My Finance Class

Welcome to My Finance Class, the official website for Financial Services and BPA at Northwest High School.

Prepare, Compete, Win!

  

Your first step toward a successful future in business & finance starts right here ...

  

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TORCH AWARDS 

Business Professionals of America's Torch Awards Program frames and guides a BPA member's leadership and service to their chapter and community. Students complete activities in the seven Torch categories:

Leadership; Service; Cooperation; Knowledge; Friendship; Love, Hope, Faith; and Patriotism--then log their activities in an online Torch Resume.

Each activity is worth 5, 10, 15, or 20 points. When a student achieves a certain number of points for each category, his/her advisor or local reviewer can submit the resume online to be reviewed for recognition. All students completing a satisfactory resume will be awarded.

For more information on the Torch Awards Program, visit the following page on the BPA website:

www.bpa.org/torch-awards

  

Torch Awards

Executive Torch Award

Local Level
 

The Executive Torch Award requires 10 points in each Torch category. An Executive is defined as "a person having administrative or managerial authority in an organization."

 

Diplomat Torch Award

Regional Level
 

The Diplomat Torch Award requires 30 points in each Torch category. A Diplomat is defined as "one skilled with tact in dealing with people."

 

Statesman Torch Award

State Level
 

The Statesman Torch Award requires 50 points in each Torch category. A Statesman is defined as "one who is a leader in the promotion of the public good and in national affairs."

 

Ambassador Torch Award

National Level
 

The Ambassador Torch Award requires 70 points in each Torch Category. An Ambassador is defined as "a diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative of the organization."

 

Competitions

All members are encouraged to participate in BPA competitive events. In fact, the WSAP Competitive Events program is the biggest cog of what makes BPA tick. Students prepare for and compete in contests in over 50 categories, under the six broad areas of Finance, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Digital Communication & Design, Management, Marketing & Communication, and Health Administration. Students begin with a Regional competition. The top qualifiers compete at State conference, and finally, those deemed the best of the best compete at the National Leadership Conference in May of each year. Competitions range from individual to team, from objective tests to judged presentations. Each one helps students prepare to be part of an effective, skilled national workforce.


WSAP

Important Documents

NLC 2023


Finance Events


Fundamental Accounting 100 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Written Test)  ***ACCOUNTING KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED***
 

Assessment of entry-level accounting principles. Members analyze, journalize, post transactions, and prepare financial reports/statements. You may not repeat this event. 

Advanced Accounting [ 110 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Written Test)  ***ACCOUNTING KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED***
 

Assessment of intermediate and advanced accounting principles. Members analyze, journalize, and update accounts in order to prepare financial reports/statements for partnerships and corporations. VERY CHALLENGING.

Payroll Accounting [ 125 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Written Test)  ***ACCOUNTING KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED***
 

Process payroll data using manual payroll procedures. Members calculate earnings, complete payroll registers, update employee records, journalize payroll entries, and prepare payroll income tax forms. 

Banking & Finance [ 145 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Written Test)
 

Demonstrate and apply fundamental knowledge of the banking industry. This entry-level event tests the member’s knowledge of bank operations, bank services, loans, credit administration, and customer service.

Financial Analyst Team [ 150 ]

JUDGED TEAM (Report, Spreadsheet, Presentation)
 

The team will use analytical and problem-solving skills to make recommendations regarding a business case study. At state and national level, teams will be presented with an additional element to the scenario that requires revision of their final presentation (2-4 students in a team). 

2024 TOPIC: Aidan’s life dream is to open a sandwich shop. Aidan loves sandwiches and loves serving people, so this seems like a great fit. Aidan has taken some business classes at his local community college, so he thinks he has a good idea on how to run the business. But to increase his chances of long-term success he is seeking your help before getting started. Aidan has found a small location (1200 square feet) in Columbus, Ohio that he can rent for $7500 per month. He would still need to setup his company, buy the equipment, advertise, set the menu, find suppliers, and hire help. Alternatively, Aidan is wondering about the possibility of investing in a franchise, but when he did an internet search they look expensive and he’s not really sure how they work. He is concerned about the startup costs as well as any share of profits the franchisor might require. Aidan is also worried because he’s heard that he will have less freedom with menu items and general decision making if he chooses a franchise. Explain to Aidan the advantages and disadvantages of a franchise. Prepare a pro forma analysis of the profitability of the two options Aidan is considering. What other costs/issues should Aidan consider? Make a recommendation as to how Aidan should proceed.

