There are 65 days until the first day of the National Leadership Conference (NLC), and there is so much to be done before stepping into those conference activities and saying, “Yes! I made it to Dallas!” Awesome experiences wait for you and your students!
March 25 is the submission deadline for the Special Recognition and Service Learning BPA Cares Awards you have earned this year. I remember, as a local chapter advisor, the heartfelt moments my students experienced when their school’s name was announced at the NLC as an outstanding Safety Awareness Award winner for their work with cyber security in the local community. I encourage you to submit your Service Learning and Special Recognition Awards TODAY!
Other important deadlines are included elsewhere in this issue of The Source, including scholarships that will be awarded at the NLC. Be sure to check out the scholarships and submit applications by April 1, no fooling!
HELP WANTED! The Executive Council is looking for outstanding student members who can lead next year’s journey to Anaheim, California. The deadline for submission of officer candidate materials is April 1. The candidate handbook has complete details. You can do this – I have confidence in you!
Countdown to the National Conference
Registration for the 2022 National Leadership Conference, presented by Certiport, is now open, and the Preview Guide contains a sneak peak at the schedule and all the conference events. Attendees should remember these key registration deadlines:
- February 28–April 1: Registration open
- April 1: Competitive event online pre-submissions due
- April 2–8: Late registration (higher fees apply)
- April 14: Conference registration fees due to BPA
- April 21: Last day for refund requests
- April 9–22: Deposit or full payment due to hotel
BPA Welcomes Certiport as NLC Presenting Sponsor
Business Professionals of America (BPA) is pleased to announce Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, as Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 National Leadership Conference that will be held May 4–8 in Dallas, Texas. Certiport is the leading provider of performance-based IT certification exams that accelerate academic and career oppotunities for learners.
BPA’s National Leadership Conference, presented by Certiport, will bring together an estimated six thousand students (from middle school to post-secondary), educators and professionals from across the country. Students in attendance will vie for top honors in business, finance, technology, marketing and health administration skills competitions. They will also have opportunities to attend leadership and professional development workshops, receive awards for community service activities and elect BPA’s 2022–2023 national student leadership team.
“Certiport has been a valued partner for many years—providing tens of thousands of BPA student members and advisors with an opportunity to obtain relevant workforce-demanded certifications, and we are delighted to have them as our 2022 Presenting Sponsor,” said Steve Darnell, BPA’s Interim Executive Director.
“At Certiport, we are dedicated to helping people succeed through certification. We are thrilled to partner with BPA to give their students an opportunity to grow and learn through certification,” said Ray Murray, Vice President and General Manager, Certiport.
“For our student members and their advisors, the trip to Dallas is the culmination of a year’s work,” Darnell said. “Generous support from partners such as Certiport who believe in our educational mission helps us create learning and career development opportunities throughout the year.”
Certiport will offer nearly 50 software and technology certifications, including the industry standard Information Technology (IT) Specialist certification, during the conference in Dallas. Many certifications are aligned with BPA’s Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP) events in which student members are competing.
Nominations for Board of Trustees Due March 15
Nominations for positions on the National BPA Board of Trustees are now being accepted. This year’s nomination procedures reflect changes in the BPA Code of Regulations (See Article VII: Section 3) adopted in July 2021. The following elected positions are open this year, each with a three-year term (2022–2025):
- State Advisor (key individual who handles day-to-day operation of the State Association and National BPA's primary contact in the state)
- Business representative (individual representing the business community)
- Alumni representative (former student division member who is an alumni member)
The deadline for submitting nominations for an open position is March 15 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. To be considered by the Nominating Committee, nominees must submit a nomination acceptance form with a written consent to serve, two letters of reference and documentation of qualifications no later than March 15 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. The Nominating Committee will verify the candidates’ qualifications and eligibility. Candidates meeting eligibility requirements will be shared with Corporate members no later than April 24, or 14 days prior to the annual Corporate Meeting.
Nominations from the floor of the Corporate Meeting on May 8 may occur only if a candidate meets the eligibility requirements and by April 22 submitted a nomination acceptance form with a written consent to serve, two letters of reference and documentation of qualifications to the Chair of the Nominating Committee. These materials will be distributed to the Corporate members no later than May 1, or 7 days prior to the Corporate Meeting.
Questions about the nominations process or board member responsibilities should be sent to board@bpa.org. Use the online form to submit or accept a nomination.
“Oh Say Can You Sing” National Anthem Contest
Do you want to showcase your vocal talents by singing the national anthem at the National Leadership Conference in Dallas? Soloists and groups are invited to submit a video of their best a cappella performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” for a chance to sing onstage during the conference Opening Session! Contest entrants must be BPA members planning to attend the conference. Entries will be accepted through March 13, and the winning soloist or group will be notified within a week. More: Entry Form
Important Deadlines
Don’t miss out on the opportunity for advisors, students, chapters or friends of BPA to earn recognition for their achievements! Awards and certificates will be presented at the National Leadership Conference in Dallas. The links below provide complete descriptions and application requirements.
BPA Cares / Professional Awards – March 10
Advisor of the Year
Emerging Advisor of the Year
Emerging Professional of the Year
Hall of Fame
Outstanding Service
Student of the Year
President’s Volunteer Service - March 1
President's Volunteer Service Award
BPA Cares / Service Learning Awards – March 25
Community Service
Environmental Action/Awareness
Safety Awareness
Service Learning Individual
Special Olympics
BPA Cares / Special Recognition Awards – March 25
BPA Marketing and Public Relations
Chapter Activities Award of Excellence
Recruiter of the Year
Social Media
Chapter Distinction Awards – March 25
Quality Chapter Distinction
National Torch Award – March 25
Ambassador Torch Award
Student and Advisor Certifications – April 1
Student Certification - Level One
Student Certification - Level Two
Local Advisor Certification
Scholarships – April 1
National Technical Honor Society Scholarships
Sherrell Wheeler Scholarship
Tomorrow’s Business Professionals Scholarships
Officer Candidate Applications Due April 1
April 1 is the application deadline for Secondary and Post-secondary members who are interested in running for a position on the 2022–2023 Executive Council, National BPA's student leadership team. Representing the student membership as an Executive Officer is an honor and privilege that also brings tremendous responsibility. It requires dedication and commitment to accomplish multiple goals throughout the year. Want to learn more about this leadership opportunity? Lean more: Informational video and candidate handbook