Torch Awards

Personal growth and development for our members

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Torch Awards

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Personal growth and development for our members

Promoting Professionalism and Leadership

The Business Professionals of America Torch Awards Program is designed to promote professionalism and leadership in both career development and personal growth.

Students complete 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.

Each activity is worth 5, 10, 15, or 20 points. When a student achieves a certain number of points for each category, their advisor or local reviewer can submit the résumé online to be reviewed for recognition. All students completing a satisfactory résumé will earn either an Executive, Diplomat, Statesman or Ambassador Torch Award certificate.

How to Earn Points

Leadership Activities

Category	Code	Points	Activity	Max Use
Leadership	101	10	Serve as a BPA chapter committee chair (identify the committee)	2
Leadership	102	10	Participate in or attend a BPA local chapter professional growth activity (identify the topic, presenter, and involvement)	2
Leadership	103	10	Serve as class representative or alternate, Student Senate representative or alternate, or class officer for a year's term	1
Leadership	104	10	Campaign as a BPA local officer candidate, for the first or second time (identify the office)	2
Leadership	105	5	Serve as a BPA local officer (identify the office)	2
Leadership	106	5	Campaign as a BPA regional officer candidate (identify the region)	1
Leadership	107	5	Serve as a BPA regional officer (identify the region and office)	2
Leadership	108	10	Campaign as a BPA state officer candidate (identify the state)	2
Leadership	109	10	Serve as a BPA state officer (identify the office)	2
Leadership	110	15	Campaign as a BPA national officer candidate	2
Leadership	111	15	Serve as a BPA national officer (identify the office)	2
Leadership	112	10	Serve as an officer in another school, faith-based, or similar organization while an active BPA member (does not include a school class or section) (identify the office and organization)	2
Leadership	113	5	Be a leader for the entire season in a varsity, intramural, or other organized sports activity while an active BPA member (ex: serve as volleyball team captain) (identify the organization)	3
Leadership	114	5	Submit a feasible, detailed, and written plan to a local vice president for a new local chapter project (identify the project)	5
Leadership	115	5	Submit a feasible, detailed, and written plan to a regional vice president for a new regional project (identify the project)	1
Leadership	116	5	Submit a feasible, detailed, and written plan to a state vice president for a new statewide project (identify the project)	2
Leadership	117	5	Submit a feasible, detailed, and written plan to a national vice president for a new nationwide project (identify the project)	2
Leadership	118	5	Adoption of plan submitted for Leadership: 114, 115, 116, or 117 (can be used one time only at each level) (identify the project) (5 points each)	4
Leadership	120	5	Serve as a campaign manager for a local BPA officer candidate (cannot claim points for your own candidacy) (identify the candidate, chapter and campaign)	2
Leadership	121	10	Serve as a campaign manager for a BPA regional, state, or national officer candidate (cannot claim points for your own candidacy) (identify the candidate, office, and campaign)	3
Leadership	122	5	Serve as a voting delegate at a BPA regional, state, or national leadership conference (identify the conference)	3
Leadership	123	10	Serve as the head voting delegate at a BPA regional, state, or national leadership conference (identify the conference)	3
Leadership	124	15	Present a leadership training session you have prepared yourself (at least 15 minutes in length) to the local BPA chapter (identify the topic and circumstances) (cannot claim in conjunction with Leadership: 138)	3
Leadership	125	20	Present a leadership training session you have prepared yourself (at least 15 minutes in length) during a BPA fall, regional, state, or national leadership conference (identify the topic, conference, and circumstances) (cannot claim in conjunction with Leadership: 138)	2
Leadership	126	5	Participate in a BPA local officer training workshop presented on the local level (identify the topic and presenter)	2
Leadership	127	10	Participate in a BPA officer training workshop presented on the regional, state, or national level (identify the topic, conference, and speaker)	2
Leadership	128	10	Design, prepare, and display a bulletin board or display portraying leadership techniques (identify the topic and location)	1
Leadership	129	10	Participate in a BPA State Leadership Academy (identify the conference, state, and year)	1
Leadership	130	10	Serve as a BPA State Leadership Conference Intern (identify the conference, state, and year)	1
Leadership	131	20	Participate in the BPA National Leadership Academy at a National Leadership Conference (identify the conference, city, and year)	1
Leadership	132	15	Serve as a BPA National Leadership Conference Intern (identify the conference, city, and year)	1
Leadership	134	10	Lead discussion on a BPA related webinar.	2
Leadership	135	20	Complete the BPA Student Member Certification Series - Level 1 (https://www.bpa.org/students/student-certifications/)	1
Leadership	136	15	Lead at least a 15 minute presentation to a middle school about BPA and why they should join (cannot be used in conjunction with Leadership: 137)	2
Leadership	137	15	Lead at least a 15 minute presentation to an existing middle school BPA chapter about opportunities available to them and/or why they should continue to be members once in high school (cannot be used in conjunction with Leadership: 136)	2
Leadership	138	15	Present a leadership training session you have prepared yourself (at least 15 minutes in length) for any function (Identify the function, group, topic, and circumstances) (cannot claim in conjunction with Leadership: 124)	2
Leadership	139	10	Design, prepare, and display a bulletin board or display which portrays safety awareness (identify the topic and location)	1
Leadership	140	5	Participate on the Quality Chapter Distinction Award committee; committee must be working toward achieving the award (identify involvement)	4
Leadership	141	15	Lead at least a 15-minute presentation to a college about BPA and why they should join (cannot be used in conjunction with Leadership: 142)	2
Leadership	142	15	Lead at least a 15-minute presentation to an existing high school BPA chapter about opportunities available to them and/or why they should continue to be members once in college (cannot be used in conjunction with Leadership: 141)	2
Leadership	143	15	Participate in the National Officer for a Day Program at NLC. (Identify conference city and year).	1
Leadership	144	15	Serve as a reviewer for the Torch Awards on the local, regional, state or national level.	2
Leadership	145	20	Complete the BPA Student Member Certification Series - Level 2 (https://www.bpa.org/students/student-certifications/)	1
Leadership	150	5	Miscellaneous: any BPA leadership activity not specified in the above codes (identify the activity completely)	2