Economic Research Individual155 ]
JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Typed Research Paper; PowerPoint Presentation)
 

One economic research topic is selected by the National Center and provided at the beginning of the school year. The member will conduct research on the topic and present findings in a research paper, an oral presentation, and respond to questions from a panel of judges.

2024 TOPIC: Is Ticketmaster a Monopoly? Is this a case for government regulation, why or why not?

Economic Research Team [ 160 ]

JUDGED TEAM (Typed Research Paper; PowerPoint Presentation)
 

One economic research topic is selected by the National Center and provided at the beginning of the school year. The team will conduct research on the topic and present findings in a research paper, an oral presentation, and respond to questions from a panel of judges (2-4 students in a team). 

2024 TOPIC: Investigate the changing nature of the traditional stock markets (NYSE/NASDAQ/AMEX) to discuss the evolving nature of investing in the digital age. What are the costs and benefits for consumers and producers? In your response, consider the following: Digital currencies; Disruptions to market practices (example - 2021 GameStop stock frenzy); Long-run implications to traditional stock markets; Market access; Market volatility/risk-return; Regulatory implications; US economy’s impact on stock prices.

Personal Financial Management [ 165 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Written Test)
   

Members will answer objective questions dealing with concepts and perform calculations related to the financial topics of credit, savings, budgeting, investing, personal income tax, retirement planning, risk management, and insurance. Members will analyze financial scenarios to predict outcomes, advise use of financial instruments, and determine the proper financial planning.

     


Business Administration Events


Fundamental Word Processing Skills [ 200 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Word)
 

Evaluate entry-level skills in word processing and document production. You may not repeat this event. Formerly called "Keyboarding".

Intermediate Word Processing Skills [ 205 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Word)
 

Evaluate intermediate skills in word processing and document production. You may not repeat this event. Formerly called "Fundamental Word Processing Skills".

Advanced Word Processing Skills [ 210 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Word)
 

Evaluate advanced-level skills in word processing and document production.

Basic Office Systems & Procedures [ 220 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Word, Written Test)
 

Evaluate fundamental skills in office procedures, records and file management, and document production. You may not repeat this event.

Advanced Office Systems & Procedures [ 225 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Word, Written Test)
 

Evaluate advanced skills in office procedures, records and file management, and document production.

Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications [ 230 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Excel)
 

Create and design spreadsheet applications that include variables, reports, and formats. Members enter and format data, enter and copy formulas, and print full documents or cell contents. You may not repeat this event.

Advanced Spreadsheet Applications [ 235 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Excel)
 

Develop effective solutions to business problems using many of the advanced features within the Microsoft Excel skill standards.

Legal Office Procedures [ 245 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Word and Written Test)
 

Evaluate knowledge of legal terminology and skills needed to prepare legal documents and function effectively in a law office. To prepare for this competition, students will need to learn legal terminology independently.

Administrative Support Research Project [ 260 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Typed Research Paper; PowerPoint Presentation)
 

One administrative support topic is selected by the National Center and provided at the beginning of the school year. Members will conduct research on the topic and present findings in a research paper, an oral presentation, and respond to questions from a panel of judges.

2024 TOPIC: Examine how technology has altered the skill set required for administrative support professionals. Identify new competencies that have become essential, such as proficiency in specific software applications, data analysis, digital communication etiquette, and adaptability to evolving technology.

Business Law & Ethics [265 

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Written Test)
 

This contest will test the student’s knowledge and skills in the areas of ethics, law, business law, and personal law.

 


Digital Communication & Design Events


Fundamental Desktop Publishing [ 400 ]

TESTED INDIVIDUAL (Publisher, Word)
 

Evaluate knowledge and skills in using desktop publishing software to create a variety of business documents.

