CHAPTER ADVISOR GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
This guide was developed for the educator interested in starting a TSA chapter, as well as the new TSA chapter advisor, and the veteran TSA chapter advisor who has served for multiple years.
The material covered presents both general and specific information about the organization –including details for starting a chapter and advisor resources that focus on TSA competitions, programs, and initiatives.
For questions about the guide, please contact National TSA at general@tsaweb.org.
ABOUT TSA
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national non-profit career and technical student organization (CTSO) of middle and high school students engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). TSA was chartered in 1978, and since then over 5,000,000 students have participated in TSA’s competitions, intracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, community service, and more.
MISSION
The Technology Student Association (TSA) enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), whereby members apply and integrate these concepts through intracurricular activities, competitions, and related programs.
MEMBERSHIP BY THE NUMBERS
300,000+
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MEMBERS
100% 90%
LIKELY TO GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL
COLLEGE-BOUND
2,700+ 3,500+
TEACHERS (CHAPTER ADVISORS)
SCHOOLS IN 48 STATES
ENROLLED IN A CTE PROGRAM 85%
STUDENT MEMBERS
Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology and engineering courses in school, TSA includes more than 300,000 middle and high school student members across the United States. TSA is supported by educators, parents, and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically literate society. Members apply and integrate STEM concepts through participation in competitive events, leadership endeavors, co-curricular activities, and related programs. A wide range of opportunities makes TSA a positive experience for every student.
AFFILIATED CHAPTERS
A Technology Student Association (TSA) chapter – which affiliates on the state and national level – is an organized middle school or high school group comprised of students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Members must be enrolled in or have taken a technology-related course in school, and an advisor (teacher or administrator) must guide the chapter. Membership in TSA provides an opportunity for students to compete in STEM competitions at the local, state, and national level; participate in leadership and community-oriented activities and programs; and earn recognition for their achievements.
To learn more about TSA, view the video below .
AFFILIATION AND MEMBERSHIP
Chapter members are part of both their state TSA delegation and national TSA.
STATE AND NATIONAL TSA
In addition to the opportunities and resources offered through national TSA, many state TSA organizations offer a leadership conference in the fall, a competition conference in the spring, and other activities during the year. Members are encouraged to attend and participate in the annual national TSA conference. Chapter advisors should be sure to check their state TSA website for information and contact their state advisor to learn how they can be involved.
ALABAMA
ALASKA
ARIZONA
ARKANSAS
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
CONNECTICUT
DELAWARE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
IDAHO
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
MAINE
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
MINNESOTA
MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI
MONTANA
NEBRASKA
NEVADA
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW JERSEY
NEW MEXICO
NEW YORK
NORTH CAROLINA
NORTH DAKOTA
OHIO
OKLAHOMA
OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA
RHODE ISLAND
SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTH DAKOTA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
UTAH
VERMONT
VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON
WEST VIRGINIA
WYOMING
AFFILIATION AND DUES
TSA Chapter Affiliation
TSA’s membership is comprised of middle and high school students engaged in STEM across the country. Members are part of an affiliated TSA chapter with an advisor – a teacher or other faculty member at a school.
TSA affiliation is paid for annually. Membership status begins when a chapter completes affiliation and ends at the conclusion of the annual national TSA conference. TSA offers three curriculum-integrated membership programs. Chapters should select the program that works best for them:
RED CAP
Red Chapter Affiliation Program
A chapter affiliates up to 10 members by paying a flat fee (members may be added during the year for an additional fee). The membership fee for Red CAP is $120 at the national level, plus state dues.
WHITE CAP
White Chapter Affiliation Program
A chapter affiliates 11 or more members by paying a per member fee for state and national dues. The membership fee for White CAP is $12 per member at the national level, plus state dues.
BLUE CAP
Blue Chapter Affiliation Program
A chapter affiliates an unlimited number of members in a school for a flat fee. This option is popular among chapters in which students rotate through a STEM class for a portion of the year because it enables all students to be members. The membership fee for Blue CAP is $400 at the national level, plus state dues.
A chapter’s affiliation selection must be the same at the state and national level. View the list of state dues. View additional important Member Affiliation Policies
HOW TO AFFILIATE A CHAPTER
Returning TSA chapters: From the Advisor Login tab on the TSA website, previous-year chapter advisors may log in to their chapter site in the TSA Membership System using their existing chapter ID/username and password –and then proceed to online affiliation.
New TSA chapters: From the Advisor Login tab on the TSA website, there are two options for individuals who wish to affiliate a chapter with TSA: starting a new chapter, or re-affiliating a previous chapter under a new advisor. For either option, the steps to complete affiliation begin by clicking on the red Chapter Membership bar and following the onscreen instructions.