Service Activities

Category	Code	Points	Activity	Max Use
Service	201	15	Serve as a coach for Special Olympics (identify the team or event)	2
Service	202	10	Organize and plan a blood drive (identify the involvement)	2
Service	203	5	Volunteer and/or donate blood at a blood drive	2
Service	204	10	Organize and plan a pledge drive against distracted driving (identify the involvement)	2
Service	205	5	Volunteer and/or participate in a pledge drive against distracted driving (identify the involvement)	2
Service	206	10	Organize and plan a bone marrow registry drive (identify the involvement)	2
Service	207	5	Volunteer and/or participate in a bone marrow registry drive (identify the involvement)	2
Service	208	10	Organize and plan a donor registry drive (identify the involvement)	2
Service	209	5	Volunteer and/or participate in a donor registry drive (identify the involvement)	2
Service	210	10	Organize and plan a fundraiser walk for a charity cause (identify the involvement)	2
Service	211	5	Volunteer and/or participate in a fundraiser walk for a charity cause ( identify the involvement)	2
Service	212	10	Write an article on safety (including drug awareness) for publication in a BPA newsletter, community paper, etc.; it must be published (identify the topic, publication, and publication date)	1
Service	213	10	Participate in a community or school-sponsored service project; not chapter-related (identify the involvement and project) (Cannot be claimed in another activity and/or category)	2
Service	215	10	Volunteer and/or participate in an activity that promotes the concept of "going green" (identify the activity and involvement)	2
Service	216	10	Volunteer and/or participate in a local BPA chapter service project that benefits the community (identify the involvement and project)	3
Service	217	5	Create or update a web page promoting BPA (identify the page contents and the website address)	1
Service	218	10	Volunteer and/or participate in a local BPA chapter in-school service project which benefits the school (identify the involvement and project)	3
Service	219	10	Volunteer and/or participate in a local BPA chapter recruiting activity promoting continuing business education (be sure the activity and participation warrant the points received) (identify the activity and involvement)	1
Service	220	15	Volunteer and/or participate in a service project sponsored by the BPA state or national organization (identify the involvement and project)	1
Service	221	5	Register hours in the President's Volunteer Service Award	1
Service	222	10	Complete the requirements for the Bronze Level President's Volunteer Service Award (cannot be used in conjunction with Service 227 or 228 in the same year)	1
Service	223	10	Write an article on promoting a service learning activity for publication on the BPA custom website, newsletter, community paper, etc.; it must be published (identify the topic, publication, and publication date)	2
Service	224	10	Complete activity Service 223, including a photo in the article and receive 10 extra points for a total of 20 points	2
Service	225	10	Participate and/or volunteer in a Special Olympics event.	2
Service	226	10	Serve as chair at a Special Olympics event.	2
Service	227	15	Complete the requirements for the Silver Level President’s Volunteer Service Award (cannot be used in conjunction with Service 222 or 228 in the same year)	1
Service	228	20	Complete the requirements for the Gold Level President’s Volunteer Service Award (cannot be used in conjunction with Service 222 or 227 in the same year)	1
Service	250	5	Miscellaneous: any BPA service activity not specified in the above codes (identify the activity completely)	2

