Introduction

The GA TSA Foundation, Inc. (hereinafter the “Foundation”) is a newly formed corporation and is still in the developmental and planning stage. The Foundation was incorporated as a Domestic Non-Profit Corporation in the State of Georgia on March 18, 2008.

Background

Georgia’s Technology Education Curriculum develops technological literacy as part of a students' fundamental education through an activity-based study of past, present, and future technological systems and their resources, processes, and impact on society. Technology Education utilizes computer and educational technology in the delivery of content related to systems of communication, energy/power-transportation, production, and bio-related technologies.

In addition to classroom/ laboratory experiences, students participate in the Technology Student Association (TSA). Activities of the TSA are an integral part of the instructional program because they promote leadership skills, high standards of craft quality, scholarship, and safety. Opportunities are provided for involvement with the community's industrial and technological resources, in parliamentary procedures and democratic decision making, and for recognition for exemplary performance. The GA Technology Student Association, Inc. (hereinafter “GA TSA”) is a state chapter of the national TSA organization. GA TSA is a 501(c)(3) organization that began in 1962. Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology education courses, GA TSA’s membership includes over 28,096 middle and high school students in 159 schools spanning seventy five (75) counties in Georgia. GA TSA is supported by educators, parents and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically literate society. Members learn through exciting competitive events, leadership opportunities and much more. The diversity of activities makes GA TSA a positive experience for every student. From engineers to business managers, GA TSA alumni credit their participation in GA TSA as a positive influence on their lives.

GA TSA helps students to:
• Gain recognition for accomplishments
• Practice and apply creative and critical thinking
• Develop career skills
• Improve self-esteem
• Develop personal leadership styles
• Build supportive relationships with teachers
• Experience the connection between career, technical and academic skills.
GA TSA helps teachers to
• Enrich classroom teaching and motivate students to learn
• Integrate school-to-career elements as well as academic applications into the engineering and technology program

GA TSA helps industry by
• Producing students who exit the program with skills they will be able to apply in business and industry
• Creating technologically literate employees
• Producing highly skilled, technologically literate individuals, who become businesses most important resources.

Historically, GA TSA has solicited funds on its own behalf. However, leadership at the Georgia Department of Education has requested that GA TSA raise funds through a separate 501(c)(3) foundation.