Payment: Chapter affiliation payment by credit card results in immediate activation of membership and access to TSA chapter resources. Payment by P.O. must be verified by TSA before membership in TSA is activated and resources become available.
Once membership is activated, returning and new chapter advisors have access to full TSA competitive event guidelines (for the middle school level or high school level, as appropriate), leadership materials, and chapter and career-oriented information and resources.
For questions or additional support, email register@tsaweb.org
TSA CHAMPION FUND
When payment for TSA membership poses a challenge, the Champion Fund may provide an opportunity to bring TSA to middle schools and high schools. Through the Champion Fund, Red CAP membership costs (up to 10 members and one advisor) for approved schools are covered for one school year. Newly affiliated chapters can discover all that TSA membership has to offer, including a wide range of challenging STEMrelated competitions, as well as education, leadership, and career resources.
A school may be eligible if the school:
1. has never had a TSA chapter and there is no school or community financial support available to pay membership costs
2. has not had a TSA chapter for at least three years and there is no school or community financial support available to pay membership costs
3. has had a TSA chapter within the last three years, but currently is experiencing economic hardship because of a disaster.
Submitted applications are reviewed by a committee to determine eligibility and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis depending upon available funding. All applications require a principal’s signature. Schools that receive financial support from the TSA Champion Fund are kept anonymous.
Download the TSA Champion Fund application.
TSA BYLAWS
The TSA Bylaws document provides information on such topics as the TSA name, purpose, membership in TSA, chapter voting, chapter meetings, and chapter officers and their duties. This document may be accessed in the password-protected TSA Membership System once affiliation is complete.
TSA Bylaws
ARTICLE I. NAME
SECTION 1
The official name of this organization shall be the Technology Student Association and may be referred to as “TSA.”
ARTICLE II. PURPOSES
SECTION 1
The general purposes of this organization are to: assist state delegations in the growth and development of TSA. assist state delegations in the development and leadership in social, economic, educational and community activities. increase the knowledge and understanding of our technological world.
assist technology education students in the making of informed and meaningful career goals.
SECTION 2
The specific purposes of this organization are to:
• develop, through individual and team work, the ability of members to plan, organize, and use a variety of resources to solve problems.
explore technology and develop an understanding of technological literacy.
• promote high standards of learning through curricular resource activities.
• encourage students in expressing creativity. develop consumer awareness.
provide career opportunity information pertaining to a broad range of occupations, including training requisites, working conditions, salaries or wages, and other relevant information.
provide exploratory experiences in classrooms and laboratories and develop partnerships in business or industry to acquaint students with career opportunities.
assist in providing guidance and counseling for students enrolled in technology education programs in making informed and meaningful career choices.
• expose students to the responsibility of representing a large membership.
instill desirable work habits and attitudes toward the positive way of life in students and foster a deep respect for the dignity of work.
prepare individuals for enrollment in advanced or highly skilled vocational and technical education programs.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP & ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1
The Technology Student Association is an organization of state delegations each operating in accordance with a charter granted by TSA, Inc.
SECTION 2
Each chartered delegation of TSA, Inc., will be responsible for all operational activities within that state or geographic unit under the direction of the State Supervisor of Technology Education or an appointed representative.
SECTION 3
Membership in TSA shall be through chartered state delegations. A delegation will consist of TSA chapters within a state, territory, or equivalent geographic unit. Each chapter will consist of individual members as described below:
• Active. Active members shall be students who are presently enrolled in or have been previously enrolled in technology education programs. An active member shall pay dues as established by the TSA, Inc., Board of Directors, and may be declared eligible to hold a national office, to participate in national competitive events or projects, to serve as a national voting delegate, or to otherwise represent their delegations in National TSA affairs as may be approved by their delegations.