Cooperation Activities

Category	Code	Points	Activity	Max Use
Cooperation	301	10	Participate in presenting a BPA ceremony, e.g., Torch Ceremony, Installation Ceremony (participation means having one of the major speaking parts, not merely being an observer) (identify the ceremony, involvement, and circumstances)	3
Cooperation	302	10	Serve as a campaign committee member in BPA; can only claim one campaign at a given time (identify the campaign) (cannot be used in conjunction with the Leadership activities for the same committee)	3
Cooperation	303	10	Participate in a combined chapter function with a BPA chapter from the same or different division (or divisions) or alumni chapter (identify the division and function)	1
Cooperation	304	5	Participate in a local BPA chapter fund-raising project that supports a community service organization such as, Special Olympics or Act Out Loud Rally (identify the involvement and project) (cannot be used in conjunction with any other activity)	3
Cooperation	305	10	Participate in a BPA regionally-sponsored project that supports a community service organization such as, Special Olympics or Act Out Loud Rally (identify the involvement and project) (cannot be used in conjunction with any other activity)	1
Cooperation	306	10	Participate in a BPA state-sponsored project that supports a community service organization such as, Special Olympics or Act Out Loud Rally. (identify the involvement and project) (cannot be used in conjunction with any other activity)	1
Cooperation	307	10	Participate in a BPA nationally-sponsored project that supports a community service organization such as, Special Olympics or Act Out Loud Rally. (identify the involvement and project) (cannot be used in conjunction with any other activity)	1
Cooperation	308	10	Participate in a BPA local chapter project in cooperation with another student organization (identify the involvement, project, and organization)	2
Cooperation	309	5	Be a member of another school, faith-based, sport or similar organization while an active BPA member (does not include a school or class section, or school sport) (identify the organization)	5
Cooperation	310	10	Participate in publishing a BPA chapter newsletter or website (identify involvement)	1
Cooperation	311	10	Participate in a local BPA chapter activity which promotes BPA Week (identify involvement and activity)	2
Cooperation	312	10	Participate in a BPA local, regional, state, or national safety project (identify involvement, project, and level) (cannot be claimed in conjunction with Love, Hope, & Faith 621)	1
Cooperation	313	10	Attend a professional meeting, e.g., DPMA, AMS, NAA, Toastmasters, IAAP (identify the meeting)	2
Cooperation	314	5	Help promote a BPA activity for another division or alumni chapter (identify the involvement, division, and activity)	1
Cooperation	315	5	Attend a BPA or business division/department advisory committee/board meeting (identify the meeting)	1
Cooperation	316	10	Participate in a local BPA chapter activity to recognize community leaders (identify the involvement and activity)	2
Cooperation	317	10	Participate on the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence committee; committee must be working toward achieving the award (identify involvement)	2
Cooperation	318	10	Participate in a local BPA chapter membership-recruitment activity. (identify involvement and activity)	2
Cooperation	319	15	Establish a School-to-Work contact with a business in your local community for a career/technical program (identify the career/technical program, the contact person and the business where the contact was made)	1
Cooperation	320	5	Serve as a committee member in BPA (identify the committee)	3
Cooperation	321	10	Organize a fundraiser for your BPA chapter or other organization (identify the involvement and organization)	2
Cooperation	322	10	Organize a BPA Week event (identify the involvement and activity)	2
Cooperation	323	10	Assist in planning a combined meeting with a different division of BPA or alumni chapter (identify the division and meeting)	3
Cooperation	325	5	Click the “Follow” button on BPA’s official Instagram page: @national_bpa	1
Cooperation	326	5	Participate in a BPA Tweet-A-Thon hosted by @National_BPA and use “#BPAAllDay” or participate in a BPA Instagram Live hosted by @BPANational	2
Cooperation	327	5	Click the “Connect” button on BPA’s official LinkedIn page	1
Cooperation	328	5	Add BPA’s official Snapchat account: @national_bpa	1
Cooperation	329	5	Participate in the BPA Week Challenge and post a picture on Twitter using “#BPAWeekChallenge” (identify which challenge day and the activity)	2
Cooperation	335	5	Click the "Like" button on BPA 's official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/businessprofessionalsofamerica	1
Cooperation	336	5	Click the "Follow" button on BPA 's official Twitter page: @national_bpa	1
Cooperation	337	5	Exchange ideas with members of your BPA chapter to identify ways of increasing chapter size.	1
Cooperation	339	10	Communicate with a BPA national officer on a BPA related topic (identify the person contacted, the topic, and the method of communication)	2
Cooperation	340	5	Exchange ideas with members from another BPA chapter or division about fundraising	1
Cooperation	341	10	Present at BPA or business division/department advisory committee/board meeting (identify the meeting)	2
Cooperation	350	5	Miscellaneous: any BPA cooperation activity not specified in the above codes (identify the activity completely)	1

