The Torch Awards Program
Business Professionals of America » Service Programs » The Torch Awards Program
Click here to download the 2011-2012 Torch Awards Handbook.
Business Professionals of America's Torch Awards Program frames and guides a BPA member’s leadership and service to their chapter and community. Students complete activities in the seven Torch categories--Leadership; Service; Cooperation; Knowledge; Friendship; Love, Hope, Faith; and Patriotism--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, his/her advisor or local reviewer can submit the résumé online to be reviewed for recognition. All students completing a satisfactory résumé will be awarded.
- The Torch Awards Online Resume System - The online Torch Awards system, where students can update their resumes and torch administrators can evaluate activities and resumes.
- Role of the Advisor - Role of the local advisor in the Torch Awards process.
- Role of the Student - Responsibilities of a student participating in the Torch Awards Program
- Role of the State Advisor - Responsibilities of a State Advisor in the Torch Awards Program
- Using the Torch Awards Online System - Help with using the Torch Awards Online System
- Change E-Mail Address or Torch Password - Students can go here to change their e-mail address in our system, or to change their Torch Program password.
- Torch Award 2012 Ambassadors - A list of those who earned the Ambassador Torch Award during the 2011-2012 year.
- Torch Examples Cheat Sheet - Examples of good Torch Award descriptions and activities
- Student's Guide to the Torch Awards - A guide for students written by the 2010-2011 Secondary National Officer Team for students pursuing a Torch Award
- 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 representative of the organization."
| 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 15, 2012 | Pin and certificate, Honor Recipient Celebration at NLC |
A student who earns an award through Business Professionals of America's 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 in Chicago, IL, April 25-29, 2012. They will also be invited to the Honor Recipient Celebration, a reception at NLC in their honor. 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, an advisor and student can then work on the résumé more and re-submit, as long as the appropriate deadline has not passed.
The Torch Awards Program is open to all BPA members in the Middle Level, Secondary, Post-secondary, and Associate Divisions.