Associate. Associate members shall be students who are enrolled in related fields of instruction with emphasis in technology education or who have been previously enrolled in technology education programs. An associate member shall pay dues as established by the TSA, Inc., Board of Directors. Associate members shall not vote or hold office.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO CHAPTER ADVISORS
Once affiliation is completed, chapter advisors have full access to TSA competitive event guidelines (for the middle school level or high school level, as appropriate) through the password-protected TSA Membership System. The following are examples of additional resources/informational items available with affiliation:
• 10 Ways to Fundraise
• Advisor Appreciation Week
• Chapter Meeting Agenda – Example
• Competition Tips
• Creating a Program of Work – Sample
• Creating a Program of Work – Template
• Dress Code
• Electing Chapter Officers
• Interview Tips
• Membership Affiliation Policies
• National TSA Week
• Recruiting and Retaining Chapter Members
• Service Project – American Red Cross
• TSA Chapter Bylaws Template
• TSA Fact Sheet
• TSA Social Media Best Practices
• TSA Bylaws
• TSA Voices: A Podcast Series
Competition Tips for Students
IMPORTANT DATES
2025
August 15
2025-2026 Chapter Affiliation Opens
TEAMS Registration Opens
September 14
National TSA’s 47th Anniversary
October 6-10
National TSA Week
November 8
National STEM Day
December 9 – 12
ACTE’s Career Tech VISION
2026
January 14 – February 18
State Level TEAMS Competitions
February 1 – 28
Career and Technical Education Month
March 25 – 28
2026 ITEEA Conference
April 20 – 24
National Student Leadership Week
June 22 – 26
2026 National TSA Conference
COMPETITIONS AND PROGRAMS
TSA’s competitive event guidelines apply to competition at the annual national TSA conference. In addition, they may be used for local, state, and regional TSA conferences.
HIGH SCHOOL TSA
COMPETITIVE EVENTS
TSA high school competitive events fall into career categories.
• Architecture and Construction Technology
• Communications Technology
HIGH SCHOOL
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Leadership
• Manufacturing and Transportation Technology
• STEM (General)
• STEM and the Arts
• Technology and Research
View an overview of TSA high school competitions
MIDDLE SCHOOL TSA COMPETITIVE EVENTS
TSA middle school competitive events fall into career categories.
• Architecture and Construction Technology
• Communications Technology
MIDDLE SCHOOL
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Leadership
• Manufacturing and Transportation Technology
• STEM (General)
• STEM and the Arts
• Technology and Research
View an overview of TSA middle school competitions.
SAMPLE TSA COMPETITIONS
Access sample guidelines for two former, but typical, TSA competitive events below:
• High School 3D Animation
• Middle School Catapult Design
NATIONAL TSA CONFERENCE DRESS CODE
The TSA Dress Code notes attire requirements for national TSA conference competitors.
Competition Attire
Shirt: official royal blue TSA shirt
Pants, or at least knee-length Skirt: gray
• Unacceptable: jeans; jeggings; leggings; baggy pants; exterior pocket pants; shorts
Shoes: black dress shoes worn with black or dark blue socks, hosiery (optional):
• open-toed shoes or sandals are acceptable
• Unacceptable: athletic shoes; flip-flops; military boots; or work boots
Required additional attire for Middle and High School Chapter Team event
Blazer: navy blue with official TSA patch
Tie: official TSA tie (males)
• Females are not penalized for wearing the official TSA tie to Chapter Team or any other competitive event
Above attire may be worn for other competitions if preferred by event participants.
General Session Attire
Shirt: the official TSA shirt (royal blue) is preferred; button-down shirt or a polo/golf shirt
• Unacceptable: t-shirts; halter tops; tank tops
Pants, or at least knee-length Dress or Skirt
• Unacceptable: jeans; jeggings; leggings; baggy pants; exterior pocket pants; shorts
Optional Blazer: navy blue with official TSA patch
Optional Tie: official TSA tie
Shoes: dress shoes worn with dark socks, hosiery (optional):
• open-toed shoes or sandals are acceptable
• Unacceptable: athletic shoes; flip-flops; military boots; or work boots
Casual Attire
Appropriate t-shirts, shorts, or jeans.
Casual attire may not be worn at competitions or general sessions.
DRESS CODE INFOGRAPHIC
TESTS OF ENGINEERING APTITUDE, MATHEMATICS,
AND
SCIENCE (TEAMS)
TEAMS challenges middle school and high school students to collaboratively solve real-world engineering issues by applying their STEM knowledge in practical and creative ways. Original academic and innovative concepts are developed for the TEAMS competition based on the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, or other engineering challenges. Undertaking these challenges requires critical job-readiness skills such as collaboration, analytical thinking, and multi-dimensional problem solving.
Owned and administered by TSA, TEAMS is a separate program from TSA. Many TSA members compete in both the TSA and TEAMS competition programs, however membership in TSA is not required for TEAMS competition. A separate registration is needed for TEAMS, and schools with an active TSA chapter receive a 30% discount on the TEAMS registration fee of $150/team.
Competing in TEAMS
Teams of two to four students compete between January 14th and February 18th in four TEAMS competition components:
• Design/Build – Teams design and build a solution to an engineering challenge.
• Multiple Choice – Teams use math and science skills to solve real-world engineering challenges.
