2027 State Leadership Conference

Delaware TSA Brings the Future of STEM to the 2027 State Leadership Conference

Students from across Delaware will compete, connect, and showcase their skills April 7–8 at the University of Delaware

Dover, DE — August 11, 2026 — Innovation takes center stage this spring as the Delaware Technology Student Association (DETSA) brings middle and high school students from across the state together for the 2027 State Leadership Conference (SLC), April 7–8, 2027, at Clayton Hall at the University of Delaware. The annual conference is one of Delaware TSA’s signature student experiences, giving members an opportunity to turn what they have learned in classrooms and laboratories into real-world demonstrations of creativity, technical knowledge, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Following competitive events and preparation throughout the 2026–2027 school year, students will arrive at Clayton Hall ready to put their skills to the test, learn from professionals, meet TSA members from across Delaware, and celebrate excellence in STEM.

Where Ideas Become Achievements

Students will compete across a wide range of STEM and technology disciplines, including Architectural Design, Biotechnology, Coding, Cybersecurity, Digital Video Production, Dragster Design, Engineering Design, Fashion Design and Technology, Geospatial Technology, Inventions and Innovations, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Technology, Photographic Technology, Robotics, STEM Animation, Structural Engineering, System Control Technology, Video Game Design, Website Design, and more.

But competition is only part of the SLC experience.

Throughout the conference, students will have opportunities to expand their skills through interactive experiences, connect with educators and industry professionals, build relationships with TSA members from across the state, and discover how their interests can lead to future education and career opportunities. The conference will culminate with an awards ceremony recognizing students for outstanding achievement, technical excellence, creativity, teamwork, and leadership. “Delaware TSA gives students a place to take an idea and turn it into something they can design, build, present, defend, and be proud of,” said Mike Fitzgerald, DETSA State Advisor. “The State Leadership Conference is where those experiences come together. Students leave with stronger skills, new connections, and greater confidence in what they are capable of achieving.”

More Than 50 Years of Student Innovation

Since 1974, Delaware TSA has helped generations of students explore technology, engineering, design, and leadership while developing skills that prepare them for college, careers, and life. The 2027 State Leadership Conference continues that tradition by creating an environment where students are challenged to think differently, solve complex problems, collaborate with others, and demonstrate what they can accomplish. The conference is open to all State of Delaware-recognized TSA chapters serving middle and high school students. Advisors, educators, industry partners, and supporters of STEM education are also encouraged to participate and celebrate Delaware’s emerging talent.

Registration for the 2027 State Leadership Conference opens December 1, 2026. Registration closes 11:59pm on Friday, Jan 22, 2027.

For competitive event information, registration updates, schedules, and conference details, visit detsa.org.

From Delaware to the National Stage

For many students, the State Leadership Conference is also the first step toward national competition. Top performers at the 2027 Delaware TSA State Leadership Conference will earn the opportunity to represent Delaware at the 2027 National TSA Conference, June 23–27, 2027, at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. TSA members from across the country will gather under the theme “Forward to Fifty” for national competition, leadership development, networking, and the celebration of student achievement in STEM.

Media & Sponsorship Inquiries

Mike Fitzgerald, DETSA State Advisor
302.857.3334 (office)
[email protected]

About Delaware TSA

The Delaware Technology Student Association (DETSA) is a career and technical student organization that empowers middle and high school students to explore STEM, develop leadership skills, and prepare for future education and careers. Established in 1974, Delaware TSA engages students through competitive events, leadership development, service, and career-connected experiences that transform classroom learning into opportunities to create, collaborate, solve problems, and lead.