Relationship Between Technology Student Association Participation and Soft Skills Development

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between student participation in Technology Student Association activities and soft skills development. This study specifically sought information on relationships between soft skills development and (a) time spent on Technology Student Association activities, (b) competitive event success, (c) assumption of leadership roles, and (d) gender. Data were provided by Pennsylvania Technology Student Association and consisted of survey responses from middle and high school students who are active Pennsylvania Technology Student Association members ( n = 229). In addition to descriptive data, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the factors noted above and soft skills development. The independent variables (factors) collectively accounted for a significant 16% ( R 2 = .16) of the variance in soft skills score. Time spent per week was a significant predictor of soft skills score ( β = .19) as was the assumption of leadership roles ( β = .22). Gender was also a significant predictor of soft skills score as females scored higher than males, after controlling for leadership roles assumed, competitive event success, time spent per week, and years of participation.