STATE ADVISOR GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
This guide was developed to be a resource for TSA state advisors, whether new or experienced. The material presented in the guide covers information about TSA affiliation and membership; programs and initiatives; policies and bylaws; communications; and suggested state advisor responsibilities related to the state delegation and the national TSA conference.
Much of the information in the guide can be found in the passwordprotected TSA Membership System or on the TSA website. 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 organization of middle and high school students engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math (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 STATEMENT
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.
TSA FACTS
300,000+
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MEMBERS
MOTTO
Learning to lead in a technical world.
CREED
I believe that Technology Education holds an important place in my life in the technical world. I believe there is a need for the development of good attitudes concerning work, tools, materials, experimentation, and processes of industry. Guided by my teachers, artisans from industry, and my own initiative, I will strive to do my best in making my school, community, state, and nation better places in which to live.
LIKELY TO GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL
100% 90% 40%
COLLEGE-BOUND
MINORITY REPRESENTATION
2,300+ 3,500+
TEACHERS (CHAPTER ADVISORS)
SCHOOLS
I will accept the responsibilities that are mine. I will accept the theories that are supported by proper evidence. I will explore on my own for safer, more effective methods of working and living. I will strive to develop a cooperative attitude and will exercise tact and respect for other individuals. Through the work of my hands and mind, I will express my ideas to the best of my ability. I will make it my goal to do better each day the task before me, and to be steadfast in my belief in my God, and my fellow Americans.
TSA MEMBERSHIP HISTORY
IMPORTANT DATES
2024
August 15
2024-2025 Chapter Affiliation Opens
September 3
2025 TEAMS Registration Opens
September 14
National TSA’s 46th Anniversary
October 7-11
National TSA Week
November 8
National STEM Day
December 4-7
ACTE’s Career Tech VISION
December 6-12
Computer Science Education Week
December 10
Priority Membership due to National TSA
2025
January 15 – February 17
State Level TEAMS Competitions
February 1 – 28
Career and Technical Education Month
April 2-5
2025 ITEEA Conference
April 24-30
National Student Leadership Week
June 27 – July 1
2025 National TSA Conference
PARTNERSHIPS
TSA has ties to the organizations shown below. Click on the logo for each organization for more information. TSA also has ties to the U.S. Department of Education, state departments of education, and local education agencies.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) AND CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS (CTSO)
Education directives at the federal and state levels focus on providing avenues for initiatives such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. As a career and technical student organization (CTSO), the Technology Student Association (TSA) helps teachers meet criteria for STEM education goals for students. All TSA high school and middle school competitions are aligned with STEM standards, leadership skills, and the U.S. Department of Education’s National Career Clusters Framework®.
What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)?
CTE programs prepare youth for a wide range of high-skill and high-demand careers. According to Advance CTE (a national non-profit that represents State CTE Directors and state leaders of CTE), about 12.5 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE across the nation. “CTE prepares these learners for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies and makes academic content accessible to students by providing it in a hands-on context.”
CTSO Mission and Purpose
The CTSO non-profits enhance student learning through contextual instruction, leadership and personal development, applied learning, and real-world application. They work as an integral part of the classroom curriculum and instruction, building on employability and career skills and concepts through the application and engagement of students in hands-on demonstrations and real life and/or work experiences through a CTE program.
Access more information about:
NATIONAL TSA OFFICERS
Access more information about:
TSA, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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NATIONAL TSA STAFF
TSA AFFILIATION AND MEMBERSHIP
TSA CHAPTERS AND STUDENT MEMBERS
Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology and engineering courses, 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. TSA members may become officers within their state and then run for national TSA office. A wide range of activities makes TSA a positive experience for every student.
TSA chapters take the study of STEM beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue competitive challenges among friends with similar goals and interests. Together, TSA chapter members engage in competitions, learn and apply leadership skills, and have the opportunity to participate in conferences at the state, regional, and national levels. TSA chapters are committed to a national service project and are highly involved in their community.
To learn more about TSA, view the video below.
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 national TSA conference. TSA offers three curriculum-integrated membership programs. Chapters should select the program that works best for them. A chapter’s affiliation selection must be the same at the state and national level.
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 national membership fee for Red CAP is $120 and $10 per advisor, plus applicable 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 national membership fee for White CAP is $12 per member and $10 per advisor, plus applicable 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 national membership fee for Blue CAP is $400 per chapter and $10 per advisor, plus applicable state dues.
TSA CHAMPION FUND
When payment for TSA membership poses a challenge, the TSA Champion Fund may provide an opportunity to bring TSA to middle schools and high schools. Through the 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 STEM-related 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 firstcome, 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.
FORWARD TO FIFTY
Forward to Fifty (F2F) is a national membership recruitment campaign that capitalizes on TSA’s 50th anniversary in June 2028, and its related membership goal of 500,000 members and/or 3000 chapters.
The F2F campaign has two major components:
1. existing (affiliated) chapters recruiting new chapters
2. existing (affiliated) chapters recruiting new members
Now is the time to expand TSA by helping to bring new chapters and new members to the TSA community – and for chapters to have an opportunity to receive $1000!
Recruiting new CHAPTERS
During the Forward to Fifty campaign, any existing chapter that successfully recruits, mentors, and helps a school start a first-time chapter or brings back an inactive (three years or more) chapter could receive $1000 (one-time only) once the new chapter has affiliated with TSA. Learn how chapters in your state can participate
Recruiting new MEMBERS
Any existing chapter that either matches or exceeds its membership number from the 2023-2024 school year could receive $1000. Learn how chapters in your state can participate
To learn more about Forward to Fifty, view the video below.
PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES
HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
TSA COMPETITIVE EVENTS
TSA provides rules and guidelines for over 75 middle school and high school competitions held at the annual national TSA conference. (In addition, competitions may be used for local, state, and regional TSA conferences.) Students are challenged to use and improve their STEM skills in both team and individual events. All competitions are aligned with STEM standards and the National Career Clusters® Framework.
High School
TSA high school competitive events fall into career categories; the number of competitions for each category is shown in parentheses.
• Architecture and Construction Technology (5)
• Communications Technology (5)
• Computer Science and Information Technology (7)
• Leadership (5)
• Manufacturing and Transportation Technology (7)
• STEM (General) (3)
• STEM and the Arts (7)
• Technology and Research (3)
View an overview of TSA high school competitions.
Middle School
TSA middle school competitive events fall into career categories; the number of competitions for each category is shown in parentheses.
• Architecture and Construction Technology (3)
• Communications Technology (6)
• Computer Science and Information Technology (5)
• Leadership (5)
• Manufacturing and Transportation Technology (5)
• STEM (General) (6)
• STEM and the Arts (2)
• Technology and Research (4)
View an overview of TSA middle school competitions.
SOLAR SPRINT
Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) is administered by the Technology Student Association (TSA) through a grant awarded by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). Senior Solar Sprint is administered by the Technology Student Association. The competitions offer resources that empower teachers, mentors, and other community members to engage middle and high school students in designing, building, and racing model solar cars. Students develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities, investigate environmental issues, and gain hands-on STEM skills as they construct the fastest, most interesting, and best crafted vehicle possible. An online resource center is available to educators. JSS and SSS are official TSA competitions.
Learn more about the Solar Sprint competitions.
Solar Sprint
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 during a designated time period in three 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.
The national TEAMS competition takes place annually during the national TSA conference. The 2025 TEAMS competition theme is “Engineering for Extreme Weather.”