• Essay – Teams research and write an in-depth essay that is submitted electronically prior to their competition day.
• Mathematical Modeling – Teams must develop a mathematical model to determine a solution based on given data.
The national TEAMS competition takes place annually during the national TSA conference. The 2026 TEAMS competition theme is “Engineering the Past.”
TSA advisors may register for TEAMS while completing their TSA affiliation (the 30% discount is automatically applied) or by registering on the TEAMS website and using the code TSA2026 to receive the discount.
Questions? Visit the TEAMS website for more information or email Amber Williams
Design/Build Multiple Choice Essay Mathematical Modeling
LEADERSHIP
Students are increasingly expected to gain competencies they will need to navigate a changing world—skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. These skills are often referred to as “21st century skills,” “soft skills,” or “deeper learning.”
Acquiring 21st century leadership skills is critical to the success of young people. TSA members have access to invaluable leadership opportunities – through TSA’s competitive events, resources, and activities – that help develop these skills.
TSA Leadership and 21st Century Skills
Perseverance/
21st
The inclusion of 21st century skills development into TSA’s program of competitions and activities encourages students to be engaged TSA members as they seek understanding about themselves and knowledge about TSA and their community. Leadership and 21st century skills are inherent in each TSA competitive event and in resources such as TSA Voices and the TSA Achievement Program, Pathways to Excellence.
TSA Voices: A Podcast Series
TSA Voices: A Podcast Series features individuals from the TSA community who reflect on TSA’s program of competitions and activities, leadership, and their TSA journey. Each episode spotlights a 21st century leadership skill – such as collaboration, adaptability, or communication – and its specific importance in the individual’s TSA experience and beyond.
View a summary of the first season of the podcast series, Leadership Lessons from Alumni, and access the episodes, including follow-up discussion questions.
TSA Achievement Program, Pathways to Excellence
The TSA Achievement Program, Pathways to Excellence promotes service leadership, STEM immersion, and personal/professional development in middle school and high school members through involvement in STEM-based activities. Specifically, the program aims to:
• engage members at the local, state, and national levels
• facilitate opportunities for members to gain 21st century leadership skills, and use and expand their knowledge and skills of technology and engineering education
• recognize the efforts of members to attain bronze, silver, and gold level awards through participation in the program
Visit the TSA website for more information about the TSA Achievement Program
NATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT:
AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross is TSA’s new and exclusive national service project partner, effective August 15, 2025.
The Red Cross prepares for and responds to local, state, national, and international emergencies. Partnering with the Red Cross provides a unique opportunity for TSA members to apply their leadership, organizational, and STEM skills to help the Red Cross make a real difference in communities – through efforts to support disaster relief, promote health and safety, and help those in need.
Information about TSA and the Red Cross can be found on the TSA website
NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY (NTHS)
Since 1984, the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) has been the honor society for Career and Technical Education (CTE), serving high schools, career centers, community and technical colleges, and universities. Recognizing over 60,000 new members and awarding nearly $300,000 in scholarships annually, NTHS exists to advocate for and empower all students to pursue the technical and academic skills needed to build their careers and a skilled global workforce. NTHS achieves this through career development, leadership development, service, and recognition opportunities. The Technology Student Association (TSA) and NTHS have formed a partnership to provide these benefits to TSA members.
Learn more about the National Technical Honor Society at NTHS.org
2026 NATIONAL TSA CONFERENCE
June 22 – 26, 2026
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Washington, DC / National Harbor, MD
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is located on the banks of the Potomac River, a mere stone’s throw from Washington, D.C. Here, guests will experience breathtaking spaces, world-class service, and top-tier dining options that cater to every palate. Whether you are seeking to relax, indulge in family-friendly activities within the extraordinary resort, or venture to explore the wonders of National Harbor, every moment promises adventure and unforgettable memories. Escape to a haven where summer becomes a celebration of togetherness.
A world-class, four-diamond hotel, the Gaylord National welcomes back the Technology Student Association for the 2026 National TSA Conference. The property features a perpetual oasis with a consistent 72-degree climate in the magnificent 19-story indoor garden atrium, multiple restaurants, a full-service luxury spa and salon, and more. The resort is just minutes away from Reagan National Airport (DCA).
The 2026 National TSA Conference will begin on Monday, June 22nd with conference registration and will close with the exciting awards ceremony on Friday, June 26th. TSA members can take advantage of leadership opportunities, participation in competitive events, networking with fellow TSA members, and building memories that will last a lifetime.
Start making plans to visit the nation’s capital and join the Technology Student Association for “Unity Through Community.”