Knowledge Activities

Category	Code	Points	Activity	Max Use
Knowledge	401	10	Demonstrate or explain the parts of the BPA emblem and their meaning to your BPA advisor or chapter (must be part of an actual demonstration, not merely being an observer) (identify to whom, when, and how presented)	1
Knowledge	402	10	Recite the BPA pledge by memory on a one-to-one basis to your advisor or chapter (chapter meeting recitation does not qualify) (identify to whom presented and circumstances)	1
Knowledge	403	10	Make a short presentation on the BPA colors to your advisor or chapter (identify to whom, when, and how presented)	1
Knowledge	404	10	Make a short presentation on the purposes of BPA to your advisor or chapter (identify to whom, when, and how presented)	1
Knowledge	405	10	Explain the significance of the Torch Ceremony to your advisor or chapter (identify to whom, when, and circumstances)	1
Knowledge	408	5	Participate in a BPA nationally-approved competitive event, individual or team, at the regional level (identify the region and name of competitive event)	2
Knowledge	409	5	Place in a BPA nationally-approved competitive event, individual or team, at the regional level (identify the region, place, and name of competitive event)	2
Knowledge	410	5	Participate in a BPA nationally-approved competitive event, individual or team, at the state level (identify the name of competitive event)	2
Knowledge	411	10	Place in a BPA nationally-approved competitive event, individual or team, at the state level (identify the competitive event and place)	2
Knowledge	412	10	Participate in a BPA competitive event, individual or team, at the national leadership conference (identify the name of the competitive event)	2
Knowledge	413	15	Place in top ten in a BPA competitive event, individual or team, at the national leadership conference (identify the place and name of competitive event)	2
Knowledge	414	5	Attend a workshop at a BPA fall, regional, state, or national leadership conference (identify the workshop, presenter, and conference)	4
Knowledge	415	10	Attend a parliamentary procedure workshop; does not need to be presented by BPA (identify the workshop, presenter, and circumstances)	1
Knowledge	416	10	Read all three of the BPA local, state, and national constitutions (identify the sources)	1
Knowledge	417	10	Study the current guidelines for a BPA Cares award program in the BPA Cares Awards Handbook. Present a written proposal to the local vice president outlining procedures for the chapter to receive the recognition.	1
Knowledge	418	10	Conduct an interview with a business person (high school graduate at least) regarding what their job entails (identify the person, their job title, and the business where they are employed)	1
Knowledge	419	10	Give a presentation demonstrating how to use a particular type of software to a group (identify the software, the group, and the place the presentation was given)	1
Knowledge	420	5	Give a presentation on any topic using computer or multimedia (electronic) technology (identify your topic, the technology used, the group you presented to, and the place where the presentation was given)	1
Knowledge	421	5	Conduct a job search using the Internet (identify two companies about which you received information)	1
Knowledge	423	5	Take a State BPA Merit Scholar Test (identify the state conference)	1
Knowledge	424	10	Earn a State BPA Merit Scholar Award (identify the state conference)	1
Knowledge	425	10	Take the BPA Merit Scholar Test at NLC (identify the national conference)	1
Knowledge	426	15	Earn a BPA Merit Scholar Award at NLC (identify the national conference)	1
Knowledge	427	10	Attend a BPA State Executive Council meeting	1
Knowledge	428	10	Write an article for the BPA regional or state publication or newsletter (must be submitted but need not be published) (identify the topic and publication)	1
Knowledge	429	15	Write and get published an article about your chapter for the bpa.org website submitted through the National Center staff or State Advisor (on your state’s linked page from bpa.org)	2
Knowledge	431	15	Write a BPA article for any city newspaper; it must be published (specify the topic, paper, and publication date)	2
Knowledge	432	10	Speak about BPA at a non-chapter meeting (such as a civic organization) (this may include one presentation to a school-related organization) (identify the topic and meeting)	2
Knowledge	433	10	Attend a professional webinar (identify the topic) (same activity cannot be used in conjunction with Knowledge 441)	1
Knowledge	434	5	Take a certification exam from Certiport or Precision Exams (include certification name and testing site)	2
Knowledge	435	10	Achieve a certification from Certiport or Precision Exams (include certification name and testing site)	2
Knowledge	436	10	Take a certification exam at the National Leadership Conference Certification Lab sponsored by Certiport or Precision Exams (include certification name)	1
Knowledge	437	15	Achieve a certification at the National Leadership Conference Certification Lab sponsored by Certiport (include certification name)	1
Knowledge	438	10	Take the National Association of Parliamentarians Certification Exam at a BPA National Leadership Conference (identify the conference)	1
Knowledge	439	10	Complete the requirements for the Life Skills Achievement Program provided through Next Step Academy (identify the courses taken)	1
Knowledge	440	10	Create a portfolio that presents some of the work and/or projects you completed as a member of BPA (identify the work/projects covered in the portfolio)	1
Knowledge	441	10	Attend a BPA professional webinar (identify the topic) (same activity cannot be used in conjunction with Knowledge: 433)	2
Knowledge	450	5	Miscellaneous: any BPA knowledge activity not specified in the above codes (identify the activity completely)	1

