The organization was started by industrial arts teachers who wanted to provide opportunities for their students to be recognized for their accomplishments and was originally the American Industrial Arts Student Association (AIASA).

It was officially sponsored by the American Industrial Arts Association for a number of years, became an independent nonprofit corporation in 1978 and in 1988 the name was changed to the Technology Student Association (TSA) to more accurately reflect that which students are now being taught; the technologies of our time. Members have the opportunity to compare their technology competencies with other students through local, regional, state and national competitions.