as students take ownership of their chapter activities