From competitions to canned food drives, Bowie’s chapter of the Business Professionals of America is working to educate students on how to run a business and develop social and economic skills that can be used later in life.

First-year member sophomore Sofia Mercado hopes that being a member of BPA will help her achieve her future dreams.

“I joined BPA because I think it will teach me things that will come in handy after school when I join the workforce and hopefully become a business owner myself,” Mercado said.

BPA’s leadership team and sponsor enhance members’ experiences throughout their time in the club.

“Bpa is an amazing club and opportunity and I am so proud to be a part of it this year,” Mercado said. “This year’s president, Gage, is going to be outstanding and our club sponsor Mrs. Porter is truly an amazing person and role model for not only the club members, but the rest of her students as well.”

This year the club has been revamped, with members such as sophomore Paige Oliver looking to increase participation in club activities and competitions.

“Last year the club didn’t do as much as they wanted to,” Oliver said. “This year is really changing and we’re actually doing stuff and getting more involved, and I’m looking forward to all of the things we’re going to accomplish.”

Members of the club compete in over 50 categories of events, ranging from business administration to digital communication and design.

“A lot of people compete,” Oliver said. “I personally do not compete because I haven’t been involved in the club long enough yet; there’s regular competitions and also a lot of community service activities.”

When they’re not competing or doing community service activities, the club teaches students business and social skills that will be beneficial in their future careers.

“Business is involved in everything, knowing your worth and knowing how you present yourself is really important in society,” Oliver said.

Although Mercado and Oliver are new to the club, their commitment is already clear.

“Even though I haven’t been in it for long, I’m looking forward to the future,” Oliver said.