Technology Student Association (TSA) Program
About 350 to 400 local middle school and high school students gained experience in science, engineering and other professional fields by participating in the Lockheed Martin Technology Student Association (TSA) Manatee County District Competition in February.
The students, who worked for months on projects that they entered into one of 28 categories in the local competition, also gained experience for upcoming TSA events. The local competition was held on Feb. 6 at Southeast High School in Bradenton, Fla.
In its fourth year as competition sponsor, Lockheed Martin provided funding as well as judges and the keynote speaker for the local event.
"We really appreciate Lockheed Martin's support, which covers our costs and provides knowledgeable volunteers for our district competition," said Margi Nanney, spokesperson for the School District of Manatee County, Fla. "The local TSA competition provides practice for the state and national events, and it offers friendly competition that's fun."
TSA is a national, non-profit organization for middle and high school students with a strong interest in technology. TSA members meet afterschool to work on projects related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), then participate in competitions at the state and national levels.
Students from eight middle schools and five high schools in the Manatee County School District participated in the local TSA event, and most will proceed to the TSA state competition April 21-24 in Orlando, Fla.
Manatee County School District places more students in TSA competitions than any other district in Florida, and the district has been a powerhouse at the state and national levels, Nanney said.
Gary Cambre, communications manager for Lockheed Martin's Tallevast, Fla., office, served as a competition judge and keynote speaker. Three Lockheed Martin technical contractors served as judges.
During his keynote address, Cambre pointed out that Lockheed Martin offers exciting careers in science, engineering and technology, and that years from now, Manatee County students could possibly be among the people filling those positions.
Education is a major focus of Lockheed Martin's community outreach. Fifty percent of the Corporation's contributions and activities are geared toward strengthening students' capabilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Cambre noted that sponsoring the TSA competition is a logical fit for Lockheed Martin.
"We're glad to sponsor this event, because TSA excites students about technical careers and helps them realize their potential."
Lockheed Martin media contact: Gary Cambre, (941) 554-3862 or gary.cambre@lmco.com.
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For more information, or to schedule a presentation, call the Manatee/Sarasota Lockheed Martin Office at (941)360-1843.