(05/17/2023) The Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter at Blaine High School - Center for Mathematics, Engineering and Science (BHS) has experienced a lot of success at the regional, state and national levels. A partnership with professionals at the school and in the community has sharpened the skills of the students and enabled them to reach high levels of success.

One of those connections is with the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce. Holly Boisjolie is the BHS BPA advisor and has helped foster a relationship with Chamber President Lori Higgins. Through this partnership students have gained industry experience by presenting at events, learned about internship and career opportunities and gathered advice, guidance and mentors.

“Supporting and interacting with local students is integral to our mission,” Higgins said. “We want students to know that there is a vast network of business and community leaders who want them to succeed, and that by working together we will continue to have not just a strong business community but a strong and vibrant community overall.”

After conducting a Google Meet with Higgins, BHS juniors Dorcas Aroloye and Silas Murangiri earned a state title in the team category of Presentation Management at the Minnesota BPA State Leadership Conference to advance to the national conference where the team placed second.

“Working with MetroNorth Chamber benefited our project immensely,” Aroloye said. “It gave us a real-world example of what a chamber of commerce is looking for when adding a business to the chamber.”

“One of the highlights of learning about the Chamber was that it gives small businesses a chance to get their name out there and also learn from other businesses and have a source of credibility,” Murangiri said.

At the state conference, Aroloye and Murangiri ran for positions on the 2023-24 State BPA Executive Team. Aroloye ran a successful campaign to be elected Minnesota BPA President and Murangiri was elected the Vice President of Development.

In addition to guidance, the MetroNorth Chamber Workforce Development Foundation has donated money to provide students an opportunity to attend the National BPA Leadership Conference, which allows students a chance to compete at the national level without placing stress on families to pay for it.  

“We appreciate our partnership with Lori and the Chamber as we know how important it is for the students,” Boisjolie said. “This connection shows what is available here, in our area and the real opportunities that exist once they’ve decided their professional direction.”