Friendship Activities

Cagetory	Code	Points	Activity	Max Use
Friendship	501	5	Participate in a BPA orientation activity for new chapter members (identify the involvement, activity, and audience)	2
Friendship	502	5	Attend an official BPA local chapter meeting	5
Friendship	503	5	Attend an official BPA local chapter social activity (identify the type and location)	3
Friendship	504	5	Attend a BPA Regional Leadership Conference (identify the region and conference)	3
Friendship	505	5	Attend a BPA State Leadership Conference (identify the conference)	3
Friendship	506	10	Attend a BPA National Leadership Conference (identify the conference)	3
Friendship	507	10	Attend a BPA chapter meeting or activity of a BPA chapter at a different school (identify the meeting and school)	1
Friendship	508	5	Serve as a host/hostess to a special guest at a BPA local, regional, or state activity (identify guest, involvement, and function)	3
Friendship	509	5	Attend an activity of a different school or organization; does not need to be BPA related; however, must include face-to-face engagement with students from the other school (identify the function and school)	1
Friendship	510	15	Visit a different school to assist in the establishment or reactivation of a BPA chapter (identify the school, group, and your involvement)	2
Friendship	511	5	Volunteer office services for a faculty member (identify services performed and for whom)	2
Friendship	512	10	Participate in a BPA recognition activity for school personnel (identify involvement and activity)	1
Friendship	513	5	Participate in a special activity you have planned for your parents/guardian/spouse (identify the involvement, activity, and persons)	1
Friendship	514	10	Prepare and send a minimum of five appreciation letters to businesses for BPA support (identify quantity and purpose)	1
Friendship	515	5	Submit a story and photo to the BPA official Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter page promoting BPA (@bpanational, facebook.com/businessprofessionalsofamerica, @National_BPA)	2
Friendship	516	10	Volunteer a friendship service on a one-to-one basis for a shut-in, homebound, disabled, or similar person; does not need to be a chapter activity (e.g., babysitting for a mom with a special needs child, raking leaves for an elderly adult who is homebound) (identify person, service, and circumstances)	2
Friendship	517	5	Establish a new acquaintance with a BPA member in another state through email	1
Friendship	518	5	Establish a new acquaintance with a business professional that lives in another country through email	1
Friendship	519	10	Attend a social event with another BPA chapter	2
Friendship	520	10	Attend a BPA Fall Leadership Conference	2
Friendship	521	5	Recruit five new BPA chapter members (identify the new members recruited)	1
Friendship	522	10	Apply for the National Recruiter of the Year BPA Cares Award (identify the new members recruited)	1
Friendship	523	10	Visit a school other than yours and exchange ideas with another career/technical student organization (i.e., DECA, FFA, TSA) (identify the school, topics, and organization)	1
Friendship	524	5	Recruit one new alumni division member (identify the new member recruited so registration can be verified)	5
Friendship	526	5	Exchange ideas with another career/technical student organization (e.g., DECA, FFA, TSA) within your school (identify the topics, and organization)	1
Friendship	528	5	Establish and maintain a new acquaintance with a BPA member from a different chapter through email	1
Friendship	530	5	Participate in Chapter Social Week and post a picture on Twitter using “#BPASocial” (identify the social activity)	2
Friendship	531	10	Selected as a spotlight member on National BPA social media (Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook)	1
Friendship	532	10	Actively participate in hosting a BPA leadership conference or BPA competition at your school.	1
Friendship	533	5	Submitted a spotlight feature about your “BPA story” or your chapter’s BPA involvement including a photo and at least 100 word write-up emailed to photos@bpa.org for social media or website recognition.	2
Friendship	550	5	Miscellaneous: any BPA friendship activity not specified in the above codes (identify the activity completely)	2

