Our Programs
Workplace skills assessment program - competitive events
The Workplace Skills Assessment Program is an integral part of Business Professionals of America. The goal of the program is to provide all business students the opportunity to demonstrate workplace skills learned through business education curricula. Students will: demonstrate occupational competencies; broaden knowledge, skills, and attitudes; expand leadership and human relation skills; demonstrate a competitive spirit; and receive recognition.
The organization offers more than 60 events in various areas related to financial, administrative support, information technology, management, marketing, and human resources. There is an additional event offered in the Michigan Association which deals with spelling and grammar called Business Spelling. This event is offered at the regional and state levels only. Another event--Merit Scholar--is offered at the state and national levels only.
Secondary students may enter enter two events, only one of which may be a team event. Postsecondary students may enter three events, only one of which may be a team event. A student may enter an unlimited number of open events. Students do not need to pre-qualify for open events to compete at the state or national leadership conferences.
Event Categories
Finance
Business Administration
Management Information Systems
Digital Communication & Design
Management/Marketing/Communication
Health Administration
torch awards program
Participation in the Torch Awards Program can prove beneficial to the chapter and the members. Many activities that qualify for Torch Awards points are service activities. Such activities take your members out into the community, giving them a positive way to impact the area they live in, as well as provide some publicity for the chapter and Business Professionals of America. Interaction with business leaders, civic organizations and others are some of the many things the program encourages. This not only translates into Torch Awards points, but also key contact with members of the community. Publicity, contact with business leaders, increased self-confidence, awareness of the importance of service, and activities to add to the résumé and scholarship applications are just a few things that participation in the Torch Awards Program can do for both your chapter and members.
2024-2025 Deadlines
Executive - Local chapter sets deadline
Diplomat - November 15, 2024
Statesman - January 15, 2025
Ambassador - March 14, 2025
state service project & community involvement award
Each year, the State Executive Council selects an organization to support during the school year. This year’s State Service Project, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, is intended to bring awareness to the fight against cancer.
Chapters who participate in the 2024-2025 state service project or any other community service projects may apply for the Michigan BPA Community Involvement Award. By participating, your chapter will be eligible to be recognized at the state leadership conference.
2024-2025 Deadline
January 15, 2025 before 5:00 PM ET
barbara chambers outstanding advisor award
Each year during the Michigan BPA Annual State Leadership Conference, an advisor is recognized as an outstanding advisor. This award honors individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in terms of serving as a BPA chapter advisor.
Nominate your chapter advisor for this prestigious award. Review the guidelines and then submit a nomination packet. This award is kept a surprise until the results are revealed during the Dinner Session at the State Leadership Conference.
2024-2025 Deadlines
January 15, 2025 before 5:00 PM ET
chapter of the year award
Michigan BPA is proud of the highly active chapters we have in our association. We always look for an opportunity to provide recognition to such chapters. If your chapter has done exceptional work this school year and you want to be recognized for that work, we encourage you to apply for the Chapter of the Year Award. The selected chapter will be recognized during our Opening Session at the State Leadership Conference. Once you have reviewed the guidelines, complete the application form provided. Remember, it is always best to provide some documentation or photos with your application in order to increase your chance of being selected as the award recipient.
2024-2025 Deadlines
January 15, 2025 before 5:00 PM ET
nlc trading pin contest
One of the early ways to start your participation in BPA each year is to participate in NLC Trading Graphic Design Pin Contest. Students are encouraged to demonstrate their artistic abilities by participating in this contest. Students may participate in either one or both of these contests.
This contest is for Michigan BPA to try to select a design that will be turned into a keepsake trading pin for our upcoming national leadership conference. Samples of an assortment of previous winners are displayed in the photo gallery here.
2024-2025 Deadline
November 15, 2024 before 5:00 PM ET
Michigan BPA Scholarship
Michigan BPA is glad to be able to assist a graduating senior with the continuation of their educational endeavors. We will award a $500-750 scholarship to a deserving BPA member who is graduating from high school and plans to pursue their education at a postsecondary college or university.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Deadline
January 15, 2025 before 5:00 PM ET
Mentorship Program
The BPA mentorship program is designed to introduce newer, less experienced members to more experienced members. The new, less experienced member is referred to as the mentee in this program, and the more experienced member is the mentor. This program also aims to create an environment where all participants gain new skills and experiences.