Business Professionals of America announces new partnership with Next Step Academy

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 13, 2015 - PRLog -- Today, Business Professionals of America Inc. (BPA), announced a new partnership with Next Step Academy to offer online services and resources to members which includes college readiness, life skills and career planning programs. A part of the Next Step Education Group located in upstate New York, Next Step Academy is an online educational resource that offers non-degree granting courses in life skills, career courses, college preparation and career exploration.

This new partnership offers an exclusive series of online courses available to students, advisors and alumni of Business Professionals of America that will help enhance their skills, knowledge, and preparation for both educational and professional advancement.

Along with courses and services made available through the Next Step Academy partnership, plans are underway where Business Professionals of America members would benefit from offerings to include career and college readiness programs (e.g., SAT/ACT preparation courses, college and scholarship search tools and online student coaching) made available through a variety of targeted affiliate partnerships including Next StepU in Rochester, NY.

“Today’s announcement of our partnership with Next Step Academy is a great example of how we continue to invest in the educational enrichment and advancement of our members,” said BPA Executive Director Kirk Lawson. “It further validates the power of online learning platforms and the advocacy of organizations that are committed to helping prepare our next generation of business professionals for the workforce.”

The objectives of this partnership include engaging more members across the country and establishing academic support strategies to address the challenges of budgetary restrictions faced by our schools, educators, students and parents.

“This is an exciting approach to incorporating the use of technology to enhance the educational needs and interests of our members,” said Lawson. “Our focus of preparing students for careers in a world-class workforce can be enhanced by offering Next Step Academy’s programs.”

Partnership goals include helping BPA student members enhance the academic skills they are learning in school with the online educational resources available through Next Step Academy and show them how their education directly relates to career interests and aspirations.

“Knowing that our courses will directly reach students and life-learners via BPA – and organization that elevates the next generation of business leaders – is a thrill,” Next Step Academy Managing Director Sean-Reed McGee said. “Our mission is committed to the idea of providing useful and timely educational courses that empower learners and prepare them to engage the world head on. We are excited about what we believe is a very important step in the right direction with Business Professionals of America.”

About Business Professionals of America: Business Professionals of America, Inc. (BPA)is the leading career technical student organization (CTSO) for students pursuing careers in business management, information technology, office administration, marketing and other related career fields. Established in 1966, BPA is an intra-curricular national membership organization dedicated to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills. The organization serves secondary, post-secondary and middle level students and educators by offering programs based on national standards spanning five career pathways: finance, business administration, management information systems, digital communication & design and management, marketing & communication. For more information, visit: www.bpa.org

About Next Step Academy (NSA): Next Step Academy is an online school for learners. Exclusive online courses provide learners with critical information and clear direction, and are organized into two categories: “Careers In” courses help facilitate intent as learners explore potential degree, program, and career opportunities. “Life Skills” courses help learners gain the knowledge and wisdom they need to hit the ground running both personally and professionally in order to fulfill their life’s potential. Each course is quick, easy and designed to be used across a variety of devices—including smartphones, tablets, laptops and more—allowing users to take their learning on the go. With an ever-growing suite of course offerings, Next Step Academy is helping learners take their next steps at every stage of life.