Graphic Design Promotion [ 410 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Logo, Flyer designed in Publisher)
 

Develop a theme and illustrate that theme in various promotional materials.

2024 TOPIC: A new dog food company called Champion Dog Food has contacted you to design all of the brand images and packaging for their line of dog food. You will need to create a logo that can be used for all of the brand needs for their company packaging. The design may not contain no more than 3 colors. Along with creating the logo, the company would like you to create a mockup of a dry dog food package, and a wet dog food can. Must design a 25 lb. bag of dry food, including the front and back of the package.

Visual Design Team [ 460 ]

JUDGED TEAM (Promotional Materials; PowerPoint Presentation)
 

The team will create a new branding package for an up and coming movie.

2024 TOPIC: Your team has been hired to design promotional components for a new up and coming movie that has been designated as G or PG-13. The team must create a minimum of 4 items, and one must include the Movie DVD Case (Front, Spine, & Back). Other items could include: Store Movie Poster, Characters, Movie Trailer, Social Media Ad Campaign, Swag, etc.

 


Management, Marketing, HR Events


Global Marketing Team [ 500 ]

JUDGED TEAM (Typed Marketing Plan; PowerPoint Presentation)
 

Develop a marketing plan, following the guidelines outlined in the Style & Reference Manual, that details pricing strategies and promotional plans for a business (2-4 students in a team).

2024 TOPIC: Background - D’vine by Design is a local “fictitious” event planning company that specializes in organizing and managing corporate events, conferences, trade shows, weddings, and social gatherings. The company was founded in 2015 by Sarah Vine, an experienced event planner with a passion for creating unique and memorable experiences. Initially, the company started as a small venture, but through consistent dedication and hard work, it quickly gained recognition for its outstanding event management services. With a dedicated team of event professionals, a strong client base, and a positive reputation, D’vine by Design is considering expanding its operations to tap into new markets and increase its profitability. Task – D’vine by Design has hired your marketing team to identify expansion opportunities into a domestic U.S. city of your choice within 1-3 years, with a vision for future international expansion in 5-7 years. Be prepared to defend your recommendations from a marketing standpoint.

Entrepreneurship [ 505 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Typed Business Plan; PowerPoint Presentation)
 

Develop an operating plan and organizational structure to initiate a small business. Competitors are to assume they are presenting/pitching their business plan to potential investors with the objective of securing financing for their business venture. See contest details for more info.

Small Business Management Team [ 510 ]

JUDGED TEAM (PowerPoint Presentation)
 

The team will use strategic planning and problem-solving skills to provide solutions to the business case study provided. At state and national level, teams will be presented with an additional element to the scenario that requires revision of their final presentation (2-4 students in a team).

2024 TOPIC: Jessica Smith owns and operates a limited liability company where she is paid to be a social media influencer. She has an active YouTube channel with about 85 million subscribers. She utilizes the channel to make videos about the perks and cons of living in New York City, as well as travel for both those who live within the city and those who plan to visit the city. Her YouTube channel is named Jess In NYC, and her subscribers help her earn about $12,000 (gross) a month. Her main income for the business comes from ad revenue generated by her subscribers and paid by YouTube. Jessica is currently a one-woman show, and spends the majority of her day filming, editing, and posting to her YouTube channel. Jessica wants to find ways to grow the business and increase revenue in ways that prioritize customer/subscriber engagement. Create a presentation detailing the ways that Jessica can grow her business without alienating customers. Share insights to current industry trends, financial implications, and human resources requirements.

Interview Skills [ 515 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Resume, Cover Letter; Interview)
 

Assess proficiency in job search and interview situations. You may not repeat this event.

Advanced Interview Skills [ 520 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Resume, Cover Letter, Portfolio; Interview)
 

Assess advanced proficiency in job search, interview situations, and portfolio development.

Extemporaneous Speech [ 525 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Blank Notecard)
 

Demonstrate communication skills in arranging, organizing, and effectively presenting information orally without prior knowledge of the topic.