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 TSA2025 to receive the discount.
Questions? Visit the TEAMS website for more information or email Amber Williams
Design/Build Multiple Choice Essay
UNITE
Unite is a four-to-six-week, pre-collegiate, academic summer program for talented high school students from groups historically underserved in STEM areas.
Funded by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) and administered by the Technology Student Association (TSA), Unite is designed to encourage and help prepare students pursue college-level studies and, ultimately, STEM careers in fields such as engineering. View the Unite press releases, blogs, spotlights, and alumni/alumnae profiles
Learn more about Unite.
LEADERSHIP
21st Century Skills for TSA is a leadership resource designed to help members develop the skills needed to thrive as an individual and leader. Once a chapter is affiliated, members will have access to leadership resources presented in the TSA Membership System. Leadership skills workshops are held at the national TSA conference.
TRAINING TOPICS
Communication
Collaboration/ Social Skills
Initiative
Problem Solving/ Risk Taking
Critical Thinking
21st
CENTURY SKILLS
Perseverance/ Grit
Relationship Building/ Teamwork Creativity
Dependability/ Integrity
Flexibility/ Adaptability
TSA POLICIES AND BYLAWS
MEMBER AFFILIATION POLICIES
Affiliation Process
1. Membership is only processed through the national TSA online affiliation system. Faxed or mailed affiliation forms will be returned with instructions to affiliate online.
2. If a chapter that originally affiliated as a Red CAP adds more than ten members, it automatically becomes a White CAP once the additional fees are paid. Red CAP and White CAP may change to Blue CAP at any time during the year by paying the difference in fees. Blue CAP may add members at any time at no additional cost.
3. A chapter that has paid White CAP fees in excess of the Blue CAP fee may change to Blue CAP status.
4. Any chapter reporting national TSA membership that does not have a state TSA delegation is placed in the chapter-at-large category. All chapters in the chapter-at-large category have rights and privileges of any other national TSA chapter, with the exception of state delegation officer representation.
5. Members of chapters in the chapter-at-large category are considered members in good standing when all applicable chapter and national TSA dues are paid in full.
6. A school may affiliate more than one chapter, provided the chapters represent different levels, i.e., a middle school level chapter and a high school level chapter may physically exist at one school, but two middle school chapters or two high school chapters at one school are not permitted; separate membership affiliations must be submitted to the national TSA office; separate registrations for the National TSA Conference must be submitted to national TSA.
7. Any chapter affiliation submitted to national TSA must be personally completed by the chapter advisor (or an appointed officer).
8. Unpaid invoices must be paid in full to national TSA prior to any chapter member participating in a state or national TSA conference.
9. An online school (a school without a “brick and mortar” building) may affiliate a TSA chapter with full membership privileges. An online school must choose among TSA’s three curriculum-integrated membership programs and pay the applicable affiliation dues. An online school that affiliates a Red, White or Blue CAP chapter is limited to having 1000 members. TSA members (of both “brick and mortar” and online schools) who want to compete in the annual national TSA conference must participate in person as no virtual competitions are available.
Chapter Management
1. Chapters must have student members to affiliate with TSA.
2. Chapter membership type (Red CAP, White CAP or Blue CAP) must be the same at both the state and national levels.
3. A student may belong to only one local chapter and to only one state TSA delegation.
4. TSA membership must be affiliated through a local state-registered education district. “Home-schooled” students may only become members through an agreement with one affiliated chapter.
5. Advisors of TSA chapters must be registered state-certified educators working in existing school facilities. It is recommended that a science, technology, engineering or mathematics teacher serve as a TSA chapter advisor. However, some other state-certified educator may be appointed by the school’s principal. The appointed advisor has the same rights and privileges of any advisor as long as the advisor maintains the chapter in good standing.
6. The chapter level (middle school or high school) is designated by the chapter advisor when affiliating each year.
7. Two schools may not combine to form one chapter at the same level or different levels. Each school must have a separate affiliated chapter.
8. A member may only belong to a TSA chapter at the school the member attends.; this applies to the home-schooled member’s affiliation with one chapter (see #4 above).
Membership Dues
1. Membership is not processed until all dues (national and state) are paid in full. State dues received at the National TSA office will not be remitted until all dues are paid in full.
2. All membership dues must be paid at the time of affiliation. Affiliations without dues payment will not be processed and neither the chapter nor its members will be in good standing until all dues are paid.
3. TSA membership dues are non-refundable and non-transferable.
4. TSA operates under a unified dues policy, whereby all members must affiliate and pay applicable dues at the local, state, and national level. Individual dues at all levels (high school and middle school) consist of local chapter dues (determined by the chapter), state dues (determined by the state delegation), and national dues (determined by TSA, Inc.).
5. A written notification of transfer must be sent to the National TSA office if a student has paid individual membership dues and transfers to another chapter/school.
6. Any advisor affiliated with a chapter must pay the annual advisor dues.
TSA, INC. BYLAWS (National Organization)
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this Association shall be the Technology Student Association, Inc. (TSA, Inc.).
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
Section 1
The purpose of this Association shall be to serve students enrolled in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) related programs. The Mission Statement of TSA is as follows: “The Technology Student Association enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in STEM, whereby members apply and integrate these concepts through intracurricular activities, competitions, and related programs.” The specific goals of TSA, Inc. are to:
a. provide opportunities to enhance student participation in and contribution to a technological society;
b. provide services that help deliver instruction and manage activities that ensure all students become technologically literate and productive in a democratic society;
c. provide resources and services to affiliated associates in empowering their administration and management of viable local chapters; and seek to implement continuous improvement strategies throughout TSA.
Section 2
This Association shall be the sponsoring agency for the Technology Student Association.
Section 3
TSA, Inc. shall not engage in any activity which would be inconsistent with its status as an educational, charitable association as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any successor provision thereto.
ARTICLE III. CORPORATE MEMBERS
Section 1
The Technology Student Association, Incorporated (TSA, Inc.), is a non-profit, educational corporation consisting of those persons who are officially designated by the states to serve as State Supervisors of Technology and Engineering Education or an appointed Career and Technical Education representative in each state, territory, or geographic unit chartered by this corporation. These persons will be known as “Corporate Members.”
The assigned corporate member would have voting powers and would be eligible to run for the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors (the Board). The corporate member would represent a state delegation in good standing defined by having a minimum of three affiliated chapters in a current school year. A corporate member must be employed in the same state where they are the current corporate member. All corporate members shall adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct and civility.
The Executive Director will contact each corporate member annually by August 31 to obtain in writing that they are eligible to serve from September 1 to August 31. This written authorization must come from whomever appointed them as the corporate member.
Section 2
There will be one delegation for each state and for each area designated by the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors (the Board). This delegation will be known as a State Delegation and will be a separate legal entity from TSA, Inc. and TSA. Each State Delegation will be eligible to be exempt from Federal and State Income Tax and will comply with the TSA, Inc. 501(c)(3) group exemption letter or any later provision thereof.
Section 3
The Executive Director will review each charter application and make a recommendation to the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors for appropriate action. Upon approval of the application, notification will be given to the State Delegation as to the time and place the charter will be presented.
Section 4
Any State Supervisor of Technology and Engineering Education or an appointed Career and Technical Education representative may apply for membership through the Executive Director by submitting a letter to the Executive Director requesting the issuance of a charter for that State Delegation including:
a. a copy of the State Delegation’s bylaws.
b. a list of all the state’s local chapters and its members indicating those chapters’ and members’ willingness to support the application (minimum three (3) chapters with ten (10) members each).
c. a list of the State Delegation’s officers.
d. a remittance to cover national dues for each chapter member.
e. a remittance for the charter fee of $150.
Section 5.
The purpose of the State Delegation will be to:
a. provide a structure for TSA members to unite and collectively participate in the programs, services, and activities of TSA within the state; and
b. provide a vehicle which will promote the progress and welfare of TSA as a whole, including, and without limitation, the provision of channels of communication between TSA, Inc., the State Delegation, and the local chapter.
Section 6
To be considered in good standing each State Delegation will:
a. have bylaws modeled after TSA, Inc. and TSA;
b. require unified student membership of TSA in which a student must be a member at the local, state, and national levels;
c. meet the requirements each school year of Article III: Sections 4a, 4b, 4c; and
d. have permission to use the name and official logo of TSA, Inc. upon written approval by the TSA, Inc. Executive Director.
Section 7
Any State Delegation not in good standing will be notified in writing by the TSA, Inc. President that it must comply with ARTICLE III, 4a, 4b, 4c; and Section 5 within one year or the State Delegation will:
a. lose its TSA, Inc., corporate membership status and all the privileges which go with being a corporate member;
b. lose its tax exempt status 501(c)(3) and its privilege to file its Federal Income Tax and Expense Statement through TSA, Inc.; and
c. lose its charter and all privileges associated with the charter. Section 8.
A State Delegation may apply for a re-charter by complying with ARTICLE III: Section 3, Sections 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e and Section 5 and paying any fees not paid when it lost its charter.
Section 9
The charter fee shall be recommended by the corporate membership. To change the $150 charter fee, the Board shall recommend the charter fee to the corporate membership at its annual meeting. A majority vote of the corporate membership is required for adoption.
Section 10
Only the Board and the Executive Director shall have the power to bind the corporation. No action taken by the membership or officers shall have the power or the effect of binding the corporation.
Section 11
The fiscal year of TSA, Inc. shall extend from September 1 through August 31. The membership year for TSA, Inc. shall extend from August 1 through July 31.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
Section 1
The officers shall be a President, President-Elect, and Secretary/Treasurer, elected by the Board, all of whom shall be active members in good standing at the time of their election and during their tenures of office.
Section 2
The President will preside over all meetings of the Corporation and will serve as chair of the Board. The President will be responsible for the appointment of committee chairs, will direct the activities of the corporation, and will otherwise represent the corporation and the Board as may be necessary.
Section 3
The President-Elect will be elected annually by the Board at its annual meeting by a majority vote. To be eligible for the position of President-Elect a member must have two years remaining on the Board. The President-Elect will serve in the absence of the President and will perform other duties as the President or the Board may direct. The PresidentElect shall assume the position of President after serving one year as President-Elect.
Section 4
The Secretary/Treasurer of the corporation will be elected every other year by the Board by a majority vote at its annual meeting. To be eligible for the position of Secretary/Treasurer a member must have two years remaining on the Board. The Secretary/Treasurer will serve as financial advisor to the national student organization and the Executive Director, issue notices of all official meetings, keep accurate records of all meetings, distribute copies of the minutes of such meetings to all Board members, and perform other such duties as the President or the Board may direct.
Section 5
The term of office shall begin immediately following the annual meeting at which the officer was elected and end following the next annual meeting, except
in the case of the Secretary/Treasurer, or until their successors are elected. The Secretary/Treasurer’s term will begin immediately following the annual meeting at which the Secretary/Treasurer was elected and end two years following the annual meeting at which the election took place or until the successor is elected.
Section 6
In the event that a vacancy occurs in any office except that of the President, the Board shall appoint a member from the Board, excluding the National TSA Officer and the Executive Director, to fill the vacancy in that office for the unexpired term. If the office of President becomes vacant, the President-Elect will automatically become President for the unexpired term and the vacancy arises in the office of President-Elect.
ARTICLE V. CORPORATION’S ANNUAL MEETING
Section 1
The annual meeting of the corporate members is called the Corporation Meeting. This annual meeting will be held to coincide with the annual National TSA Conference. The purpose of the Corporation Meeting will be to conduct business such as electing board members and amending the bylaws. All members will receive written notice and a tentative agenda of this meeting at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. In the event a member is unable to attend, and wishes to send an appointed representative, the member must designate the name of the representative in a letter to the Executive Director. The representative must hand carry the letter to the annual Corporation Meeting and present it to the President during roll call.
Section 2
Each corporate member not serving on the Board, or an approved appointed representative, and all voting Board members each will have one vote.
Section 3
A quorum will consist of one-third of the corporate membership.
Section 4
Minutes from the annual corporate meeting shall be distributed to the corporate membership within 60 days following the annual meeting.
Section 5
All participants at the annual corporate meeting shall adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct and civility.
ARTICLE VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
There are twelve (12) or thirteen (13) members of the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors as follows:
a. six (6) members are elected from the TSA, Inc., corporate membership by staggered threeyear terms at the corporation’s annual meeting by a majority vote.
b. two (2) members are chapter advisors: one (1) representing the TSA advisors at the high school level and one (1) at the middle school level elected by the local TSA advisors by a plurality vote to a three-year term.
c. one (1) National TSA Officer elected annually for a one-year term.
d. one (1) state advisor elected to a three-year term.
e. one (1) university representative elected to a three-year term.
f. the Executive Director of TSA, Inc. (1), an exofficio non-voting member.
g. the Past President, an ex-officio voting member, appointed by the Board for a oneyear term immediately following their tenure as President if an additional year is needed to serve.
Section 2
The Board manages the affairs, sets policy of the corporation, and hires the Executive Director. The Board may make special appointments, including committees, as deemed necessary. The Board creates, manages, and approves a Policies and Procedures Manual for Board nominations and elections procedures.
Section 3
A majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum at any Board meeting.
Section 4
There are at least two Board meetings a year, with one being at the National TSA Conference.
Section 5
In an emergency situation and upon the call of the President or seven (7) voting members, a conference call may be held. Any action taken by the Board as a result of the conference call must be followed by an official vote by mail or electronic communication in which a hard copy is produced. At the next Board meeting, the Board must ratify the action taken.
Section 6
A vote of the Board may also be taken by mail or electronic communication at the discretion of the President and the Executive Director and then the action must be ratified at the next scheduled Board meeting.
Section 7
A member of the Board, excluding the Executive Director, may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Board. A Board member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President or the Executive Director. Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon the receipt of the notice. Acceptance of the resignation is not necessary to make it effective.
Section 8
Vacancies on the Board shall be filled for the remainder of the term of the Board member whose position is being vacated by a majority vote of the remaining Board members.
Section 9
The Board President will annually appoint Board members to serve on the credentials committee. The President-Elect will serve as chair of this committee. The committee will review all corporate member credentials, review all Board candidate applications, and review the Board’s Policies and Procedures Manual and make any recommendations to the Board by January 31.
Section 10
The Board President will annually appoint Board members to serve on the bylaws committee to review the bylaws and make any recommendations to the Board by January 31. The bylaws committee will also review any submitted proposed amendments and make a recommendation to the President prior to the annual Corporation Meeting.
ARTICLE VII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1
The Executive Committee shall be composed of the President, the President-Elect, the Secretary/ Treasurer, the Immediate Past President, and the Executive Director. The Executive Director is a non-voting member.
