These deadline dates apply to the 2025-2026 school year. Membership is due according to the dates indicated for each Division.
SECONDARY DIVISION: The initial membership deadline is November 3, 2025 for all chapter advisors and any students who have decided to join by that date. The absolute final deadline to add any students who wish to compete in any regional competitive event at the regional leadership conference is November 14, 2025. Both of these deadlines are online submission deadlines; payment does not need to be received by these dates.
November 14: Students who are submitted as dues-paying members by this date will be eligible to compete in any BPA competition.
December 1: Last day for students to join as a dues-paying member. If the member wants to compete in open events only at regional competitions, they may be registered with a late fee. Such students will also be eligible to participate in the Torch Awards Program and other non-competitive BPA programs.
December 2 until February 15: Students may join and participate in local activities, Torch Awards, and the BPA Cares programs, etc. They may also attend the state or national conferences to attend workshops and compete in open events only. This applies to Secondary chapters only.
POSTSECONDARY DIVISION: Preliminary membership dues must be submitted by November 3, 2025. However, the absolute final date for postsecondary students is January 21, 2026. Students who are submitted after January 21, 2026 will be eligible to compete in open events only and all non-competitive BPA programs.