2008-2009

Business education is a combination of courses and practical experiences, organized into a program of instruction to provide opportunities for persons to prepare for and achieve career objectives in business and/or office occupations. This program is designed to serve the needs of society through initial, refresher, and upgrading education.

Business education serves the entire spectrum of individual abilities from the very low to the very high. High school students, people   who have completed or left high school, those who are enrolled in post-secondary business education, those who have entered the labor market and need training and retraining, persons with special educational disadvantages, and teachers of business education are the major groups which can be served by  from business education programs.

There is every reason to believe that business education will continue to grow. Major work opportunities will be found in secretarial, general clerical, accounting, computing, typing and related occupations for entry jobs. Data processing occupations, supervisory and administrative management, personnel administration, and informative communication offer many advancement possibilities.

Shortly after the passage of the Vocational Education Act of 1963, the need for a student organizations  was recognized. Many meetings were held and many studies were conducted with a view toward inaugurating such an association.

In 1964 at the American Vocational Association (now known as the Association for Career and Technical Education) meeting, it was suggested that a study group be established to see if state supervisors of office education wanted a youth group similar to those serving other curriculum areas of vocational education. The study covered 43 states and indicated that 67 percent of the supervisors wanted a vocational youth group for the students of office occupations education. That same year, the state supervisors of office education met to develop guidelines for their field. Among the items included was an endorsement of a youth group which would be an integral part of the educational process.

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. VOECA called a meeting in August of 1966 for youth group representatives from all of the occupational areas to help decide what would be the most effective means to implement and develop the office occupations youth group. After intensive effort by a number of interested people, articles of incorporation were filed in Wisconsin for the Office Education Association.

The first three states to become affiliated were Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin. The Office Education Association joined the family of vocational student organizations (FFA for agriculture, FHA for home economics and related occupations, DECA for distributive/marketing education, and VICA for trade and industrial education) as the newest vocational student organization.

A national office was established in Columbus, Ohio, in 1971 with a part-time executive director. A full-time executive director was employed in 1973. In order to provide a means for students to maintain their involvement in OEA, the Alumni Division was approved by the Board of Trustees in 1971.

The National Business Advisory Council (NBAC) was established to provide a liaison between business and industry and the Board of Trustees. The committee, comprised of representatives from various segments of the business world, communicates information about changes in office occupations. The Classroom Educators Advisory Council (CEAC) was initiated to serve as a liaison between the organization's chapter advisors and the Board of Trustees. The council consists of one representative from each division of affiliated states. The State Association Advisory Council (SAAC) was initiated to serve as a liaison between the organization's state associations and the Board of Trustees. The council consists of one representative from each division of affiliated states.

In 1983, the Office Education Association purchased a building at 5454 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Dedication ceremonies for the National Center were held on July 12, 1983.

In 1985, the Board of Trustees began a marketing study which included surveys, focus groups, research, and interviews. The result was a strategic long-range marketing plan. One strategy was to reform the national image of the organization. As a result of a three-year study, it was proposed that the name of the organization be changed to Business Professionals of America, with a new logo, new emblem, and new colors. These changes were implemented on July 1, 1988.

 

25 Reasons Why You Should Join Business Professionals of America Joining Business Professionals of America means joining thousands of other men and women who are serious about personal growth and their future. Business Professionals of America provides the opportunity to participate in an active national student vocational organization. Participation in Business Professionals of America provides the opportunity to advance in a chosen career path. Business Professionals of America offers program involvement in four (4) divisions: Secondary, Post-Secondary, Associate, and Alumni. Business Professionals of America members have the opportunity of meeting people with common interests. An opportunity is given to Business Professionals of America members to participate in state, regional, and national conferences. Business Professionals of America members are given an opportunity to participate in many activities designed to teach how to be a leader as well as a follower. Leadership skills are gained by serving on committees and holding offices on the local, regional, state, and national levels. Business Professionals of America promotes a variety of Special Recognition Award Programs and Torch Awards Program. The Business Professionals of America Torch Awards Program provides an avenue of recognition and opportunity to develop a better understanding of achievement and recognition. An awareness for community needs develops through civic and service projects. With the cooperation of others, community problems that individuals alone cannot solve are tackled and services within the school are provided. Special projects and chapter activities provide interaction with community business leaders. Competitive events and participation in business-simulated activities provide members with practical experience and recognition. Each year local chapters receive a copy of the chapter handbook (It’s A New Year); the Guidelines 2002 (Competitive Event Guidelines) which include the Summary of Changes from the previous year, the Software List (software which will be used for contests); the National Leadership Conference pre-conference publication; and free promotional posters. Various chapter management aids and promotional items are available for purchase through the Related Materials Service. New materials are added annually. Articles, photos, and activities can be shared through the official magazine, COMMUNIQUÉ. Voting power means that you take an active part in determining the organization’s programs and policies. Members elect, and are represented by national officers each year. A Classroom Educators Advisory Council (CEAC) assist the organization by recommending and setting guidelines for competitive events and other programs. Business Professionals of America is rewarded by services from a sixteen (16) member Board of Trustees. The Business Professionals of America national staff is willing and able to assist at State Leadership Conferences and advisor meetings. The national officers attend local, regional, and state meetings also. Following a member’s formal education, membership in the Alumni Division is encouraged. Scholarships are awarded each year to members by corporate sponsors who support and promote Business Professionals of America. By joining Business Professionals of America, members are able to keep up to date with the new and changing technology. Members gain technical skills through Business Professionals of America’s Competitive Events Program.