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Torch Awards Program

Participation in the Torch Awards Program can prove beneficial to the chapter and the members. Many activities that qualify for Torch Awards points are service activities. These take your members out into the community, giving them a positive way to impact the area they live in, as well as provide some publicity for the chapter and Business Professionals of America. Interaction with business leaders, civic organizations and others are some of the many things the program encourages.

This not only translates into Torch Awards points, but also key contact with members of the community. Publicity, contact with business leaders, increased self-confidence, awareness of the importance of service, and activities to add to the résumé and scholarship applications are just a few things that participation in the Torch Awards Program can do for both your chapter and members.

Starting the Torch Awards Program in your chapter can be a little intimidating. There are deadlines to meet and a lengthy resume to fill out. But, with a little organization and some helpful tips, your chapter can be on the road to success quickly. In many cases, chapters are already doing activities that qualify for Torch Awards Points.

In order to participate in the Torch Awards Program, you must download the Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook that is available online from http://www.bpanet.org/.

Listed below is information that will help your chapter get started in this program. You can also contact Nathan Cradit for additional help. We know this is a time-consuming, and often stressful process, so if there is anything we can do to help you achieve the recognition you or your student members deserve, please contact us.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Advisors and students must review the following two documents in order to have a successful Torch Awards experience:

Fall Memo to Chapter Advisors (Word) or (PDF)

Torch Awards Reference Guide (PDF)

In addition, the following documents can be downloaded to assist with the Torch Awards Program:

Torch Awards Sample Résumé (Word) - This is a sample résumé you can view in order to get an idea of what types of activities fit under each code.

Torch Award Résumé Instructions (Word) - Read these instructions first before you start using the automated Torch Awards Résumé below.

Torch Awards Résumé (Word) - This is the blank template file to use for all student resumes. If you experience difficulty using this form, make sure you are following the instructions found in the Torch Award Résumé Instructions above.

Torch Award Level Points Needed Per Category Deadline Date Submission Address

Executive 10 Handled completely at the local chapter level.

Diplomat*** 30 December 1, 2007
Nathan Cradit
PO Box 148
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-0148

Statesman**** 50 January 19, 2008 Nathan Cradit
PO Box 148
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-0148

Ambassador 70 March 15, 2008
Business Professionals of America
5454 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus, OH 43231-4021

*All deadlines are postmark deadlines

* *Envelope labels must clearly designate the resume status to ensure timely attention (Diplomat Award, Corrected Diplomat Award, Statesman Award, Corrected Statesman Award)

***Corrected diplomat resumes are due: January 19, 2008

****Corrected Statesman resumes are due: March 1, 2008