Section 2
The Executive Committee shall handle the affairs of the corporation between Board meetings, supervise the activities of the National TSA Officers, and perform other duties as assigned by the Board. The Executive Committee shall evaluate the Executive Director’s performance and shall set the salary and fringe benefits of the national staff. The Executive Committee only has such power as given it by the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors.
Section 3
The Executive Committee prepares a budget and submits it to the Board for approval at its fall meeting.
Section 4
A conference call may be held in an emergency situation and upon the call of the President or two (2) voting members. Any action taken by the Executive Committee as a result of the conference call must be followed by an official vote by mail or electronic communication in which a hard copy is produced. At the next Executive Committee meeting, the Executive Committee must ratify the action taken.
Section 5
A majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum at any Executive Committee meeting.
ARTICLE VIII. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS OF CORPORATE MEMBERS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES
Section 1
Corporate Members
The President-Elect mails (may be electronic) the list of the corporate members in good standing to each corporate member approximately 60 days prior to the National TSA Conference. Corporate members may then submit nominees for the corporate position(s) which is available on the Board.
Corporate members who are nominated to serve on the Board must provide in writing prior to the election that they are eligible to serve for three years. This written authorization must come from whomever appointed them as the corporate member.
Once the President-Elect receives the nominations, the President-Elect then requests each nominee to complete a candidate application. Prior to the election, the President mails background information on each candidate to each corporate member.
At the annual Corporation Meeting at the National TSA Conference each candidate gives a maximum two (2) minute speech. Following all candidate speeches, a ballot vote is taken to fill the available position(s) on the Board. A majority vote of the corporate members present and voting shall be required for election. If there are three (3) or more candidates and two candidates do not receive a majority vote on the first ballot, any candidate with a majority will be declared elected. If no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the lowest number of votes will be dropped and another ballot vote will be taken. In the event of a tie, the final decision will be decided by lot. All Board members must remain in good standing throughout their term.
If there are three (3) or more candidates and one candidate receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the candidate with a majority will be declared elected.
Section 2
Other Representatives
Nominations and elections guidelines for all other Board representatives appear in the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors Policies and Procedures Manual.
ARTICLE IX. TSA ALUMNI
Section 1
TSA Alumni shall consist of those individuals who were TSA members and who have graduated from or left school.
Section 2
Only the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors shall have the authority to establish a TSA Alumni Association.
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS
To amend these Bylaws, a proposed amendment must be submitted in writing by the corporate member or a current board member proposing the amendment to the President at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual Corporation Meeting. The President will send the amendment to the bylaws committee. Within thirty (30) days the bylaws committee will either accept or reject the proposed amendment and notify the President. If the proposed amendment is accepted by the bylaws committee, the President will inform the corporate members and the Board of the proposed amendment(s) prior to the annual Corporation Meeting. A two-thirds vote at the annual Corporation Meeting shall be required for adoption. If the proposed amendment is rejected by the bylaws committee, the President will inform the sender and the Board.
ARTICLE XI. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority for this corporation and shall govern the corporation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the organization may adopt.
Approved July 1, 2019
TSA BYLAWS (Student Member)
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.
• Alumni. Alumni members shall consist of those individuals who have completed an industrial arts/technology education program (have been former active or associate TSA members) and who have graduated from or left school. Alumni members shall pay dues as established by the TSA, Inc., Board of Directors. Alumni members shall not vote or hold office.
• Professional. Professional members are those individuals engaged in education, business, and industry who have interest in TSA and in the welfare of technology education. Professional members shall pay dues as established by the TSA, Inc., Board of Directors. Professional members shall not vote or hold office.
• Honorary/Honorary Life. Honorary/Honorary Life members may be individuals who have made or are making contributions to the advancement of technology education as may be approved by the TSA Executive Committee and shall be exempt from annual dues.
Section 4
A state delegation may be chartered as a member of TSA, Inc., upon approval by the Board of Directors of TSA, Inc.
Section 5
A state delegation shall use its full state name before the acronym TSA when identifying itself as a chartered state delegation of TSA, Inc.
Section 6
Annual membership dues shall be determined by the TSA, Inc., Board of Directors, National TSA Officers, and the state delegations. Those members who have not paid the current dues prior to the National TSA Conference shall be automatically dropped from active membership in TSA.
Section 7
The membership year shall be August 1 to July 31.
Section 8
The fiscal year shall be September 1 to August 31.
ARTICLE IV. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1
The National TSA officers shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, and reporter. No individual may serve more than one term as a national officer in the same office. These officers and the National TSA advisor(s) will be known collectively as the Executive Committee of TSA.
Section 2
• President: It shall be the duty of the president of TSA to preside at all meetings; to make necessary committee appointments including the designation of a committee chairperson; to develop with the Executive Committee a program of work for the term of office; and to be available, as necessary, in promoting the general welfare of TSA.
• Vice-President: It shall be the duty of the vicepresident to serve in any capacity as directed by the president; to accept the responsibility of the president as occasion may demand; to serve as chairperson of the TSA Council of State Presidents; and to be available, as necessary, in promoting the general welfare of TSA.
• Secretary: It shall be the duty of the secretary to serve in any capacity as directed by the president; to record proceedings of all meetings; and to be available, as necessary, in promoting the general welfare of TSA.
• Treasurer: It shall be the duty of the treasurer to serve in any capacity as directed by the president; to keep records and membership reports; and to be available, as necessary, promoting the general welfare of TSA.
• Sergeant-at-Arms: It shall be the duty of the sergeant-at-arms to serve in any capacity as directed by the president; to assist in the preparation and control of the meeting place, in the event that a parliamentarian is not appointed by the president; to assist in conducting all meetings according to parliamentary procedure as set forth by the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised; and to be available, as necessary, in promoting the general welfare of TSA.
• Reporter: It shall be the duty of the reporter to serve in any capacity as directed by the president; to accumulate and keep up-to-date information on the history of the association; to prepare articles for TSA publications, professional magazines and journals, newspapers and other news media; to contact other association
members concerning news items for publication; and to be available, as necessary, in promoting the general welfare of TSA.
Section 3. Qualifications for National Office
• Only an active member of TSA will be eligible to run for a national office. Students must have at least one year of high school eligibility remaining to run for national office. A student elected as a national officer at the annual meeting may not hold a state or local TSA office concurrently with the term as national officer.
• A student must be a member of TSA for at least one year before seeking a national office. A TSA member must have completed the eighth grade to be qualified for a national office. A TSA member must have served as an officer of the individual’s state association to be qualified as a national officer candidate. No more than three TSA members from the same state delegation may run for a national office in the same year.
Section 4. Nominations
• The National TSA president shall appoint a credentials committee consisting of a national advisor; a national officer not seeking re-election; a state president who, while serving on this committee, has no national officers or national officer candidates from the individual’s state; a past national officer; and the executive director of TSA. This committee shall review all national officer candidates and their qualifications and will submit to the voting delegates a slate of all candidates declared eligible for each national office. There will be no additional nominations from the floor.
Section 5. Elections
• National officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the voting delegates at the annual business meeting.
• Election of officers shall be by ballot vote.
• If there are more than two candidates for an office and a majority is not reached on the first ballot, the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be dropped, and the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes on each succeeding ballot will be dropped until a majority is reached.
• If there is only one candidate for an office, the candidate must receive at least two-thirds (2/3) of the total votes from the votes cast. In this type of election, delegates may vote “Yes”, “No”, or may abstain. To be elected, an unopposed candidate must receive an affirmative two-thirds (2/3) vote from the total number of votes cast for that candidate by the delegates.
