Ace the Kansas BPA Merit Scholar Challenge 2026 – Boost Your Brains and Shine Bright!

Merit Scholar is a separate recognition path from Competitive Events. The Competitive Events program is all about performance in category-based contests at BPA conferences, judged on specific skills and rubrics. Merit Scholar, on the other hand, honors members for academic achievement, leadership, service, and professional development, and its criteria and timing are independent of how you place in contests. So it isn’t part of the Competitive Events program, nor is it limited to regional events or tied to BPA Cares. If you qualify as a Merit Scholar, that status stands on its own alongside any competition participation.