TOPIC: The contestant will draw two different business topics and will select either one. The topics may deal with Business Professionals of America, office situations, the business world, etc. The contestant will be provided ten minutes to develop the topic. Notes will be made on the 3 note cards provided by the event proctor. No materials or previously prepared notes will be allowed into the preparation or presentation room with the contestant. The length of the speech will be no less than 2 minutes and no more than 4 minutes.

Human Resource Management [ 535 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Human Resource Manual and Blank Notecard)
 

Assess interpretation of personnel policies and knowledge of human resource management.

TOPIC: The contestant will be given a human resource management scenario. The scenario may deal with office situations, workplace issues, legal matters, etc. The contestant will be provided 20 minutes to develop the presentation. Notes will be made on the 3 note cards provided by the event proctor. Only the Human Resources Manual, along with the note cards provided for note taking, may be used in the preparation and presentation rooms. The contestant will speak before a panel of judges and a timekeeper. The speech will be no less than 3 minutes and no more than 5 minutes.

Ethics & Professionalism [ 540 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Ethics & Professionalism Resource Manual and Blank Notecard)
 

Explore the application of ethical frameworks to various aspects used in business today.

TOPIC: Explore the application of ethical frameworks to various aspects used in business today. The contestant will be provided 20 minutes to develop the presentation. Only the Ethics and Professionalism Resources Manual and 3 note cards may be used in the prep/presentation rooms. The speech will be 3-7 minutes.

Prepared Speech [ 545 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (Typed Speech; Oral Presentation with Visual Aids)
 

Demonstrate communication skills in securing, arranging, organizing, and presenting information orally.

TOPIC: Each contestant is to select a topic related to business, entrepreneurship, or Business Professionals of America, and develop a 5-7 minute oral presentation.

Presentation Management Individual [ 555 ]

JUDGED INDIVIDUAL (PowerPoint Presentation with Multimedia)
 

Assess use of current desktop technologies and software to prepare and deliver an effective multimedia presentation. The contestant shall design a computer-generated multimedia presentation on the assigned topic listed below. The presentation will be no less than 7 and no more than 10 minutes and will be followed by judges’ questions.

2024 TOPIC: Each year 1 out of 10 American college students studies abroad during their undergraduate years. Colleges and universities promote this experience as an opportunity to study while traveling and learning about other cultures. Some colleges/programs even require such an experience for graduation. Create a presentation that delves into this enriching post-secondary experience. 

Presentation Management Team [ 560 ]

JUDGED TEAM (PowerPoint Presentation with Multimedia)
 

Assess use of current desktop technologies and software to prepare and deliver an effective multimedia presentation (2-4 students in a team). The team shall design a computer-generated multimedia presentation on the assigned topic listed below. The presentation will be no less than 7 and no more than 10 minutes and will be followed by judges’ questions.

2024 TOPIC: Many employees are beginning to question the fairness, enforceability, and legality of non-compete clauses in their employment contracts. Many employees are choosing to ignore their non-compete agreements and taking the risk of their former companies pursuing legal action. Others are choosing to refuse to work for any employer that forces new hires to sign non-compete agreements. Create a presentation that discusses the following concepts: What are the pros/cons of non-compete agreements? Do you believe they are fair? Feasible? What role should non-compete agreements have in a modern workforce.

Virtual Showcase

 

Virtual Events

These events are offered only at the national level. All members may register and submit entries. There are no limits. There will be a $20 fee for each team. You may take as many Virtual Events as you would like.

Virtual Competiton Round One - Technical Scoring. Based upon the number of final submissions in each of the virtual event contests, the competitors will be randomly assigned into sections. Within each section, all competitors will be judged using the technical rubric in the individual WSAP contest guidelines. Upon completion of the technical judging, the number of competitors that will advance to the presentation round will be determined by the number of sections. The number of competitors that will advance to the presentation round will not exceed 20 competitors.

Virtual Competition Round Two - Presentation Scoring. During the presentation round, the competitors (not to exceed 20) will create a presentation following the individual competition guidelines. The combined scores (Round One - Technical and Round Two - Presentation) will determine the top ten (10) competitors that will be invited to NLC.