Section 6
The TSA Executive Committee may fill by appointment any vacancy occurring among the national officers for the unexpired term except the office of president, which shall be filled by the vice-president.
Section 7
National officers’ terms will begin at the close of the national conference at which they are elected, and they will serve until the close of the following national conference.
Section 8
Failure to fulfill the obligations of a national office without legitimate cause will result in the removal from office by the TSA, Inc., Board of Directors.
Section 9
If no one applies for a particular office by the official deadline date for a national officer candidate application or an unopposed candidate does not receive a two-thirds (2/3) majority, there shall be a special election called after the general election takes place at the annual business meeting.
Section 10
Those national officer candidates not elected to a National Office at the annual business meeting shall be the only members to be able to participate in the special election, however are not required to.
The special election shall be conducted after the winners of the general election have been announced. The participants of the special election may not campaign prior to the special election.
The special election shall not have any runoffs. The winner of the special election shall be the person with a plurality of the vote and will be announced immediately following the tabulation of the votes.
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
Section 1
A National TSA Conference will be held each year with the time, date, and place designated by the TSA, Inc., Board of Directors.
Section 2
Each chartered delegation will be entitled to one vote for each state officer in attendance {maximum of six (6)} plus two additional votes for each chapter in that state delegation that has student members in attendance at the conference.
Section
3
A majority of the registered voting delegates for the national conference shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1
The TSA Executive Committee shall consist of the National TSA officers and the National TSA Advisor(s).
Section
2
Meetings can be requested by the president and must be approved by the TSA advisor(s) and the TSA, Inc. executive director.
Section 3
A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
Section 4
The TSA Executive Committee shall appoint standing and special committees as deemed necessary.
ARTICLE VII. THE LOCAL TSA ADVISOR
Section 1
It is recommended that a technology education teacher serve as a chapter TSA advisor; however, in cases where there is no such interested teacher, a state certified educator may be appointed by the school’s principal. The appointed advisor would have all the rights and privileges of a regular advisor as long as that chapter is in good standing.
ARTICLE VIII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
The TSA, Inc., Board of Directors is the policy making body for the administration of TSA activities and programs.
Section 2
The TSA, Inc., Board of Directors will manage TSA’s finances and will furnish an annual report to each chartered delegation.
ARTICLE IX. COUNCIL OF STATE PRESIDENTS
Section 1
The TSA Council of State Presidents shall be a non-voting body of TSA consisting of state presidents from each of the chartered state delegations. The TSA Council of State Presidents shall be chaired by the National TSA Vice-President. It shall be the duty of the TSA Council of State Presidents to promote the general welfare of TSA through representative interaction between state TSA delegations.
ARTICLE X. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern TSA in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the organization may adopt.
ARTICLE XI. EMBLEM AND COLORS
Section 1
The TSA emblem is a rectangular shape with three parts. The middle section and largest part of the emblem contains the letters TSA in a very large, bold print. The letters are white on a blue background. Below these letters and about 1/3 the size, is the name of the association–Technology Student Association–in white letters on a red background. The top portion of the emblem is a blank, red, rectangular shape, the same size as the bottom area. This portion is intentionally left blank so that each state can put its own name on the emblem if desired.
Section 2
The colors of (School Name) TSA shall be scarlet (red) PMS 1795, white, and navy blue PMS 286.
• Scarlet (red)—represents the strength and determination of the technology education students and teachers to obtain their goal.
• White—represents the high standards, morals, and religious beliefs we hold.
• Blue (navy)—represents the sincerity of the technology education students and teachers in obtaining a greater knowledge of our technological world.
ARTICLE XII. MOTTO AND CREED
Section 1
The motto of the Technology Student Association will be: “Learning to lead in a technical world.”
Section 2
The creed of the Technology Student Association will be:
• I believe that Technology Education holds an important place in my life in the technical world. I believe there is a need for the development of good attitudes concerning work, tools, materials, experimentation, and processes of industry.
• Guided by my teachers, artisans from industry, and my own initiative, I will strive to do my best in making my school, community, state, and nation better places in which to live.
• I will accept the responsibilities that are mine. I will accept the theories that are supported by proper evidence. I will explore on my own for safer, more effective methods of working and living.
• I will strive to develop a cooperative attitude and will exercise tact and respect for other individuals. Through the work of my hands and mind, I will express my ideas to the best of my ability.
• I will make it my goal to do better each day the task before me, and to be steadfast in my belief in my God, and my fellow Americans.
ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS
Section
1
To amend these bylaws, the proposed amendment(s) must be submitted in writing or by email by the chartered delegation to the President of TSA, Inc. at least ninety (90) days prior to the annual meeting.
• A Bylaws Committee of the Board of Directors of TSA, Inc. will review all proposed amendments. All approved amendments will be submitted to the chartered delegations and the National TSA officers by the president (chairman) of the Board of Directors of TSA, Inc. at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting.
• The proposed amendment must be approved by two-thirds of the voting delegates present and voting at the annual meeting.
• Each chartered delegation will be entitled to one vote for each state officer in attendance {maximum of six (6)} plus two additional votes for each chapter in that state delegation that has student members in attendance at the conference.
• The president (chairman) of the Board of Directors of TSA, Inc. will be responsible for notifying in writing or by email to the Corporate Board member and State Advisor of the chartered delegations of adopted amendments within sixty (60) days of the annual meeting.
• Amendments will become effective in sixty (60) days unless a different time period is stipulated in the amendment.
Student Member Amended June 2018
NATIONAL TSA CONFERENCE
2025 NATIONAL TSA CONFERENCE
The national TSA conference is packed with competitive events and challenging activities that foster personal growth and leadership development. Held annually at the end of June, the national conference is the highlight of the year for TSA members.
Prior to the national conference, TSA state advisors communicate with chapter advisors to promote attendance at the conference and to offer assistance with funding opportunities, if possible.
Learn more about the 2025 National TSA Conference.
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.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
More information and applications/ nomination forms can be found on the password-protected State Advisor Site under Resources/Award(s) tabs.
Chapter Advisor of the Year
This award is for outstanding chapter advisors. Each year one middle school and one high school advisor from each state may be chosen to be recognized as Advisor of the Year. Nominations may be made by students, teachers (they may nominate themselves or may nominate a colleague), or by the state advisor.
Distinguished Alumni/ae Award
The recipients (three per year) of this award are alumni/ae of TSA who have demonstrated commitment and service to TSA beyond graduation.
Distinguished Service Award
The recipient (an adult who has been associated with TSA in some capacity for at least the last three years) is selected on the basis of valued service to TSA. Both past and present contributions are considered.
Dr. Bob Hanson Distinguished Student Award
This award recognizes one TSA student member who is selected on the basis of valued service to the community and to TSA. Both past and present contributions are considered. The criteria are as follows:
• a member in good standing with TSA for a minimum of one school year
• active participation in TSA in local, state, or national involvement
• recognition by fellow students, teachers, or administrators of technology education programs as a student who has achieved prominence and distinction
Only TSA state advisors, corporate board members, and the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors are eligible to make nominations for this award.
Dr. Harvey Dean Outstanding Recognition Award
The recipient is selected on the basis of both past and present valued service contributing to the growth of TSA.
Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award
The recipient has supported TSA in a significant way for a minimum of five years and is a person from whom TSA may reasonably expect continued interest in its activities.
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.
