- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Junior Solar Sprint (JSS), administered by the Technology Student Association (TSA) through a grant awarded by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), is an educational program for 5th through 8th grade students with the goal of creating the fastest, most interesting and best crafted solar-vehicle possible. Students will design, build and race solar powered cars using hands-on engineering skills and principles of science and math, develop teamwork and problem solving abilities, investigate environmental issues and gain hands-on STEM skills. To register, scroll to the map and click on the link in your state to get started today!
To find program locations, click on a state in the map below or download a locations list.
You'll Get To...
- Work with teammates in designing and building a solar car using STEM skills
- Race your car at a TSA state event or U.S. Army-hosted event
- Design your car in a creative way
- Participate and compete at the national TSA conference against many other teams from across the country
Eligibility
- 5th through 8th grade students are eligible
- Member of a TSA middle school chapter or participant at an army base hosting a JSS event
- JSS Jumpstart
JSS Jumpstart
JSS Jumpstart:
Middle School Chapter Advisors please continue to spread the word to your feeder elementary schools about this exciting Junior Solar Sprint opportunity for 5th and 6th graders housed in elementary schools. There is no fee for registering and once registered, you will be able to access all of the online resources for JSS.
JSS Jumpstart is an on-site elementary school based event which provides 5th and 6th grade students that are housed in elementary schools a fun, hands-on opportunity to learn more about solar and renewable energy by building solar powered cars.
To learn more about the program, click here, or contact Sue King about how to get started.
To register, click here.
Launch JSS at your U.S. Army Base
More Information
There is no fee to register for JSS, but registration is required to participate. Once registered, access will be provided to the online resources.
Information for Volunteers
The Junior Solar Sprint program is always looking for volunteers to help at JSS TSA state events (JSS is currently held at 22 state events), U.S. Army-hosted events and the TSA national conference. Please email Sue King at sking@tsaweb.org for more information on where and how you can volunteer for JSS events.
Important Dates
September – April
Registration opens and online resources available
Begin planning for JSS implementation in classrooms or as afterschool activities
December - April
Access online resources to begin planning for design and build of solar car
Create design sketches and compile information for portfolio
Obtain solar panel kits
February - May
Participate in TSA state conferences and U.S. Army-hosted JSS events
June 26-June 30, 2024
National TSA Conference at the Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, Florida
Interested in This Program?
If you are interested in this program email us or call Sue King at 703-860-9000. We'd love to hear from you!
FEATURED STUDENT
Vedika Agnihotri
Gains in the Education of Math and Science (GEMS), Junior Solar Sprint (JSS)
Read The Story
JSS ON THE BLOG
Ready, set, race! The 2023 Junior Solar Sprint teams sped to the finish line during this year’s national competition.
July 18, 2023
Read The StoryDenver, CO
Marriott Denver Tech Center
Contact: Ashley Acuff
Conference Dates: February 24-26
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Orlando, FL
DoubleTree by Hilton
Contact: Justin Lauer
Conference Dates: February 23-26
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Athens, GA
The Classic Center
Contact: Steve Price
Conference Dates: March 16-19
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Twin Falls, ID
The College of Southern Idaho
Contact: Justin Touchstone
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Kaysville, UT
Davis Applied Technology College
Contact: Michael Smoot
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Seattle, WA
DoubleTree SeaTac Hotel
Contact: Jennifer Smith
Conference Dates: March 16-19
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Myrtle Beach, SC
Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort
Contact: Tammy Vaught
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Waterville Valley, NH
Waterville Valley Resort
Contact: Ervin Connary
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Salina, KS
Webster Conference Center
Contact: Byron McKay
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Vicksburg, MS
Vicksburg Convention Center
Contact: Shanta Villanueva
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Ewing, NJ
The College of New Jersey
Contact: Alison Goeke
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Ripley, WV
Ceder Lakes Conference Center
Contact: Nicole Shipman
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Greensboro, NC
Contact: Jerianne Taylor
Conference Dates: April 6-9
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Forth Worth, TX
Forth Worth Convention Center
Contact: Pamela Cook
Conference Dates: April 21-23
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Norman, OK
Embassy Suites
Contact: Tami Redus
Conference Dates: April 13-15
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Altoona, IA
Adventureland Resort
Contact: Gene Olsen
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Champion, PA
Seven Springs Resort, PA
Contact: John Bratton
Conference Dates: April 20-23
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Lexington, KY
Marriott Griffin Gate Resort
Contact: Mark Harrell
Conference Dates: April 25-27
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Rolla, MO
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Contact: Byekwaso Gilbert
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex
Contact: Ben Scheierman
Conference Dates: April 12-13
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Harrington, DE
State Fairgrounds
Contact: Mike Fitzgerald
Conference Dates: March 30-31
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Hampton, VA
Hampton Roads Convention Center, VA
Contact: B.J. Scott
Conference Dates: April 28-May 1
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Frederick, MD
Fort Detrick
Contact: MRDC Educational Outreach
Conference Dates: TBD
TBD
Contact: Geoff Bernstein
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Little Rock, AR
University of Arkansas
Contact: Jami Eubanks
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
West Hartford, CT
Conard High School
Contact: Jim Hutson
Conference Dates: April 30
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Bloomington, IL
The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center
Contact: Chris Merrill
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Billings, MT
Montana Pavillion, Metra Park
Contact: Kirk Woosley
Conference Dates: March 28-29
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Mandan, ND
Baymont Inn and Conference Center
Contact: Don Fischer
Conference Dates: March 21-22
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Los Lunas, NM
Lost Lunas High School
Contact: Ciara Graham
Conference Dates: March 11-13
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Hamilton, OH
D. Russell Lee Career and Technology Center, Butler Tech
Contact: Lee Corder
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Boardman, OR
BMCC Workforce Training Center
Contact: Chris Tuason
Conference Dates: April 21
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Rhode Island
Scituate High School
Contact: Shannon Donovan
Conference Dates: TBD
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga Convention Center
Contact: Brittany Debity-Barker
Conference Dates: March 30-April 2
*Must be a TSA member to participate
Ithaca, NY
The race will be held at the Ithaca High School tennis courts on May 21st. If people are interested in coming to the race, please contact David Buchner at: dbuchner@icsd.k12.ny.us.