During the National Leadership Conference. The top 10 competitors from each division in each of the Virtual Events from each division are invited to participate in the BPA National Showcase and the BPA National Showcase Business Panel. During the National Leadership Conference, the top 10 competitors are invited to compete for the National Showcase Best in Show Award in each competition.

Start-up Enterprise Team VIRTUAL

 

Teams (2-4 members) will develop an operating plan and organizational structure to initiate a small business. Teams are to assume they are presenting their products/services to potential buyers. The event may be repeated but previously used business plans may not be submitted. 

  • Registration deadline is no later than December 1. The $20 fee must be paid at time of registration. 
  • Submit the completed Business Plan, Works Cited, and signed Release Forms no later than January 15. 

Financial Portfolio Management Team  VIRTUAL

 

Teams (2-4 members) will enter an investment simulation using an online platform provided by a BPA partner. The simulation will provide the students $100,000 initially, to be used to invest in stocks, mutual funds, and/or bonds. Awards will be presented at NLC. 

  • Registration deadline is no later than December 1. The $20 fee must be paid at time of registration.
    Round One: All registered teams will participate in a virtual stock market challenge.
  • Round Two: The top twenty (20) teams from Round One will be invited to create and present a virtual presentation no longer than ten (10) minutes on their strategies for success and challenges faced. 

Social Media Marketing Campaign Team VIRTUAL - Pilot

 

Teams (2-4 members) will develop a social media marketing campaign, following the guidelines outlined in the Style & Reference Manual, that details pricing strategies and promotional plans for a business.

2024 TOPIC: Your consulting firm has been retained to develop and present a social media marketing campaign for a product in your local region. Authentic Adventures, a fictitious company, has hired your team to create a social media marketing campaign for their newly announced product, AnyChair. AnyChair is a camping chair that features a sturdy, origami design which allows the chair to fold completely flat, making getting the chair to your next adventure simple and easy. Your task is to create a comprehensive social media marketing campaign utilizing the following information. Authentic Adventures wants to work to ensure the product's success and believes that a wellprepared campaign can do just that. The main goals for this campaign are demographics, price point, and geographical information. This information will be used by Authentic Adventures to make more educated decisions about where to begin mass production first. Use the Social Media Marketing Campaign format in the Style & Reference Manual and the rubric as your guide.

  • Registration deadline is no later than December 1. The $20 fee must be paid at time of registration.
    Submit the completed Marketing Plan, Works Cited, and signed Release Forms no later than January 15.

Esports Team VIRTUAL - Pilot

 

Teams (2-4 members) will research and create strategies to effectively compete in an esports competition. Teams will submit a research paper on the provided esports topic, compete in an esports tournament, and create a presentation highlighting strategies used and lessons learned. See contest details for more info.

2024 TOPIC: Although esports has a perception of just playing video games, there are many factors that need to be considered when formulating team strategy. Teams advancing to the live virtual presentation round will share their research, planned strategies, and lessons learned to the panel of judges. The game played will be Rocket League.

  • Registration deadline is no later than December 1. The $20 fee must be paid at time of registration.
    Submit the completed Research Paper, Works Cited, and signed Release Forms no later than January 15.

NLC 2023

 

Open Events

You may take as many Open Events as you would like. All students qualifying to attend State and Nationals in a traditional competition are able to take as many Open Events as they would like. Students at State who score above 85% will be recognized on stage at the awards ceremony. Students at Nationals who score in the top 10 in each event will be recognized on stage as well. Note: Open Events do NOT advance from Regionals to State to Nationals.

Financial Math & Analysis Concepts OPEN

 

This competition assesses knowledge of math concepts. Contestants solve practical math problems related to work and consumer issues.

Administrative Support Concepts  OPEN

 

Evaluate knowledge of basic administrative support concepts. 

Information Technology Concepts OPEN

 

Demonstrate general knowledge of the information technology industry.

Business Meeting Management Concepts OPEN

 

To provide a general competitive event addressing business meetings management which incorporates fundamental concepts accepted as good practices in any business unit including business planning and strategy, organization and execution, trust and transparency.

Management, Marketing, HR Concepts OPEN

 

Assess knowledge of management, marketing, and human resources concepts.

Success!