Start a Chapter
Bring Tennessee TSA to your school or community and provide students with opportunities to lead, grow, and prepare for their futures in STEM. By starting a chapter, advisors equip students with the tools and experiences they need to excel academically, personally, and professionally.
Steps to Start a TSA Chapter
The steps below outline the general process for starting a TSA chapter; however, individual schools or districts may have additional policies or approval procedures. Be sure to check with your administration or CTE director for any local requirements.
1 | Obtain School Approval
Talk to your CTE director or principal about how TSA supports STEM education and student career readiness.
Clearly outline how the chapter aligns with your school or district’s goals.
Secure formal approval from your school administration to start a TSA chapter.
2 | Identify a Chapter Advisor
Select a faculty or staff member to serve as the chapter advisor.
The advisor will provide mentorship, structure, and guidance for student members.
3 | Understand the Role of an Advisor
Advisors serve as mentors, coaches, and facilitators.
Key responsibilities include managing chapter activities, coordinating affiliation, supporting student participation in conferences and events, and promoting leadership and career development.
Review the Advisor Essentials page for helpful resources and expectations.
4 | Submit a Chapter Request
Submit a Chapter Request to notify Tennessee TSA of your intent to start a chapter.
Once reviewed and approved, you’ll receive instructions to move forward.
5 | Recruit Student Members
Invite students interested in STEM and leadership to join your chapter.
Host an interest meeting to introduce students to TSA’s mission and opportunities.
Begin collecting parental paperwork and chapter, state, and national membership dues.
6 | Register Your Members
Register your chapter through the Membership System.
Submit member rosters and ensure all state and national membership dues are paid to TSA’s national office in Reston, Virginia.
Refer to the Membership & Dues page for more information.
7 | Launch Your Chapter
Host your first chapter meeting to welcome members and introduce goals.
Elect chapter officers or form a leadership team.
Set clear goals and plan key chapter activities.
Develop a year-long calendar with important dates, deadlines, and chapter meetings.
Work with your school to advertise TSA through morning announcements, flyers, or open house events.
Use social media or a bulletin board to highlight chapter events and student achievements.
8 | Prepare for the First Year
Subscribe to the Memo Monday email newsletter for updates.
Bookmark the Calendar to track deadlines and events.
Connect with other advisors in your school district or region for mentorship and collaboration.
Focus on foundational activities: membership, recruitment, and participation in one or two key conferences.
Empower student leadership: chapter officers should lead meetings, plan activities, and drive engagement; the advisor’s role is to guide, support, and advise.
Start small and grow: success comes from consistency and engagement over time.
9 | Get Involved in TSA Programs & Conferences
Explore the Competitive Events Program and help students select events that match their interests.
Encourage participation in chapter meetings, activities, and service projects.
Register for upcoming events such as Chapter Officer Leadership Training, Fall Leadership Conferences, Regional Leadership Conferences, State Leadership Conference, and the National TSA Conference.
10 | Stay Informed & Supported
Check the Advisor Essentials page regularly for tools, templates, and updates.
Review conference pages and download conference guides in advance.
Follow Tennessee TSA on social media for news, inspiration, and community highlights.
Reach out to the Tennessee TSA team with questions!