Love, Hope, and Faith Activities

Category	Code	Points	Activity	Max Use
Love, Hope, Faith	601	10	Work to promote community goodwill through a BPA local chapter activity involving a shut-in, elderly person, hospital, children's home, etc. (identify your involvement, activity, and persons)	3
Love, Hope, Faith	602	5	Discuss BPA on a one-to-one basis with a business person outside the organization; it cannot be a school official or immediate family member (identify the person and situation)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	603	5	Give the invocation at a BPA function (identify the function)	1
Love, Hope, Faith	604	10	Participate in a local chapter environmental awareness program or project (identify the project and your involvement)	3
Love, Hope, Faith	605	10	Participate in a relief fundraising project; it need not be BPA related (identify your involvement, the activity, and group sponsoring)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	606	15	Work with underprivileged, disabled people on an individual basis; does not need to be BPA related (make sure the involvement warrants the point allotment, such as serving as a tutor for the semester, working with a disabled child weekly, etc,) (identify your involvement and person helped)	3
Love, Hope, Faith	607	10	Participate in a BPA local chapter charity drive (identify your involvement, activity, and circumstances)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	608	10	Participate in a community service project; does not need to be BPA related (identify involvement, activity, and circumstances)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	609	10	Participate in a BPA local chapter project designed specifically to raise money for Special Olympics or any similar organization at any level (identify involvement, activity, organization, and circumstances)	3
Love, Hope, Faith	610	10	Participate in the NLC Walk for Special Olympics	2
Love, Hope, Faith	611	10	Participate in an event promoting acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, creed, gender or orientation (identify the activity and involvement)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	612	5	Attend a religious function of any faith (identify place of worship or event)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	613	10	Visit a nursing home or assisted living home and interact with the residents	2
Love, Hope, Faith	614	10	Complete the nomination application for one of the BPA Cares Professional Awards	2
Love, Hope, Faith	615	10	Participate in an activity that honors local teachers within your district	2
Love, Hope, Faith	616	10	Participate in the NOYS Seat Belts Save Challenge (https://noys.org/about-us/our-programs/seat-belts-save/)	1
Love, Hope, Faith	617	5	Attend an art show, a recital, a school play, or a community playhouse production (identify the production)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	618	10	Attend a county or state fair and tour the educational exhibits for a minimum of one hour (identify the fair and exhibits viewed)	1
Love, Hope, Faith	619	15	Exhibit something at a county or state fair (identify the fair and exhibit item) (same event cannot be claimed in conjunction with Love, Hope, Faith 618)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	620	10	Attend a professional play or musical, music concert or recital, dinner theater, ballet or other dance performance, poetry, etc. (be sure this is a cultural activity; rock concerts or similar activities do not qualify) (identify the performance and location)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	621	10	Participate in a local chapter safety program (including drug awareness) project (identify the project and your involvement) (cannot be claimed in conjunction with Cooperation 312)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	622	20	Work with a community member on an individual basis to provide skills training; does not need to be BPA related (make sure the involvement warrants the point allotment, such as teaching a Microsoft Office workshop, etc.) (identify your involvement and person helped)	1
Love, Hope, Faith	623	10	Participate in an art show, a recital, a school play, or a community playhouse production (identify the production)	2
Love, Hope, Faith	624	5	Write a “thank you” note to an advisor, mentor, sponsor, or friend for their support during your BPA journey. Include to whom the letter was written and that person’s impact on you.	2
Love, Hope, Faith	625	10	Complete a BPA Cares Award application (individual or chapter) and receive recognition. Identify award applied to and chapter seeking recognition (if applicable).	1
Love, Hope, Faith	626	5	Complete a BPA Cares Award application (individual or chapter) and receive recognition. Identify award applied to and chapter seeking recognition (if applicable).	3
Love, Hope, Faith	650	5	Miscellaneous: any BPA love, hope, or faith activity not specified in the above codes (identify the activity completely)	2

