Abbreviation Virginia TSA | ||
Motto "Learning to live in a technical world" Formation 1971 (VA AISIA)
1978 (Virginia TSA) Type Career and Technical Student Organization Headquarters Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA Membership 10,500
190 Chapters (approx.) | ||
The Virginia Association of the Technology Student Association (Virginia TSA) is a state delegation of the national Technology Student Association and has approximately 10,500 high and middle school members throughout six sub-regions. Virginia TSA is a Career and Technical Student Organization which promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education through competitive events, leadership development, and community involvement.
Contents
Competition
Competitive events are separated into middle school and high school levels, with students competing within their respective age group. Competitions take place at the regional, state, and national level. A component of leadership is often entailed in events at both levels, with some events being devoted to leadership.
All TSA competitions are correlated with national science, technology, engineering and mathematics standards. Members are rewarded not only with medals or trophies, but also with memories of the camaraderie and the challenge of a TSA conference. Sample middle school events include Agriculture and Biotechnology Issues, Career Prep, Electronic Gaming and Go Green Manufacturing. High school events include Animatronics, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Desktop Publishing. Visit http://www.virginiatsa.org for a complete list of the TSA competitions. Scores are out of 100 points and based upon a nationally developed rubric. Winners are chosen based on these scores. In many events, finalists (top 10) move onto a second round of competition which usually involves an interview with the judges about the project. First, second, and third place winner are awarded a trophy at the national level.
History
TSA is the only student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of Technology Education students who are presently enrolled in or have completed Technology Education courses.
While student organizations in technology education date back to the mid-1950s, Virginia TSA was officially established in 1971 as the Virginia Association of the American Industrial Arts Student Association (AIASA). In 1987, Virginia AIASA changed its name to the Virginia Association of the Technology Student Association.
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.
Structure and Constitution
Virginia TSA is sub-divided into six regions. Local chapters affiliate through the state; however, certain competitions must first compete at the regional level before progressing to Technosphere. Virginia TSA is governed by the Virginia TSA Constitution and Bylaws which outlines the state association.
State Community Service Project
For 2013, Virginia TSA adopted the American Cancer Society as it's official service organization.
Technosphere
The Virginia TSA State Conference, Technosphere, is held annually in the last weekend of April or first weekend of May. The conference includes competitive events, a community service activity, mixer, and culminates with an awards ceremony. Technosphere 2013 was held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia.
Official Attire
TSA Official Attire includes a navy blue blazer with a TSA logo patch . Official Attire also includes an official TSA tie, a white dress shirt or the official blue shirt with the TSA patch, light grey pants or skirt, black shoes, and black socks. At the 2011 National Conference in Dallas, it was revealed that a royal blue shirt embroidered with the TSA logo would replace the white shirt in 2014. Virginia TSA unanimously voted in favour of a resolution condemning the unannounced change. The original attire will remain the official attire during Virginia TSA conferences even following 2014 (though Virginia TSA members will be required to wear the new attire at national conferences).
Virginia TSA Executive Council
The Virginia TSA Executive Council is responsible for the administration of Virginia TSA's interests. It is composed of eight state officers, six regional presidents, the past council's president, the officer's advisors, and state advisor, and the Virginia DOE Technology Education Specialist. The Officers are elected at the annual State Conference, Technosphere, and meet various times throughout the year to finalize work done through the council's seventeen committees.
2015-2016 Virginia TSA Executive Council Officers
State Officers
Regional Presidents
State Advisors
Technosphere Locations
| 2015 | Hampton roads