STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Technology Student Association (TSA)
“The Technology Student Association fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in technology, innovation, design, and engineering.”
TSA offers several events related to modern manufacturing – Engineering Design, Computer-Aided Design , System Control Technology, and Manufacturing Prototype. At these competitive events student teams begin designing and assembling their ‘solutions’ , checking for possible operational issues, and deliver the functioning system. FLATE personnel have spent many hours judging the projects and live competitions of the young adults participating in the Technology Student Association State Regional events. https://floridatsa.org/
SkillsUSA
“SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. We help each student excel.”
In Florida, high school and technical school students compete in two SkillsUSA contests related to modern manufacturing., “Automated Manufacturing Technology & Robotics and Automation Technology”. Students receive their instructions, begin “building” the virtual solutions through software programs and then apply them to an actual robotic manufacturing assembly line or CNC operation. After the Statewide competitions, the winning teams go on to national competition in Kansas City to test their skills against the best in the nation. For three years, FLATE has provided support by coordinating the State competition for theses manufacturing contests by arranging for event sites and equipment , participating as judges, and assisting in the overall competition design and requirements. Key partners in these events have been Tropicana and Jaeger Corporation. https://www.skillsusa.org/
Conference and competition dates: April 14 – 17, 2024.
FIRST Robotics
‘ To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.”
FIRST Robotics provides an opportunity for students to apply high-tech design and fabrication skills in the creation of a “competition” robot. Teams often collaborate with local manufacturing and engineering firms for advice as they build their robot. Students check out every circuit and make the final adjustments to their robots before meeting the competition and doing “battle” on the playing field. Winners from the regional competitions advance to the National competition in Atlanta . FLATE has been both a team and event sponsor at regional and local competitions, along with volunteering at events as judges and construction crew members. https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc
- Orlando Regional, March 20-23, 2024 https://www.orlandofrc.org/
- Tallahassee Regional at FAMU, March 13-16, 2024 https://tallahasseefrc.org
