Business Professionals of America

Business Technology and Information Technology students are the primary participants in this group but it is open to all students who have an interest. 

BPA “…is the leading CTSO (Career Technical Student Organization) for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields.  The mission of Business Professionals of America is to contribute to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills.” 

District, state, and national competitions are held to encourage students to prepare and to reward students that excel.  These are administered at the various spring conferences.

At Keefe Tech, there are two advisors for our chapter.  Advisors guide students in selecting and preparing for competitions, assist them in fundraising and volunteer events throughout the year, and accompanying them to the various levels of BPA conferences for which they qualify.

A fall state leadership conference is held in November for chapter officers and advisors.  The spring state leadership conference is held in early March for all members.  Competitions, elections, and social events are the main activities during this event.   The spring conference has typically been in Framingham, and Keefe Tech has been the site for computer-based competitions.

The national conference is held in early May; the site is different each year.  Those students who placed in the top five in individual written/computer competitions, the top three in judged individual competitions, and the top two in team competitions at the state conference are eligible to attend the national conference.

Besides successful results in the competitions, students may also attend the conferences by virtue of high achievement in the Torch Awards program.  Students accumulate points by participating in chapter and community activities.  There are various honors associated with each level of achievement.

Sample BPA activities:

• Fall Leadership conference
• Advocates Holiday Party
• Holiday labels fundraiser
• Used textbooks drive
• Resume service
• State Leadership Conference
• National Leadership Conference

See http://www.bpanet.org/ for more information about BPA.   On that site, click on "Competitive Events" for a list of competitions.