State Advisor of the Year
The State Advisor of the Year Award is presented to a TSA state advisor who has provided exemplary service and support to TSA for the past three years.
TSA Achievement Program, Pathways to Excellence
The TSA Achievement Program, Pathways to Excellence encourages TSA student members to engage in the areas/categories of service leadership, STEM immersion, and personal/ professional development. Students participate in activities in these areas and have the opportunity to earn sequentially a bronze, silver, and gold award at the local, state, and national level, respectively.
Completion of one activity in each area/category –for a total of three completed activities per level – is required for bronze, silver, and gold award eligibility.
Members submit documentation of their activities for each level via the TSA Student Member Site.
Chapter advisors are responsible for verifying the successful completion of a member’s activities for each level.
Bronze awards are typically presented at the chapter or district level during special award assemblies, regional conferences, TSA banquets, etc. Recognition of silver award recipients is managed at the state level, usually at state conferences. Gold award recipients are recognized at the national TSA conference.
Affiliated TSA chapter advisors or student members who seek more detailed information about the TSA Achievement Program, Pathways to Excellence, may visit the TSA Chapter Advisor Site or the TSA Student Member Site in the TSA Membership System
William P. Elrod Memorial Scholarship
This memorial scholarship is made available through funds dedicated by the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors to the memory of William P. Elrod, a founding leader of TSA, from Madison, Kansas. Mr. Elrod, who died in 1990, was known for his longstanding leadership and involvement with TSA. Donations to the William P. Elrod Memorial Scholarship fund have been set up as an endowment. The amount awarded for this scholarship is $2,500.
STATE ADVISOR APPROVAL EVENTS
State advisor approval events are competitions for which a specific number of members or teams is eligible to compete at the national TSA conference. Typically, the winners in an event at the state level are chosen, however the state advisor makes the determination. (Example: In CAD 2D Architecture, the eligibility is that only two individuals per state may be entered. If the top winners at the state level are unable to attend the national conference, the state advisor will decide who may compete in the event.) The process for registering students for state advisor approval events is:
1. The chapter advisor must first register the students to attend the national conference.
2. Placing students in state advisor approval events is completed online by the state advisor through the state advisor site. Placement occurs immediately following the close of online conference registration.
3. The state advisor logs in and selects “State Advisor Approval Events” under the “Conference” tab dropdown menu.
4. The state advisor approval events will be listed and only students registered for the national conference from the applicable state will appear as choices for those events.
The state advisor should communicate with chapter advisors as needed when selecting members for state advisor approval events.
STATE DELEGATION MEETINGS
State advisors oversee the required first state delegation meeting of the conference and may hold additional state delegation meetings during the conference. Through the state advisor site, a meeting room may be reserved by clicking on “Request Meeting Room” under the “Conference” tab.
PIN EXCHANGE
The pin exchange is an annual tradition of the national TSA conference. Members attend the exchange with pins that represent their state delegation and trade them with members from other states. The pins are typically provided by the TSA state advisor and may be distributed at the state delegation meeting on the first night of the national conference. The exchange is a favorite among TSA members and provides the opportunity to meet and network with members from across the nation. The pins typically are worn (often attached to the name badge) during the conference.
BUSINESS MEETING VOTING DELEGATES
State advisors may designate up to six state officer voting delegates via the TSA State Advisor Site. State advisors should carefully consider their choice of voting delegates, as no changes can be made after conference registration has been submitted.
State advisors must ensure that the email address recorded in the student member site* for each voting delegate is a non-school email address; this email address will be used for voting via the delegate’s cell phone during the business meeting. School email addresses may not be used, as many school districts disable these email addresses during the summer break.
*Chapter members create an account in the student member site with a password provided by the chapter advisor.
Voting will be completed electronically via the delegate’s cell phone. The electronic process requires that voter information (including the nonschool email address for each voting delegate) be in place by the designated deadline date. To ensure a successful and secure election process, information must be accurate. Email additions or changes made after the deadline date will not be valid for voting during the national conference business meeting.
The annual TSA business meeting will be held during the national TSA conference. On the date specified for the business meeting, voting delegates will be seated in the time frame noted in the conference program. Each delegate must bring to the meeting a fully charged cell phone. Only members with a voting delegate ribbon will be admitted to the meeting. (Voting delegate ribbons will be included in registration packets.) Doors will be secured according to the time noted in the conference program; late arrivals will not be permitted entry.
During the business meeting, delegates will cast their votes for the next year’s national TSA officers – and for any other business items on the meeting agenda that require voting.
STATE ADVISOR FORUM
A state advisor forum is held each year at the national TSA conference. This forum is an opportunity for state advisors to meet in person to discuss pertinent topics, ask questions, and network. Attendance is by invitation only and state advisors are expected to attend.
CORPORATION MEETING
The annual meeting of the TSA corporate members is called the Corporation Meeting and takes place at the annual National TSA Conference. The purpose of the Corporation Meeting, which is approximately two hours long, is to conduct business such as electing board members and amending the bylaws. All corporate members receive written notice and a tentative agenda at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. In the event a corporate member is unable to attend, and wishes to send an appointed representative, the member must designate the name of the representative in a letter to the executive director. The representative must hand carry the letter to the annual Corporation Meeting and present it to the president during roll call. Each corporate member not serving on the board, or an approved appointed representative, and all voting board members will have one vote. A quorum will consist of one-third of the corporate membership. Minutes from the annual corporate meeting shall be distributed to the corporate membership within 60 days following the annual meeting. All participants and guests at the annual corporate meeting shall adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct and civility.
NATIONAL TSA COMMUNICATIONS/ MEETINGS
NATIONAL TSA COMMUNICATIONS/MEETINGS
State Advisor Summit
The State Advisor Summit may be held annually as a virtual or in-person meeting. All active state advisors are invited, and a minimum number of attendees is required to hold the summit. The summit provides in-depth information and guidance about topics such as state conferences, state officers, state governance, and leadership. Associated registration and travel fees may apply.
New State Advisor Cohorts
Beginning each fall, cohorts of new state advisors (three to five people) are formed. Selected experienced state advisors serve as the cohort mentors, and provide training on topics such as the role of the state advisor, recruiting and retaining chapters, managing state officers, planning and organizing state level events, financial matters, and national conference preparation.
State Advisor ZOOM meetings
Held as needed (approximately once a month) – and lasting up to one hour – these meetings typically feature a topic of current importance to state advisors, sometimes delivered by an outside speaker. Time is set aside for a Q&A period about the topic before the meeting completes.
Monthly State Advisor Bulletin
The TSA State Advisor bulletin is delivered electronically each month to state advisors. It provides highlights of current and upcoming information about TSA’s program of activities (examples: CRAM release; important deadlines; event details).
Weekly email messages
Distributed via email twice a week (typically) – for state and chapter advisors – these messages cover current topics such as chapter affiliation, advisor and student resources, competitive events, TSA programs, TEAMS, achievement opportunities, the national TSA conference, and more.
TSA STATE ADVISOR BASICS
THE STATE ADVISOR
Each chartered TSA state delegation has an individual designated as the state advisor. The designation often is determined by a state’s department of education and frequently is a department of education employee or appointee.
