Business Professionals of America

Business Professionals of America is a national career and technical student organization consisting of 23 state associations and more than 54,000 members. The organization serves students who are currently, or were previously enrolled, in a business education program at a secondary or postsecondary institution. Chapters are located in high schools, career/technical centers, postsecondary technical institutions, junior and community colleges, and colleges and universities.

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. In addition to competitions, which take place on the state, and national levels, members are involved in numerous leadership and community service projects on the local and state level. Each year, many members participate in the Torch Awards Program, a program that promotes leadership skills, community service and civic awareness.

Business Professionals of America was formed nationally in 1966. The original name of the organization was the Office Education Association, until it was changed on July 1, 1988. (NOTE: In July of 1966, the Vocational Office Education Clubs of America was formed. This parent group of the Office Education Association was formed by the states of Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin. A meeting of VOECA leaders resulted in articles of incorporation being filed in Wisconsin for the Office Education Association. The first three states to become affiliated were Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin. As national office was established in Columbus, Ohio, in 1971 with a part-time executive director.)

The Business Professionals of America name has significant meaning: Business - the field for which we prepare our students, emphasizes that we educate our members to work efficiently, not only in an office setting, but also in a wide variety of business situations. Professional - our students indicate they join to take advantage of a wide variety of professional development opportunities. Of America - symbolizes pride in our country and its free enterprise system.

Business Professionals of America's colors are navy blue, tan and red. The navy blue signifies the success achieved through leadership and professionalism. Tan represents the bountiful fields of opportunity in America. The red symbolizes the friendship obtained through devotion and teamwork in our organization.

The Business Professionals of America emblem has profound and significant meaning. The four points of the shield stand for ambition, leadership, sociability and poise. The shield itself stands for honor and dignity and the importance of business in America. The stripes represent direction and the bar represents the service provided by employees in business occupations. The quill and inkwell represent the stability of business occupations through the ages and the torch represents worthy goals.

It is the policy of Business Professionals of America-Minnesota Association that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program or activity or in employment.