Our Programs
Workplace skills assessment program - competitive events
The Workplace Skills Assessment Program is an integral part of Business Professionals of America. The program aims to give 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 relations skills; and
demonstrate a competitive spirit; and receive recognition.
Michigan BPA offers more than 65 events in various areas related to financial services, management, entrepreneurship, technology, arts entertainment/design, marketing, sales, healthcare, and more. The Michigan Association also offers an event focused on spelling and grammar called Business Spelling. This event is offered at the regional and state levels only. Another event, Merit Scholar, focuses on BPA history and facts and is offered at the state and national levels only.
Secondary students may 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
Financial Services
Management and Entrepreneurship
Digital Technology
Arts, Entertainment, and Design
Marketing and Sales
Healthcare and Human Services
Career Ready Skills
torch awards program
Participation in the Torch Awards Program can benefit the chapter and its members. Many activities that qualify for Torch Awards points are service activities. These activities take your members into the community, giving them a positive way to impact the area they live in while also providing publicity for the chapter and Business Professionals of America. The program encourages interaction with business leaders, civic organizations and others. 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.
2026-2027 Deadlines
Executive - Local chapter sets deadline
Diplomat - November 13, 2026 before 5:00 PM ET
Statesman - January 13, 2027 before 5:00 PM ET
Ambassador - Initial review: March 1, 2027 | Final submission: March 15, 2027
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 is Kits for Kindness, a statewide initiative focused on bringing smiles to people in our community.
Chapters that participate in the 2026-2027 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 for recognition at the state leadership conference.
Community Involvement Award Deadline
January 13, 2027 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 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.
Outstanding Advisor Award Deadline
January 13, 2027 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 opportunities to recognize these 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. We will recognize the selected chapter during our Opening Session at the State Leadership Conference. After you review the guidelines, complete the application form provided. Remember, it's best to include documentation or photos with your application to increase your chances of being selected as the award recipient.
Chapter of the Year Award Deadline
January 13, 2027 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 the NLC Trading Graphic Design Pin Contest. Students are encouraged to show their artistic abilities by entering 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 previous winners are displayed in the photo gallery here.
NLC TRADING PIN CONTEST Deadline
November 19, 2026 before 5:00 PM ET
Michigan BPA Scholarship
Michigan BPA is glad to assist a graduating senior in continuing their educational journey. We will award a $750-$1,000 scholarship to a deserving BPA member graduating from high school who plans to pursue postsecondary education at a college or university.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Deadline
January 13, 2027 before 5:00 PM ET