The TSA state advisor is responsible for managing the state TSA delegation. Typical duties include:
1. Managing the operation of the TSA state delegation in conjunction with national and state TSA bylaws and guidelines
2. Recruiting chapter advisors and student members
3. Implementing a TSA state officer program
4. Overseeing establishment of appropriate state dues
5. Filing any needed tax reports
6. Maintaining statewide communication with teachers (through a state TSA website, newsletters, emails, social media, or a combination)
7. Planning and implementing a state TSA conference for competitive events
8. If appropriate, forming an advisory group to help guide state delegation decisions
9. Determining student participation in state advisor approval events for the national conference
TSA state advisors enter a password protected site in the TSA membership system (via TSAweb.org) for access to resources, membership reports, and other information.
Chapter members, guided by their chapter advisors, within each state make up the state delegation. State advisors are responsible for managing their state TSA delegation.
THE CORPORATE MEMBER
The TSA corporate member is the voting member of TSA, Inc. which is the governing body of the Technology Student Association. The corporate member and the state advisor may be the same person.
TSA, Inc. Bylaws state:
“The Technology Student Association, Incorporated (TSA, Inc.) is a non-profit, educational corporation consisting of those persons who are officially designated by the states to serve as State Supervisors of Technology Education or an appointed representative in each state, territory, or geographic unit chartered by this corporation. These persons will be known as Corporate Members.”
The members of the corporation meet once a year during the national TSA conference. If a corporate member cannot attend, an appointed representative may attend with a letter stating the representative is acting as the corporate member for the meeting.
State Delegation Directory
A list of TSA state delegations is found on the TSA website. For each state noted/linked on the page, information about the delegation appears – such as the delegation year of charter, website URL, and state advisor and corporate member contact information, as applicable.
TSA MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM/ STATE ADVISOR SITE ACCESS
The TSA Membership System (an association management system) is a password-protected site for state advisors, chapter advisors, student members, and TSA staff members.
State advisors are provided with a username and password from national TSA that permits access to TSA materials in the state advisor site. Materials include, but are not limited to:
• Resources for promoting, recruiting, and maintaining membership
• State level reports
• Annual Curricular Resource Assessment Materials (CRAM) – tests and problems
• Competitions (with extended scoring rubrics)
• State officer training materials
TSA STATE ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The state advisor is directly responsible for the management of the state delegation. The information that follows includes suggested best practices.
ORGANIZATIONAL
1. Provide a Chapter Membership Guide to chapter advisors on a yearly basis, including but not limited to:
• Affiliation section
• When and how to run chapter meetings
• Calendar of Events that includes deadlines for both state and national events
• Event planning section
• Conference planning section
• Fundraising guide
2. Create a state officer handbook
3. Develop and maintain a state delegation website that includes such information as
• Contact information
State advisor
State Board of Directors
State officers
• State and local TSA event and conference information
• State Calendar of Events
• State Bylaws
• TSA social media links
• State sponsors (if any)
• TSA social media links
• Live link to national TSA website: TSAweb.org
4. Create on-going and consistent communication
• Current and up-to-date website
• Current and accurate email database
• Live Binder (3D Virtual) similar to Google Drive for advisors
• Establish a social media platform for questions
• State officer quarterly newsletter
5. Provide on-going training for advisors and students/officers
• Chapter advisor mentors
• Officer “at large” program to prepare chapter members to run for state office
• Orientation for newly elected state officers
• State officer school visits
• Mentors for chapter advisors
GOVERNANCE
1. Board of Directors
• Provide board member training
• Publish board meeting agenda, minutes, and reports
• Establish board member representation, including but not limited to:
State advisor
State president
Elected local advisor
Alumni member
Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Corporate member
• Establish board member term limits
• Establish meeting schedule and discussion topics
Strategic plan
Action items
Program of work
Bylaws
Policies
Calendar of Events
• Develop a Board of Directors handbook to include:
Roles and responsibilities
Bylaws and polices
Committees and duties of committee members
2. Provide state advisor job description with roles and responsibilities clearly defined
3. Provide state officer roles and responsibilities
4. Reach out to state education agency to establish a working relationship
• Seek a written contract
• Seek an Agreement of Support
5. Incorporation/Legal Protection
• It is recommended that each state delegation incorporate
• It is recommended that each state delegation file for nonprofit status
• It is recommended that each state delegation complete annual nonprofit corporation filing
• It is recommended that each state delegation obtain general liability insurance
6. Emergency Management Plan
• Updated annually and reflective of the needs of the state
• Plan should include but not be limited to:
Passwords
Keys
Bank account information
Back ups for external drives for state conference materials/documents
Financial obligations
Master list of materials/equipment
7. Documentation and Policies
• Code of ethics for local advisors, state advisor, and board of directors
• Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Agreement for board of directors
• Formal evaluation of state advisor
• Board evaluation of progress of strategic plan (self-assessment)
• Procedures on how to resolve a dispute
• Member accommodations and modifications
FISCAL
1. Draft an annual budget that is reviewed and approved quarterly by one of the following:
• Board of Directors
• Financial advisory committee
• Committee appointed by the state education agency consisting of at least three individuals who do not administer funds
2. Establish banking and check writing policies that include checks and balances.
• Establish procedures for billing and collection
3. Establish credit card policy
4. Follow IRS guidelines for tax filing and 1099’s
• Conduct an annual audit to insure financial stability
5. Obtain insurance policies to cover loss of income liability, errors, and omissions
6. Become informed on state laws and policies for non- profit organizations
7. Develop policies for vendor selection
• Bids
• Conflict of interest
• Ethical business practices
8. Develop spending policies regarding travel and board of directors’ allowable expenditures for staff and student officers
9. Consider a rainy-day fund when creating a budget and/or strategic plan
10. Establish guidelines for solicitations of charitable contributions
STATE OFFICERS
TSA state delegations hold an election each year to determine state officers. Resources for managing a state officer team can be accessed via the state advisor site
20TIPS
1.
for State TSA Officers
Officer Symbols
Each officer position is represented by a symbol specific to that office (example: the office of president is symbolized by the gavel). These symbols can be downloaded from the state advisor site and may be used in state communications and documents regarding TSA officers.
PROMOTION OF TSA
Ideas for TSA promotion at the state level:
• Use the TSA video and PowerPoint presentation for promotions to teachers and administrators.
• Access other promotional materials in the password-protected state advisor site
• Develop a PowerPoint and/or video that highlights your state TSA accomplishments and information.
• Use social media to highlight state TSA activities/events and TSA member accomplishments.
• Keep your state TSA website up to date, and direct individuals to check the site (or the national TSA website) for more information.
• Create and distribute a print or electronic newsletter with information and upcoming events.
• Include administrators and parents in the information loop, as needed.
Ideas to increase membership at the state and chapter levels
The key to building membership at the state and chapter levels is to raise awareness of TSA at schools that are not familiar with TSA or its benefits. State advisors can increase membership by working with chapter advisors and state and chapter officers and taking advantage of their passion for TSA at local levels. Here are some ideas to share with chapter advisors, and state and chapter officers to help build membership:
• Use social media: Social media posts allow people who are not in TSA to hear about TSA and can generate interest in the organization. Use posts to encourage non-members to learn more about TSA.
• Promote TSA within schools that already have a chapter to raise awareness among non-members.
• Contact schools in your state that do not have a TSA chapter and offer to visit schools to stimulate interest in TSA. Be willing to share your enthusiasm and offer your support to help start a chapter at a school.
• Consider hosting or supporting a school event to increase exposure to TSA and its benefits.
• Encourage members to run for district or state offices.
• Draft a letter to be sent to schools with no TSA chapter (or a previously affiliated chapter) to explain the benefits of TSA and encourage affiliation. Use promotional materials, such as flyers, brochures, or videos to generate interest and recruitment.
