Technology Student Association Scholarships: Fueling STEM Futures
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national non-profit career and technical student organization (CTSO) for middle and high school students engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). TSA enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in STEM, whereby members apply and integrate these concepts through intracurricular activities, competitions, and related programs. Recognizing the importance of supporting its members' educational aspirations, TSA offers several scholarships to deserving students. These scholarships, along with external opportunities like those offered through the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), provide crucial financial assistance, enabling students to pursue higher education and excel in STEM fields.
The Technology Student Association (TSA): An Overview
The Technology Student Association accelerates student achievement and supports teachers by providing engaging opportunities to develop STEM skills. TSA is committed to fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM fields. Through a variety of programs and competitions, TSA encourages students to explore their interests, develop their skills, and prepare for future careers.
Chapter and state advisors, and parents and chaperones, are responsible for seeing that all TSA student members wear official TSA attire, professional TSA attire, or business casual TSA attire as occasions may require. TSA attire may now be purchased online via the SHOP tab at the right. Official TSA attire, professional TSA attire, and business casual TSA attire are considered appropriate dress for related conference activities and public appearances. Since adults (advisors, parents, guests) serve as role models at TSA conferences and activities, they are expected to dress appropriately for all related occasions they attend. During general sessions at the national conference, student members must wear official TSA attire, professional TSA attire, or business casual attire. Adults must dress appropriately. Same as professional attire, however a tie is not required, and the shirt or blouse may be a polo or golf shirt.
TSA offers a wide array of competitive events that challenge students to apply their STEM knowledge and skills in practical, real-world scenarios. Some examples of these events include:
- Architectural Design: In response to the annual design challenge, participants develop a set of architectural plans and related materials, and construct both a physical and computer-generated model to accurately depict their design.
- Biotechnology Design: To address the annual theme, participants select a contemporary biotechnology issue and demonstrate understanding of the topic through their documented research and an original display. Participants select a contemporary biotechnology problem that addresses the annual theme and demonstrates understanding of the topic through documented research, the development of a solution, a display (including an optional model or prototype), and an effective multimedia presentation.
- Children's Stories: Participants create an illustrated children’s story based on the annual theme. The entry product is a physical storybook of artistic, instructional, and social value.
- Career Prep: Based on the annual theme, participants conduct research on a technology-related career, prepare a letter of introduction to a potential employer, and develop a job-specific resume.
- Debating Technological Issues: Participants take a parliamentary procedure test to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Participants take a parliamentary procedure test to qualify for the semifinal round of competition.
- Podcast Production: Participants use digital audio technology to create original content for a podcast piece that addresses the annual theme. The podcast must feature high level storytelling techniques, voice acting, and folly sound effects; the full entry must include documentation of the podcast development process and elements. Participants use digital audio technology to create original content for a podcast piece that addresses the annual theme. The podcast must feature high level storytelling techniques, voice acting, and folly sound effects. The full entry must include documentation of the podcast development process and elements.
- Video Game Design: Participants develop, build, and package a board game that focuses on a subject of their choice. Creative packaging, and the instructions, pieces, and cards associated with the pilot game will be evaluated.
These competitions, among others, provide hands-on learning experiences that complement classroom instruction and prepare students for success in college and careers.
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TSA Scholarships: Investing in Future STEM Leaders
TSA offers several scholarships to recognize and support outstanding student members who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to STEM. These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of individuals and organizations who share TSA's vision of empowering students to pursue their dreams in STEM fields.
Elrod Memorial Scholarship
The William P. Elrod Memorial Scholarship was established by the Board of Directors to the memory of William P. Elrod, a founding father of TSA from Madison, Kansas. Mr. Elrod, who died in 1990, was known for his longstanding leadership and involvement with TSA. The amount awarded to a TSA student member through this scholarship is $2,500.
Dr. Bob Hanson Scholarship
The Dr. Bob Hanson Scholarship is named for one of the founders of Tennessee TSA, Dr. Robert Hanson, a retired technology education professor from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This $500 scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student who has been accepted to a college or university.
Dr. Tom D’Apolito Scholarship
The Dr. Tom D’Apolito Scholarship is named after the former Tennessee TSA Technology Engineering Education Program Consultant and long-time National TSA Corporate Member, Dr. Tom D’Apolito. This $500 scholarship is given to a student who is majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, or to a student who is pursuing higher education.
Dustin Heavilon Engineering Scholarship
The Dustin Heavilon Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated Tennessee TSA member whose life was tragically cut short during high school. Known for his passion for engineering and innovation, Dustin inspired those around him through his leadership and commitment.
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National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Scholarships for TSA Members
In addition to TSA's internal scholarships, members also have access to scholarship opportunities through the 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.
In June 2023 it was jointly announced that the Technology Student Association (TSA) and NTHS have formed a partnership to provide these benefits to TSA members. At the 2025 National TSA Conference, NTHS will award three (3) $1000 academic scholarships to eligible applicants who hold dual membership with NTHS and TSA.
A TSA student member must be nominated for NTHS membership by a school’s NTHS chapter advisor (the school the student attends must have a current NTHS chapter). Use the links below for details about the benefits of NTHS membership, a directory of current NTHS chapters, and how to establish an NTHS chapter.
- The benefits of NTHS membership - What We Do - NTHS
- Find out if your school has an NTHS chapter - Chapter Directory - NTHS
- How to establish an NTHS chapter - Learn How to Establish a Chapter - NTHS
Students are eligible to apply for the NTHS scholarship if they are current members of TSA and NTHS. The NTHS scholarship application is accessible via the password-protected Student Member Site in the TSA Membership System. Learn more about the National Technical Honor Society at NTHS.org.
Supporting the Future of TSA: The TSA Future Fund
The purpose of the TSA Future Fund is to support the long-term interests and growth of TSA. TSA welcomes donations to help further its mission to enhance personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in STEM for its student members. Donations to the Future Fund may be for designated purposes, such as new initiatives, scholarships, assistance to worthy chapters or state delegations, and other programs.
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Future Fund donations will be accepted via the major credit cards and maintained in an investment account separate from other TSA accounts. Donations exceeding $25,000, or those made in securities or other assets, will be accepted subject to TSA board approval. Donations derived from illicit or illegal activities, donations that might create an appearance of impropriety or actual impropriety, or donations that might result in undue influence over the affairs of TSA will not be accepted.
Annual giving level tiers for the TSA Future Fund:
- Diamond - $50,000 plus
- Platinum - $10,000 up to $49,999
- Gold - $5,000 up to $9,999
- Silver - $1,000 up to $4,999
- Bronze - donations under $1,000
Any donor who makes a contribution of $100 or more may specify a use-of-funds category. Diamond level donors may request that their gift be specifically designated, such as for a named scholarship. Pledges of up to five years will be counted towards giving level tiers. Donations can be made using the portal link below; a receipt for the donation will be generated automatically. When donating via the portal, individuals may choose a one-time or reoccurring donation.
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