Citizenship Activities

Category	Code	Points	Activity	Max Use
Citizenship	701	5	Lead the Pledge of Allegiance at a BPA local chapter function (you must be the actual leader, not just a participant) (identify the function)	1
Citizenship	702	10	Demonstrate or explain the proper procedure for displaying, folding and caring for the U.S. flag (identify circumstances and involvement)	1
Citizenship	703	10	Participate in a patriotic parade; does not include homecoming (this must be a patriotic parade; merely being an observer does not qualify) (identify involvement and parade)	2
Citizenship	704	10	Participate in a political activity outside of BPA (this does not include activities such as homecoming) (identify involvement and activity)	3
Citizenship	705	10	Participate in an informative political session (this does not include being an observer only) (identify involvement and activity)	1
Citizenship	706	10	Observe legal proceedings of a court session; does not include TV programs (identify session and topics)	1
Citizenship	707	10	Attend a city council meeting	1
Citizenship	708	10	Attend a school board meeting	1
Citizenship	709	10	Attend a county, state, or national legislative session, hearing, or committee meeting; does not include TV programs (identify the session and topic)	1
Citizenship	710	10	Contact a state or national elected official on a current legislative issue (identify the method of contact, individual, and the topic)	2
Citizenship	711	15	Vote in a local (city-wide) government election or a mock related activity (does not include school elections such as homecoming) (identify the activity)	1
Citizenship	712	15	Vote in a state government election or a mock related activity (identify the activity)	1
Citizenship	713	10	Speak at a public patriotic event (identify event, involvement and topic)	1
Citizenship	714	10	Perform a patriotic song (singing or instrumental) at a public event (identify event and involvement)	1
Citizenship	715	15	Vote in a national government election or mock related activity (identify the activity)	1
Citizenship	716	5	Observe free enterprise in action by touring a company while visiting with their leadership (identify company and what observed)	1
Citizenship	717	5	Attend an ethnic festival (identify the involvement and activity)	1
Citizenship	718	5	Visit an art museum, natural history museum, or similar facility (identify museum and what observed)	1
Citizenship	719	5	Attend a community patriotic, historical or cultural event (identify the event and circumstances)	3
Citizenship	720	5	Take a virtual tour of an historical building or area (identify the building or area and what was observed)	2
Citizenship	721	10	Tour a historical building or area (identify the building or area and what was observed) (same location cannot be repeated)	2
Citizenship	722	10	Design, prepare, and put up a patriotic display (identify purpose, type, and location)	2
Citizenship	723	5	Participate in local festival parade	2
Citizenship	724	10	Participate in an activity that supports US Military or US Military families.	2
Citizenship	725	10	Perform the National Anthem at a public event (identify the function) (same activity cannot be used in conjunction with Citizenship 714)	2
Citizenship	726	15	Present at a school board meeting (cannot be used in conjunction with Citizenship 708)	1
Citizenship	727	15	Present at a city council meeting (cannot be used in conjunction with Citizenship 707)	1
Citizenship	728	10	Attend an inauguration or swearing in of a government official (identify the event and government official)	2
Citizenship	729	5	Attend a presentation given by military personnel	1
Citizenship	730	15	Visit a VA facility/hospital and interact with veterans (provide name, situation, location) (be sure the activity and participation warrant the points received)	1
Citizenship	731	10	Contact a locally elected official or school board member to discuss your “BPA Story” and how Career & Technical Education has benefited you. Please identify person contacted, method of contact, and a brief overview of your BPA story.	2
Citizenship	732	5	Talk to a military recruiter or personnel about military job opportunities or the US armed forces. Identify recruiter talked to, military branch, situation, and topic discussed. Activity can only be repeated with a different branch of the military.	2
Citizenship	733	10	Participate in an organized government-focused conference (for example: Model Legislature, American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State). Explain conference/event attended, involvement in conference, and relation to learning about government.	1
Citizenship	734	10	Organize a civil demonstration regarding a political or social justice issue (identify the demonstration and the issue)(cannot be used in conjunction with Citizenship: 735)	1
Citizenship	735	15	Participate in a civil demonstration regarding a political or social justice issue (identify the demonstration and the issue)(cannot be used in conjunction with Citizenship: 734)	2
Citizenship	736	5	Research a political or social justice topic of your choosing to learn more about other perspectives (identify the topic and what was learned)	2
Citizenship	737	5	Post appropriate content on social media highlighting a political or social justice topic (quote the social media post content and identify the social media platform)(the post must be an original post; no retweets or reposts)	2
Citizenship	738	10	Contact a local, state, or national elected official regarding a political or social justice issue (identify the method of contact, individual, and the topic)	2
Citizenship	739	10	Participate and/or volunteer for a candidate in a local election (identify involvement and the candidate) (cannot be used in conjunction with Citizenship: 704 and 711)	1
Citizenship	740	15	Participate and/or volunteer for a candidate in a state election (identify involvement and the candidate) (cannot be used in conjunction with Citizenship: 704 and 712)	1
Citizenship	741	20	Participate and/or volunteer for a candidate in a national election (identify involvement and the candidate) (cannot be used in conjunction with Citizenship: 704 and 715)	1
Citizenship	750	5	Miscellaneous: any patriotic, cultural, or historical activity not specified in the above codes (identify activity completely)	2

