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Welcome to TESA: Launching the Future of Aerospace Education

Diallo WallaceDiallo Wallace
2 min read

Welcome to TESA

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of The Engineering and Science Academy (TESA) website! This marks an exciting milestone in our mission to transform aerospace education for high school students.

Our Mission

TESA was founded to address a critical challenge in STEM education: the 60% attrition rate among first-year engineering students. We believe that with the right preparation, mentorship, and hands-on experience, every student can thrive in rigorous STEM programs.

Through our credit-bearing courses, students:

  • Tackle real-world design challenges
  • Earn industry-recognized certifications
  • Develop the confidence to succeed in college engineering programs

What Makes TESA Different

Hands-On Learning

Our curriculum isn't just theoretical - students work on actual aerospace projects, learning the same tools used by professionals in the industry:

  1. MATLAB - The industry standard for technical computing
  2. Ansys STK - Satellite toolkit used by space agencies worldwide
  3. PMI CAPM - Project management certification recognized globally

Expert Mentorship

Founded by Lt. Commander Diallo Wallace, a Space Camp Hall of Fame 2025 inductee and Naval Academy aerospace engineering professor, TESA brings real-world aerospace experience directly to students.

Pathway to Success

Our comprehensive curriculum for high school students covers:

  • Science: Physics, Statics, Dynamics
  • Technology: MATLAB, Raspberry Pi, Arduino
  • Engineering: Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural
  • Mathematics: Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for our January 2026 legislative meetings, we're excited to share our vision for aerospace education with policymakers, educators, and families across Maryland and beyond.

Our roadmap includes:

  • Expanding from Maryland airports to national reach
  • Partnering with DODEA to serve military families
  • Continuing to build industry partnerships

Get Involved

Whether you're a:

  • Parent looking for rigorous STEM education for your child
  • Funder interested in supporting aerospace education
  • Student ready to explore the final frontier

We invite you to explore our programs and join us on this journey.

Explore Our Programs | Partner With Us | Contact Us


TESA - Preparing tomorrow's aerospace leaders through hands-on STEM education.

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Diallo Wallace

Written by

Diallo Wallace

Founder of TESA, Space Camp Hall of Fame 2025 inductee, Naval Academy aerospace engineering professor, and Purdue PhD candidate in Engineering Education.

Continue Exploring

Learn more about our aerospace education programs and how TESA is preparing the next generation of STEM leaders.