Our Legacy

Learn more about the history of BPA

Our History

Learn more about the history of BPA

Our History

Officially formed in 1966 as the Office Education Association (OEA), Business Professionals of America (BPA) has a strong history as a student organization that contributes to the preparation of global professionals through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills for students at the Middle, Secondary and Post-secondary levels.

For over 50 years, BPA has served as an innovator in Career and Technical Education, providing its members with opportunities for growth through education, competition, community service and personal development.

The Early Years

Vocational Education was passed. The need for a student organization for students enrolled in career, technical, office and business programs is recognized. A study was conducted of 43 states indicating that 67% of the state vocational education supervisors wanted a career/technical youth group for students in the office/business programs.

1963

First Affiliates

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.

1966

First National Conference

The first National Conference is held in Greenlake, Wisconsin.

1967

A National Presence

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

1971

Permanent Residence

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

1982

OEA becomes BPA

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

1984-1988

Milestone Achieved

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

1992

A New Division

The Middle Level Division is piloted by Delaware, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas from 1998-2002, approved by the Board of Trustees and Corporate body in 2002-2003 and Middle Level Division members participate in the National Leadership Conference for the first time in 2004.

1998-2004

New BPA Pledge

"We are met in a spirit of friendship and goodwill as we prepare for careers in a world-class workforce. We work together to develop professionalism and leadership through Business Professionals of America and pledge our loyalty to our nation."

2010

Virtual Events Created

BPA creates a new series of contests called the Virtual Events which feature an innovative approach to contest delivery and focus on media and informational technology events.

2012

Fifty Years

Business Professionals of America celebrates five decades of student achievement with its 50-year anniversary and setting a Guinness World Record at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts for the largest gathering of people wearing tie dye.

2016

National Showcase

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

2016

BPA United

The 2017-2018 National Officer team created BPA United, a project and donation system, that provided support to those members that were in regions devastated by major hurricanes.

2017

National Showcase Business Panel

During the 2018 NLC in Dallas, the National Showcase Business Panel is officially adopted featuring a Q&A session with high-profile business partners, including: Google, Hewlett-Packard, Social Assurity and Precision Exams.

2018

BPA Unveils New Logo

This is the first major brand refresh for BPA in over 30 years and helps guide the organization into the 21st century. The updates include a new logo, tagline, design approach, and brand colors. The new elements will be present on the BPA website, social media channels, communications and marketing.

2019

Click here to read our Golden Celebration publication at Calameo

The Golden Years and Beyond

For the last five decades, Business Professionals of America has left its mark on those who have been affiliated with the organization whether through membership or partnership.

1966-2016: The Golden Celebration - 50 Years of Business Professionals of America. Take a look back at some key moments in history for our organization.

Read it!

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Our Legacy

Learn more about the history of BPA

Our History

Learn more about the history of BPA

Our History

The Golden Years and Beyond

For the last five decades, Business Professionals of America has left its mark on those who have been affiliated with the organization whether through membership or partnership.

Need to talk to us?

About BPA

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