• To maintain chapter retention, be willing to reach out to relatively new chapters and help with anything that might be needed.
Ideas to share with state officer teams to promote TSA
State officers are a great resource for marketing TSA in your state. The officer team can be ambassadors for TSA and help raise awareness of TSA among school populations. Here are some tips to share with your state officers:
• Visit local chapters and regions to promote the value of TSA.
• To generate interest, use social media to share posts that highlight the benefits of TSA.
• Reach out to neighboring state officer teams to work together to establish membershipbuilding strategies.
• Under your chapter advisor’s guidance, reach out to local news platforms (such as local TV stations, radio stations, or newspapers) to publicize TSA accomplishments.
• Continue to find new ways to update communication methods so that everyone in the state delegation has access to important TSA information.
• Always welcome new members, or new schools, and make them feel comfortable by answering questions.
• Work closely with your state and chapter advisor; they may have tips (for success) that have worked in the past.
• Foster relationships with state TSA board members and know how the board works in order to have student member input considered at higher levels of administration.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm for TSA by helping with activities when and where you can.
STATE CONFERENCE
Below are suggested steps/best practices for a state advisor to follow in preparation for a state TSA conference.
Six months to one year prior to state conference
• Secure venue
• Finalize hotel contracts
• Contract with third party vendors: electricity, internet, a/v, decorative items, parking lot rental, security, and catering
• Obtain insurance policy (event insurance and/or loss-of-income insurance)
• Set up conference registration system
• Create conference schedule and room layouts
• Secure keynote speaker
• Communicate to chapter advisors the expectations for the code of conduct, liability forms, permission slips, and photo releases
30 to 90 days prior to state conference
• Publish conference schedule
• Create event signage
• Order registration materials (lanyards, nametags, and any swag that will be distributed)
• Invoice and receive payment for conference chapter registration
• Communicate hotel policies and security expectations with all chapters (copy hotel and event center)
• Order all materials needed for competitions
• Order awards
• Develop emergency plan and security expectations with venue and/or security team
• Finalize food and beverage orders
Two weeks to the day of state conference
• Assemble chapter registration packets
• Set up registration desk
• Arrange for a lost/found area
• Have all conference related items delivered to the event venue (and arrange for pick up at conclusion of the conference)
• Distribute awards to designated location
Competition management
• Recruit managers to oversee judges, event coordinators, and scoring/points tabulation
• Recruit and train event coordinators
• Recruit judges
• Create event packets with current competition rules, competition updates/clarifications, and annual themes
• Organize supplies as needed per competition
• Determine electrical needs for competitions and ensure materials and the space scheduled will accommodate the competitions
• Determine scoring/judging protocols for competitions
General Sessions/Elections/ Leadership
• Contract keynote speaker and/or entertainment
• Work with state officers on scripts and/or content for each general session
• Work with A/V company on stage design, lighting, and sound
• Arrange for officer paraphernalia for business meeting: flags, officer symbols, gavel, and podium
• Schedule rehearsal times for all general sessions
• Establish voting procedures and obtain all materials
• Arrange for a state officer candidate “Meet and Greet”
• Arrange leadership sessions and/or a college fair
• Arrange for awards to be given out during the awards ceremony
• Meet with state officer candidates:
Review campaign rules
Communicate timeline for events that candidates are required to attend
Communicate time limits for speeches
Require candidate’s chapter advisor to attend events with candidate
Curricular Resources Assessment Materials (CRAM)
Developed annually and delivered electronically to state advisors only for use at state conferences, CRAM is comprised of uniform testing materials for middle and high school national TSA competitions that involve a state level test or challenge. The intent of CRAM is to help state advisors with preparations and onsite event management of competitions at regional and/or state conferences.
Curricular Resource Assessment Materials (CRAM)
Technology Student Association
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Strategic planning is an organizational management activity that is used to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, and assess and adjust the organization’s direction in response to a changing environment. It is a disciplined effort that produces fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, who it serves, what it does, and why it does it, with a focus on the future. Effective strategic planning articulates not only where an organization is going and the actions needed to make progress, but also how it will know if it is successful.
The end result of strategic planning is a strategic plan, the document used to communicate with the organization the overarching strategic priorities, the goals, and the action items needed to achieve those goals.
The steps of strategic planning are:
1. Explore SWOT to identify the critical issues
2. Develop a mission statement
3. Establish SMART goals
4. Identify Strategic Priorities
5. Articulate the vision
SWOT
A key component of strategic planning is a SWOT analysis:
S (Strengths) – Identify the specific strengths that your state TSA organization possesses that can help in moving your organization forward (examples might include financial strengths, communication strengths, curriculum strengths, etc.). How can you use these strengths to get results?
W (Weaknesses) – Identify the internal weaknesses of your state TSA organization, and formulate solutions to these weaknesses.
O (Opportunities) – Explore opportunities available to your state delegation:
• What can the organization do to stretch, grow, and improve services and programs for student members and advisors?
• How can TSA continue to be relevant to Career and Technical Education and meet the needs of business and industry?
• Identify top opportunities and focus energy on realizing .
T (Threats) – Identify external threats that would cause TSA not to exist in 10 years, and contemplate solutions to these threats.
Misson Statement
Development of a meaningful mission statement identifies the mission and vision for the organization:
• Successful mission statements serve to answer, clarify, and guide the organization on the following:
Why do we exist? What is our purpose? What do we want to achieve (problem we exist to solve)?
• Keys to successful mission statements: Broad enough to encompass all that an organization does yet narrow enough to give it focus
Answers for stakeholders (staff, state advisors, chapter advisors, supporters) what the work is that we are being called to do on a daily basis
Serves as a guide that determines the work we take on and commit to versus the work we do not (because it does not rise to the meet the mission of the organization)
SMART Goals
The SWOT analysis helps identify the critical issues facing your state organization so that you may develop strategic priorities and SMART goals:
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Relevant
T – Time-bound
Strategic Priorities
There are key areas that should be considered when developing strategic priorities. Each area should be evaluated and prioritized to achieve successful strategies and goals.
• Marketing (Branding/Materials) Samples could include:
» Develop promotional video with state officer team
» Produce and update materials to support advisors and students
» Use social media to tell our story
• Partnerships (Business and Industry, DOE, Alumni, Collegiate)
Samples could include:
» Establish and utilize state alumni associations
» Develop and maintain local/state sponsorships
» Seek out corporate sponsorships
• Membership Growth (Recruit and Retain)
Samples could include:
» Implement CTSO training to promote strong advisors
» Increase number of local chapters
» Increase membership in existing chapters
» Achieve sustained growth over time
• Programs and Events
Samples could include:
» Implement regional contests
» Develop training sessions for regional coordinators
» Identify judges from higher education or business community
Retire contests that are no longer relevant to core curriculum
• Financial
Samples could include:
» Conduct budget review from previous year
» Restore and seek out grant funding
» Put money aside for future needs
• Leadership (Governance)
Samples could include:
» Review and update bylaws
» Align leadership with strategic plan
» Attend the state advisor summit
The Impact/Effort grid is a useful tool to evaluate all proposed items based on the input effort and the output impact. The grid offers a means to assess each item to determine which actions are likely to support the strategic priorities.
Effort
Impact
Articulate the Vision
After a careful analysis of all meaningful factors that are key to a stronger and more effective state organization, you will have the information to articulate the vision for your state delegation. When crafting your state’s strategic plan, articulate three to five SMART goals that focus on the continued success and future growth of your state delegation.