Business Professionals of America (BPA) is dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in business and technology. A core aspect of BPA’s mission is recognizing and celebrating the hard work, dedication, and achievements of its members and chapters. While there isn’t a specific program formally named “BPA CARES Program,” the spirit of “CARES” – encompassing Community, Achievement, Recognition, Excellence, and Service – is deeply embedded in the various recognition programs BPA offers. These initiatives collectively demonstrate how BPA “cares” about the growth and success of its students. Let’s delve into some key BPA awards that exemplify this commitment to recognizing excellence.
One such recognition is the Marketing & Communications Award. This award highlights chapters that excel in promoting BPA and their activities effectively. Chapters that complete a minimum number of communication and marketing activities receive an Honorable Recognition Certificate, showcasing BPA’s appreciation for foundational efforts in outreach. For chapters going above and beyond, completing five or more activities earns them an Award of Achievement plaque and prestigious stage recognition at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). This award demonstrates how BPA cares about chapters actively engaging their communities and promoting the organization’s valuable mission.
BPA also places a high value on academic excellence, reflected in the BPA Merit Scholar Award. This award is presented to participants who demonstrate outstanding knowledge in their chosen field by achieving a score of 90% or higher on the Open Exam offered at NLC. Receiving a BPA Merit Scholar Award pin during the Awards Session at the National Leadership Conference is a significant honor, signifying BPA’s care for and recognition of scholarly achievement and in-depth understanding of business principles.
The Chapter Activities Award of Excellence further exemplifies BPA’s commitment to recognizing well-rounded and active chapters. This award celebrates chapters that demonstrate exceptional engagement and contribution through a range of activities. Qualifying chapters are presented with a plaque on stage at the National Leadership Conference, publicly acknowledging BPA’s care for chapters that are not only learning but also actively participating and making a difference in their schools and communities.
Recognizing the importance of growth and outreach, the Recruiter of the Year Award honors individuals who significantly contribute to expanding the BPA community. Approved applicants receive an Honorable Recognition Certificate for their efforts in recruitment. Each year, the top recruiter in each division, the applicant who recruits the most new members and/or chapters, is recognized as National Recruiter of the Year. These outstanding individuals are awarded a plaque at the National Honor Awards general session during the NLC. This award highlights how BPA cares about growth and recognizes the vital role of recruitment in strengthening the organization.
For state associations, The Professional Cup stands as a pinnacle of achievement and recognition. This prestigious award is presented on stage at the National Leadership Conference to the leading state association. The winning state association receives a plaque to keep and possession of the Professional Cup trophy for one year. The trophy itself is engraved with the state association’s name and the year of their win on a 10-year engraving plate. After a decade, the trophy is retired and awarded to the state within each division that has won the award most frequently during that period. The Professional Cup embodies BPA’s care for and recognition of exceptional performance and leadership at the state level.
Finally, the Membership Explosion Award celebrates chapters that achieve significant growth in membership. Chapters demonstrating a minimum increase in membership receive an Honorable Recognition Certificate, acknowledging their growth efforts. Furthermore, the top chapter in each division with the highest number growth and the top chapter in each division with the highest percentage growth both receive an Award of Achievement plaque and recognition on stage at the National Leadership Conference. This award underscores BPA’s care for organizational expansion and the recognition of chapters that are successfully growing and extending their impact.
In conclusion, while “BPA CARES Program” might not be the official name, the underlying principle of Community, Achievement, Recognition, Excellence, and Service is at the heart of BPA’s recognition framework. Through these diverse awards, BPA demonstrates its commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the multifaceted achievements of its members and chapters, fostering a culture of excellence and inspiring future business professionals.
