A Legacy of Leadership and Learning

Following the passage of the Vocational Education Act, the need for a student organization for career, technical, office, and business students was clear. A study across 43 states found that 67% of state supervisors supported creating a youth group for these programs.

The Vocational Education Clubs of America (VOECA) is formed by Iowa, Kansas and Wisconsin. Articles of incorporation are filed with the Office Education Association (OEA) with these states as the first three affiliates.

The first National Conference is held in Greenlake, Wisconsin.

A National office is established for the Office Education Association in Columbus, Ohio and the Board of Trustees approved the Alumni Division.

The current headquarters for Business Professionals of America is purchased at 5454 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio.

Image reform recommendations from a market study done in 1984 were implemented in 1988 and OEA becomes Business Professionals of America (BPA).

The mortgage for the National Center is paid off and burned in a ceremony at the National Leadership Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Middle Level Division was piloted by Delaware, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas from 1998 to 2002. It was officially approved by the Board of Trustees and Corporate Body in 2002–2003. Middle Level Division members participated in the National Leadership Conference for the first time in 2004.

BPA introduced a new pledge to emphasize the spirit of unity and purpose among its members. The pledge reflects the organization’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers, fostering professionalism, leadership, and a strong sense of loyalty to both their community and nation.

BPA launched the Virtual Events series, introducing an innovative approach to contest delivery focused on media and information technology.

BPA marks its 50th anniversary by celebrating five decades of student achievement and setting a Guinness World Record at Fenway Park in Boston for the largest gathering of people wearing tie-dye.

For the first time, virtual event competitors are invited to the National Leadership Conference to showcase their projects at the BPA National Showcase.

The 2017-2018 National Officer team launched BPA United, a project and donation system designed to support members in regions affected by major hurricanes.

At the 2018 NLC in Dallas, the National Showcase Business Panel was officially introduced, featuring a Q&A session with prominent business partners, including Google, Hewlett-Packard, Social Assurity, and Precision Exams.

This marks BPA’s first major brand refresh in over 30 years, positioning the organization for the 21st century. The update includes a new logo, tagline, design approach, and brand colors, which will be featured across the BPA website, social media, and all communications and marketing materials.