NASHUA – The Technology Student Association from the Academy for Science and Design recently visited Washington, D.C., for the National TSA Conference.

TSA is a national organization for students engaged in STEM courses – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

According to the TSA website, the conference celebrates the contributions of advancing technology with the theme “The Spirit of Innovation.” The conference took place June 27-July 1 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

Middle and high school students participated in more than 60 competitive events based on principles and concepts learned through projects in STEM subjects during the school year.

These students have been researching, designing and building solar cars to bring to the conference to race against peers at the national level.

The ASD students also visited the U.S. Supreme Court building, the Navy Memorial, the White House, the Washington Monument, the National Sculpture Gardens, the Air and Space Museum and the Hirshhorn Sculpture Gardens.

A China and Kenya Folklore Festival took place on the National Mall, so the students were able to sample Chinese food, with many of the students ordering their meal by speaking Mandarin.

The academy seeks to partner with local businesses for student-centered activities such as internships in STEM fields, financial donations, and/or conference presenters. For more information, visit www.asdnh.org or email Amy Bewley, coordinator of admissions, marketing and communications, at amy.bewley@asdnh.org.