BPA Merit Scholar Award

Merit Scholar Award

A prestigious award in the BPA Cares Program for advisors or student members scoring 90% or higher on the objective exam.

Objective Exam

An exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice and true/false questions for BPA Merit Scholar Award eligibility.

Mission Statement

To develop and empower student leaders to discover their passion and change the world through unmatched opportunities.

Vision Statement

To be an innovator in Career and Technical Education, providing members opportunities for growth.

Tagline

'Giving Purpose to Potential' serves as a linking device between the organization and its name.

BPA Official Colors

Navy Blue, Red, and Tan, representing professionalism, friendship, and opportunities in America respectively.

BPA Shield

Symbolizes honor and dignity, with four points standing for Ambition, Leadership, Sociability, and Poise.

Official BPA Attire

A navy blue blazer with the logo, worn with a name tag on the right side.

BPA Week

Takes place the second full week in February, coinciding with Career and Technical Education Month.

Executive Council

A group of elected student officers representing BPA members from across the country.

Secondary Division Officers

President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Parliamentarian.

Post-secondary Division Officers

President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Parliamentarian.

Executive Council Candidate Requirements

Student member in good standing, serving or has served as an elected officer, with a 2.75 GPA.

National BPA Tagline

'Giving Purpose to Potential' represents the mission of the organization.

BPA Cares Program

Engages members in worthwhile projects supporting community betterment, eligible for national recognition.

Torch Awards Program

Promotes professionalism and leadership through activities in seven categories, earning recognition points.

Executive Torch Award

Requires 10 points in each of the seven Torch categories at the chapter level.

Diplomat Torch Award

Requires 30 points in each Torch category, awarded at chapter, regional, or state levels.

Statesman Torch Award

Requires 50 points in each Torch category, awarded at the state level.

Ambassador Torch Award

Requires 70 points in each Torch category, awarded at the national level.

Workplace Skills Assessment Program

Allows students to demonstrate skills learned in business education through competitions.

Virtual Competitive Events

National level competitions available to BPA members, separate from WSAP, registration by December 1.

Membership Divisions

Includes Middle Level, Secondary, and Postsecondary divisions for student membership in BPA.

National Leadership Conference

An event where members gather, requiring a qualifying status to attend.

NLC Locations

Upcoming national conferences in Orlando, Nashville, and Denver from 2025 to 2029.

Alumni Membership Division

Available for former active members to maintain involvement and networking opportunities.

Business Professionals of America Formation Year

Founded in 1966 as a recognized organization for students in office/business programs.

Awards under BPA Cares Program

Includes Service Learning Awards, Community Service Award, Environmental Action Award, among others.

BPA’s Historical Timeline Start

Recognized in 1963 with the call for a vocational education youth group.

First National Leadership Conference

Held in Columbus, Ohio, with key milestones leading to the formation of BPA.

Official BPA Pledge

A commitment made by members to develop professionalism and leadership.

Point System in Torch Awards

Each Torch activity is worth 5, 10, 15, or 20 points depending on the level of achievement.

Community Service Award

Recognizes outstanding contributions to community service efforts through BPA.

Safety Awareness Award

Recognizes efforts in promoting safety awareness within communities.

National Business Advisory Council (NBAC)

Offers guidance to assist with the development of real-world experience programs for students.

Instructor Medium

Educators and professionals involved in overseeing BPA activities and advising student members.

Website for Membership Info

BPA provides a comprehensive online platform for membership and event details.

NLC Delegate Requirements

Members must meet specific criteria to qualify to represent their state at NLC.

BPA Logo Usage

The BPA logo can be used with the tagline for clear communication, but is not always required.

BPA Shield Representation

The four points symbolize ambition, leadership, sociability, and poise in business.

Executive Council Purpose

To represent student interests and leadership in the BPA organization.

Service Learning Individual Award

Recognizes individual student efforts in community betterment projects.

Membership Deadline

Membership processed by November 1 ensures communication and eligibility for events.

BPA Communications Platforms

Utilizes social media channels for engagement and information sharing.

Professional Development Opportunities

BPA provides various avenues for members to enhance leadership and professional skills.

Safety Awareness Award

Recognizes members' initiatives in promoting safety in various contexts.

Social Media Engagement

BPA leverages platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with members.

Historical Rebranding Year

BPA rebranded from the Office Education Association in 1988 to its current name.