Welcome to TESA: Launching the Future of Aerospace Education
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:
- MATLAB - The industry standard for technical computing
- Ansys STK - Satellite toolkit used by space agencies worldwide
- 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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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.


