Business Achievement Awards! Get the Edge!

Hello again! I hope your first few weeks of school and FBLA have been entirely successful. So far this year, we’ve had an overview of the year, and an update as to what’s been going on from the State Officer team. It is now the perfect time to get a little more focused on individual goals for the year.

How can you excel individually without ever having to fill out an objective test, or present to a judge? How can you earn recognition for the work you’re already doing in your local, state, or for the national chapter? How can you make your college applications and/or scholarships stand out in a pack?

It’s simple, really. I’m talking about the Business Achievement Awards program, or BAA.
For those of you that have participated in this great program, you know exactly what I’m saying. However, there are many members who have never heard of, much less participated in, the BAA system, so I’ll give a quick overview.

There are four different levels of this award system that must be reached consecutively. Each award level builds on the last one. It starts with the Future award level, then the Business, after that the Leader, and finally the America award levels.

All of the awards focus on the motto of FBLA: Service, Education, and Progress. For every level, there is a multitude of activities to choose from to complete each section of the award. For example, to earn your Future award, you need to choose three activities from the service and education sections and four from the progress section. The cool part- you get to choose which activities you complete. There are a total of 19 activities to choose from for just the Future award, so you’re not stuck doing something mundane!
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the BAA:

Q. Why should I do the Business Achievement Awards?
A. Well, there is a multitude of reasons. A few being: having these awards looks good to scholarship and college application committees, it is a way to earn recognition on regional, state, and national levels, its a way to earn recognition for work you’re already doing, it is a great way to get involved….and the list goes on. It is a great system, and really, it is not entirely difficult.
Note: If you’re planning on running for a state office, you MUST have at least your Future Award level completed.

Q. How many can I earn in one year?
A. There is no limit to how many you can earn in one year. They are designed to do two a year, but truthfully, you could do all four if you are motivated.

Q. Do I have to do all of them?
A. No, however it is highly recommended. However, you do have to do them in sequential order. You have to start with your Future, and then move on to Business, and so on. How many levels you complete is entirely your choice.

Q. What is the award like?
A. For each award, there is a certificate of completion and a pin stating what level you’ve just completed. At both the State and National Leadership conferences you’ll also receive “participation ribbons” stating what levels you have earned to add to your nametag.


Q. How do I get started?
A. Your adviser has to sign you up with the national chapter, but after that, just log in and start choosing activities!

Q. Is there any help available for me while I’m working on the completion of these awards?
A. Absolutley! Your adviser can certainly help you, as well as members in your chapter. As your region VP, and as your friend, I’m always available for help whenever you need it! If you need help just shoot me an email: bluemountainvp@oregonfbla.org.

Please feel free to contact me! Your goals are my goals, so if you need help, or have questions don’t hesitate! Again, my email address is bluemountianvp@oregonfbla.org, and I check it daily, so I’ll get back to you usually within 24 hours.

As always, keep in touch!