Imagine unlocking real-world skills and industry connections, all while still in high school. That’s the power of New Castle Career Center students participating in professional development groups like Business Professionals of America (BPA). While at a state-level conference, Graphic Design Instructor Jessika Feltz discovered the opportunities BPA offers graphic design students. Feltz helped students re-launch a BPA Chapter at the Career Center this year.
Establishing a New Chapter and Choosing Leaders
BPA provided extensive support to the New Castle Career Center throughout the establishment process. Feltz commented, “There’s quite a learning curve, but we dove right in. We elected officers before our first official meeting and installed them in a ceremony.”
BPA prepares students for their future careers in a wide variety of industries. Graphic designers frequently present their designs to clients, making BPA’s competition process a true reflection of what students will encounter in their professions. Students undertake projects for competitions that closely resemble those they would handle with new clients.
Each graphic design program session, the morning and afternoon students, features a president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer and the chapter meets monthly. Feltz described the remarkable leadership of graphic design students Makenzie Foga and AJ Cooper: “They both possess knowledge of parliamentary procedure and have seamlessly taken charge of our meetings. Additionally, they consistently set excellent examples in the classroom and can be relied upon for significant responsibilities."
Leadership and Competition Opportunities through BPA
Students are encouraged to participate in the Regional Leadership Conference (RLC) to qualify for the State Leadership Conference. Six students attended RLC this year, and one placed 4th overall in their event. All program students also undertake a competition project, regardless of their participation in RLC. They engage in the Torch Awards, which involve completing various activities and experiences to accumulate points toward different levels of recognition. These activities are designed to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Next year, they plan to complete an art-related group service project. Feltz hopes to see an increase in the number of students competing and reaching the State Leadership Conference. She would also like to see students from other career center programs become involved with BPA.
“I am so proud of how the students have embraced BPA this year. It’s never easy to take on extra duties, but the students were enthusiastic and willing to participate,” Feltz expressed. “I believe BPA will provide additional opportunities for the students to build their skills, form relationships, and gain self-confidence.”
The Value and Experience Gained from BPA
As students gain professionalism and presentation skills through BPA, they also learn how to process feedback. The competitive aspect of RLC provides students with the opportunity to receive feedback from individuals outside their usual environment, which fosters their growth as designers.
“Business Professionals of America allows students to show off their talents while learning how to be a professional in the industry,” stated BPA leader and student Makenzie Foga.
Visit nccareercenter.org for more information about the Graphic Design program and other
programs available through the New Castle Career Center.