The Technology Student Association (TSA) is returning to the Comal ISD after a 20-year absence, giving students chances to participate in STEAM competitions and activities. Their first competition was originally scheduled for Jan. 24 but was cancelled due to weather conditions and moved to Jan. 31 at MacArthur High School.
According to the Technology Student Association’s website, TSA is a nonprofit organization that prepares middle and high school students for careers and leadership in science, technology, engineering and math by engaging them in competitive events and hands-on projects that apply classroom skills to real world problems. Students can compete in photography, graphic design, engineering, architecture, robotics or racecar design with a minimum team of two to four members differing between each category.
“The goal is to build leadership skills and community service and give opportunities for students really looking forward to college and starting careers,” TSA advisor Michelle Little said.
The rescheduled regional competition followed a structure similar to UIL events, with many of the projects submitted in advance and judged throughout the day using the standardized rubric. With these projects and events students will continue to improve and grow in all aspects of life just as it did for sophomore and TSA club founder Gracelyn Wilkinson.
“I think TSA will give a glimpse of what the workforce actually looks like, what you would be doing in certain careers, giving students the chance to apply the skills that you would be normally using within your day-to-day life, but just pushing it a little bit further,” Wilkinson said.
Students can sign up regardless of their grade level with the expectation to attend the monthly meetings and pay the $25 fee which will cover costs such as the regional entry fee.
“Originally, TSA stood out to me because it has a series of STEM-based programs and competitions, with over 70 competitions that offer multiple different perspectives and careers that I might want to look at in the future,” Wilkinson said. “So that’s helping me in my career and technical skills, which is what originally made TSA so enticing.”
Although the regional competition was just the beginning, all the students participating earned first place in their categories and will advance to the state competitions that will be held in April. Looking ahead as TSA continues to grow and evolve, club members are excited to see how this new event will transform the school and the district.
“One of my goals is just getting out there, getting it organized and getting it really ready for next year,” Little said.
