Read below for our answers to frequently asked questions about BPA. For other informational resources, please refer to the Workplace Skills Assessment Program PDF, the National BPA website, the Minnesota BPA website, or contact us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BPA?
Business Professionals of America is an organization that aims to prepare youth for the workforce by promoting leadership, academia and community through its activities and opportunities.
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What do you do in BPA?
There are several aspects to this activity that include competing, volunteering, and being a leader in your community. Competition consists of participating in Workplace Skills Assessment Program events at the regional, state, and national level. BPA also provides members with the following opportunities: Torch Awards Program, BPA Cares Program, Officer Elections, certifications, scholarships, National Leadership Academy, National Intern Program, and connections with its national business partners. Basically, you prepare for your events, attend chapter meetings, and compete and do other fun things at conferences, which you can learn more about below.
GENERAL
CONFERENCES
TORCH AWARDS & BPA CARES
When are the conferences for the 2017-18 season?
The dates for the Fall Leadership Conference (FLC), Region 2 Conference, State Leadership Conference (SLC), and National Leadership Conference (NLC), and newly added Chapter Leadership Conference (CLC) are yet to be determined.
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What happens at conferences?
BPA leadership conferences are a mixture of competition, awards, workshops, service, entertainment, and free time. The length of duration is different for each conference: CLC is a few hours, FLC is two days, Region 2 is one day, SLC is one weekend, and NLC is five days. During the competition time block, members will go to their designated room at their designated time. Before or after your events, you have free time to spend with your chapter or with new people, which we've found are pretty fun and easy to make friends with in BPA. Free time is especially raved about at SLC, where you can explore Minneapolis, and at NLC, where this season you can adventure in Dallas! At SLC, after the competition portion at is complete comes the most popular part: the hypnotist show (yes, it is as awesome as it sounds). Throughout each conference there are always service opportunities, most notably fundraisers for Special Olympics that we hope all EHS members participate in. The very last part of each conference is the award ceremony for not only competitive events but also for membership excellence, such as Torch Awards.
COMPETITIVE EVENTS
What kind of events can I compete in?
The categories of events are Finance, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Digital Communication & Design, Management & Marketing & Communication, and Virtual Contests. Overall, there are roughly 60 different events available to high school students that cover a wide range of skills, from word processing to global marketing to graphic design. Everything you need to know is in the Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP) PDF that we strongly encourage you look over for the official list of events, descriptions, and requirements.
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How many events can I compete in?
The basic breakdown of events is Individual, Team, and Open. Open events are always walk-in scantron tests, which means you could change your mind about them on the day of! Team events are usually presentations, and Individual events can be either. For Individual and Team events, you can compete in at most two total, only one of which may be a Team event. As for Open events, you can do as many as you would like.
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How do I prepare for my event(s)?
The first thing you should do is thoroughly read the WSAP page for your event(s). Secondly, make sure you attend the bimonthly chapter meetings for information and help with your event(s). Finally, do as much research and studying as you can on your own. Additional study material for testing events (includes all Opens) are tests from previous years which you may ask for in room 221. We recommend you start working on your event by November at the latest to be ready for the first competition is in early January. If you would like more specific advice for your event, please see Mr. Kovach in room 221 or email him at bpacats@gmail.com.
In Business Professionals of America, there are many ways to get involved with your community. In fact, BPA offers awards and recognition for both individuals and chapters that have outstanding involvement in community activities. Whether it's hosting a blood drive, giving a presentation about BPA to interested middle schoolers, or being an engaged member of a faith community, there are numerous ways you can stay involved and get recognized for it. Individual students are eligible for Torch awards and chapters are eligible for BPA Cares awards. Check out those links to find out more!
OPPORTUNITIES & SCHOLARSHIPS
Another way to get engaged is through the Business Professionals of America community itself! Students are able (and encouraged) to run for leadership positions. These positions run in the Chapter, Region, State, and National levels and there are many positions open to students. Talk to Mr. Kovach or your chapter officers if you're interested in running for one of these positions.
In addition to leadership positions, BPA is happy to connect students with scholarship opportunities such as the President's Volunteer Service award. To find out more about scholarship opportunities, click here!
