About TESA
The Engineering and Science Academy: Preparing tomorrow's aerospace leaders through hands-on STEM education.
Our Mission
Preparing Students for STEM Success
What is TESA?
The Engineering and Science Academy (TESA) is a pre-college hybrid school, designed to prepare students for academic and technical rigor. With a mission rooted in aerospace excellence, TESA equips students with the skills, certifications, and confidence to thrive in STEM-intensive majors at universities.
Course Format
Through credit-bearing courses, students tackle real-world design challenges and earn industry-recognized certifications used by aerospace professionals.
The Problem
Academic and motivational challenges drive a 60% attrition rate among first-year engineering students. Many students arrive at college unprepared for the rigors of STEM education.
TESA's Solution
TESA equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to thrive in college through hands-on learning and mentorship.
Industry Certifications:
The Challenge
The Gap TESA Fills
Traditional education often leaves students unprepared for the rigor of university-level STEM programs. TESA bridges this gap.
60%
First-Year Attrition
Engineering students who leave their program before sophomore year
1 in 3
Unprepared Students
High school graduates who require remedial coursework in college
2.4M
STEM Jobs Unfilled
Projected unfilled STEM positions in the US by 2025
How TESA Prepares Students
Real-World Challenges
Students work on actual engineering design problems used in aerospace industry
Industry Certifications
Earn professional certifications that demonstrate competency to colleges and employers
Expert Mentorship
Learn from aerospace professionals with real-world industry and academic experience
Mathematical Foundation
Master practical applications of mathematics through engineering context
Programming Skills
Develop computational thinking and programming abilities used in aerospace
College Readiness
Build resilience and study habits needed to succeed in rigorous STEM majors
Our Founder
Meet Lt. Commander Diallo Wallace
Space Camp Hall of Fame 2025 inductee, Naval Academy aerospace engineering professor, and Purdue PhD candidate in Engineering Education. Discover the experience and vision behind TESA.
Learn about our founderLooking Ahead
Our Vision for the Future
TESA is committed to making high-quality aerospace education accessible to students everywhere, starting locally and growing nationally.
Phase 1
Maryland Launch
Starting at Maryland airports, establishing a strong local presence and proving the TESA model.
Phase 2
National Expansion
Expanding to airports and communities nationwide, bringing aerospace education to students across America.
Phase 3
DODEA Partnership
Partnering with Department of Defense Education Activity to serve military families worldwide.
Join us in shaping the future of aerospace education.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you're a parent interested in our program, an educator seeking to collaborate, or a funder looking to support STEM education, we'd love to hear from you.