Student Member Access to Torch Handbook Visit our online Torch Awards Portal

Get Recognized

There are four levels of recognition:

Executive Torch Award
Given at the local chapter level, the Executive Torch Award requires 10 points in each Torch category. An Executive is defined as "a person having administrative or managerial authority in an organization."

Diplomat Torch Award
Depending on your state, this award might be awarded at the local, regional or state level. The Diplomat Torch Award requires 30 points in each Torch category. A Diplomat is defined as "one skilled with tact in dealing with people."

Statesman Torch Award
Given at the state level, the Statesman Torch Award requires 50 points in each Torch category. A Statesman is defined as "one who is a leader in the promotion of the public good and in national affairs."

Ambassador Torch Award
Given at the national level, the Ambassador Torch Award requires 70 points in each Torch Category. An Ambassador is defined as "a diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as a representative of the organization."

Point Distribution

Award	Organization Level	Points Required in Each Category	Submission Deadline	Recognition
Executive	Local Chapter	10	varies	Pin and certificate
Diplomat	Varies by State	30	varies	Pin and certificate
Statesman	State	50	varies	Pin and certificate (otherwise varies by state)
Ambassador	National	70	March 8, 2024	Pin and certificate, Recognition at NLC

A student who earns an award through the Business Professionals of America Torch Awards Program will be presented with a certificate and pin commemorating their achievement. Students receiving the Ambassador Torch Award will receive their pin and certificate at the National Leadership Conference. Most importantly, though, a student participating in the Torch Awards Program builds a rich catalog of service and leadership experience to be proud of.

Résumés must be submitted by the appropriate deadline to be eligible for awards. Once a résumé is submitted, regional/state/national administrators can evaluate the résumé and either approve or reject the résumé. If approved, the student has earned the award and no further action is required. If rejected, then the résumé can no longer be considered for that specific award level. However, an advisor and student can work on the résumé further and submit it for consideration at one of the other award levels, as long as the appropriate deadline has not passed.

The Torch Awards Program is open to all BPA members in the Middle Level, Secondary, and Post-secondary Divisions.

Click here to read Torch Award Frequently Asked Questions

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Torch Awards

Personal growth and development for our members

Torch Awards

Personal growth and development for our members

Promoting Professionalism and Leadership

The Business Professionals of America Torch Awards Program is designed to promote professionalism and leadership in both career development and personal growth.

How to Earn Points

Get Recognized

Point Distribution

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