The next generation of business men and women, went to Missoula last week to put their skills to the test against teams across the area, during the annual regional Business Professionals of America competition.

Teams from all three Mineral County schools made the trip to the University of Montana to have their work judged and compete in a wide variety of events. BPA is an organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation and understanding of business practices and management.

The Alberton team traveling to State includes Juniors Isaac Warren, in Medical Office Procedures, Montanna Baughman, for Basic Office Systems and Procedures, along with Gerald Peterson for Financial Math and Analysis. Sophomore, Kristina Solinger, for Speech, and Business Law and Ethics. Seniors Mackenzie Spence will be competing in Advanced Spreadsheets, Medical Office Procedures, Basic Office Systems and Procedures, and Nick Turnbull in Medical Office Procedures, and Law Office Procedures.

Results from the Superior and St. Regis will not be available until next week. BPA has over 40,000 members in over 2,300 chapters in 23 states. The Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP) prepares students to succeed and assesses real-world business skills and problem solving abilities in finance, management, IT, and computer applications. It’s BPA’s flagship program and allows students to demonstrate their skills at regional, state, and national conferences in over 70 competitive events.

Some of BPA’s other major programs include the National Leadership Academy, Officer Elections and scholarships. The Torch Awards Program and BPA Cares Program recognizes students and chapters, respectively, for leadership and service to their chapter and community.

The mission of the organization is to foster the creation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills.