Students at Veterans Memorial are encouraged to join teacher Rodney Neals’ BPA organization. BPA stands for Business Professionals of America. Many students are intrigued by the opportunities BPA offers and the multiple ways it can impact their lives. Being a part of a BPA allows students to be recognized as professionals and helps them to develop social and leadership skills which would be expected in a regular working environment. Joining a BPA could also benefit when looking forward to college. Participation and work in the BPA business could also make a great impression on college applications.

      Patriots must understand that a BPA is a career and technical student organization (CTSO), and all individuals interested in taking courses in any of the approved Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways of courses offered such as business, marketing, cosmetology, and cybersecurity are encouraged to join as well. To be a part of something as amazing as BPA would allow students to participate in memorable activities that will be taking place in the class, such as fundraisers that will help raise money for bigger plans and trips in the organization.  

     Joining a BPA, such as Chapter 02-1395, is very easy and students who choose to do so must pay an annual membership fee of $22.00. However, the fee will not only allow the members’ rights and privileges at the state and national levels for leadership conferences, competitions, etc., but also help with getting more resources to help with the questions and to get the answers students may need to keep looking forward into the career paths they’re interested in to help pave a new way of success. There are no grade restrictions, and students who join are expected to learn ways to invest in their future, discover new careers, dedicate time to what they choose, and explore their potential.

     As of right now, we know later on in the year team members will be taking a trip around May of 2024. Students will explore the city of Chicago and will attend competitions and teachings. Like most other competitions, BPA is governed by UIL regulations, and the students will participate in scheduled regional, state, and national competitions. The travel is local, or in-state, and most times, out of state to compete at the national level. Neal stated, “The goal for every BPA member is to ‘Seize the Opportunity!’ ” As of that, we can tell that Neal is happy to be able to teach a wonderful organization and looks forward to seeing his students pursue their careers and become great things in the world with the help of a BPA.