Established in 1966, Business Professionals of America is an organization that is laser-focused on the professional development and future of our youth, providing the tools, skills and experiences students need to compete, succeed, and thrive in the business world. We provide student growth opportunities through career exploration, competitive events, leadership development, and community service.

MEMBERSHIP - Our rapidly growing membership consists of over 13,000 middle school, high school, and college/university students and educators in over 170 chapters across the state of Ohio and is currently the second largest state association. The success of Business Professionals of America is rooted in its many experiential programs which provide our students with an innovative approach to learning.

PARTNERS - Businesses and organizations that partner with BPA have a unique opportunity to participate in and influence these programs every day. It is through the support of our partners that Ohio BPA is able to obtain volunteers for judging competitive events, exhibitors at state leadership conference, and offer educational enrichment opportunities to prepare our students for promising careers.

WSAP - ​The Workplace Skills Assessment Program is an intra-curricular component offered by BPA. The goal is to provide all members the opportunity to demonstrate skills learned through curricula and receive recognition. Students prepare for and compete in over 90 contests, in areas including: 

• Finance
• Business Administration
• Management Information Systems
• Digital Communication & Design
• Management, Marketing & Communication
• Health Administration

OFFICE – Members also have the opportunity to run for leadership positions at various levels, including Local, Regional, State, and/or National Office. These roles allow members to take on greater responsibilities, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact within the organization and their communities.

TORCH AWARDS - Ohio BPA emphasizes personal development through programs like the Torch Awards by completing activities in the seven Torch categories: Leadership; Service; Cooperation; Knowledge; Friendship; Love, Hope, Faith; and Citizenship - then log their activities in an online Torch Résumé.

BPA CARES - By participating in this program, members contribute to meaningful projects that improve their community and gain the opportunity to be recognized by the national organization.

NLC - Ohio has experienced impressive achievement in recent years. At the 2025 National Leadership Conference in Orlando, we had 20 national championships and 105 Top Ten finishes, along with other awards. This shows how strong and committed Ohio is when it comes to business education.