What is FBLA?
Visit our National website to learn more about our organization!
The Future Business Leaders of America is a student organization for motivated students who want to have fun and grow as leaders. We are a student leadership organization with many facets. While business is in our name, our career and leadership development program benefits all students. It is our broad appeal that makes FBLA so popular, with over 230,000 members nationwide and beyond.
FBLA is a comprehensive student organization. Where else can you compete, travel, earn recognition, network with students and professionals throughout the country, and have fun? When you join FBLA, you are a member in a professional association, not a club. Career professionals join associations to aide in their careers, and so can you! A doctor may be a member of the American Medical Association, a lawyer can be a member of the American Bar Association, and YOU can be a member of the Future Business Leaders of America! There are thousands of associations out there, but this one is geared for YOU! Don't take our word for it; read what members have to say about us!
"The conferences are a blast. I have traveled all over the country. Anaheim was one of my favorites as we spend a lot of time at Disney."
"My college apps were full of real FBLA experiences that make be a better candidate. I am so glad I just did not waste my high school years. I did something productive and fun, and the memories will last."
"Although it is not required, I recommend competing. When they say there is something for everyone, it is true. I competed in Broadcast Journalism, and it was rewarding to see my name in the newspaper for placing second at state."
"It might be hard to understand what FBLA is until you experience it. As a freshmen, I was hesitant about joining and my Mom made me. I honestly can't say how I would have spent the last four years of my life."
"I am on the Math team and because FBLA has math events I decided to join that as well. What I like about FBLA is that there is so much more to FBLA than just competing and there is a lot to do. Definitely go to conferences! You won't regret it."
"My friends in FBLA have become my closest, from doing volunteer activities together, competing as a team, organizing our school carnival, and our chapter meeting and get-togethers."
"I was a state officer and it was one of my best experiences. To be a leader in our state organization was awesome! I loved our officer team. I would have run for a national officer team but I joined FBLA my junior year. Be sure to join freshmen year or in middle school if possible."
"We did some volunteer projects through FBLA that I am really proud of."
"Don't think that FBLA is all serious. It is fun too. At their conferences, they even have casual dress dances where you can have fun and meet new people from all over."
"Our school organized a kickball fundraiser for the March of Dimes. It was awesome. Multiple schools participated and we raised a lot of money."
"About a third of my social media contacts are from FBLA members from all over the country. The networking at conferences is a huge plus and I don't know where else I can do this."
FBLA is a comprehensive student organization. Where else can you compete, travel, earn recognition, network with students and professionals throughout the country, and have fun? When you join FBLA, you are a member in a professional association, not a club. Career professionals join associations to aide in their careers, and so can you! A doctor may be a member of the American Medical Association, a lawyer can be a member of the American Bar Association, and YOU can be a member of the Future Business Leaders of America! There are thousands of associations out there, but this one is geared for YOU! Don't take our word for it; read what members have to say about us!
"The conferences are a blast. I have traveled all over the country. Anaheim was one of my favorites as we spend a lot of time at Disney."
"My college apps were full of real FBLA experiences that make be a better candidate. I am so glad I just did not waste my high school years. I did something productive and fun, and the memories will last."
"Although it is not required, I recommend competing. When they say there is something for everyone, it is true. I competed in Broadcast Journalism, and it was rewarding to see my name in the newspaper for placing second at state."
"It might be hard to understand what FBLA is until you experience it. As a freshmen, I was hesitant about joining and my Mom made me. I honestly can't say how I would have spent the last four years of my life."
"I am on the Math team and because FBLA has math events I decided to join that as well. What I like about FBLA is that there is so much more to FBLA than just competing and there is a lot to do. Definitely go to conferences! You won't regret it."
"My friends in FBLA have become my closest, from doing volunteer activities together, competing as a team, organizing our school carnival, and our chapter meeting and get-togethers."
"I was a state officer and it was one of my best experiences. To be a leader in our state organization was awesome! I loved our officer team. I would have run for a national officer team but I joined FBLA my junior year. Be sure to join freshmen year or in middle school if possible."
"We did some volunteer projects through FBLA that I am really proud of."
"Don't think that FBLA is all serious. It is fun too. At their conferences, they even have casual dress dances where you can have fun and meet new people from all over."
"Our school organized a kickball fundraiser for the March of Dimes. It was awesome. Multiple schools participated and we raised a lot of money."
"About a third of my social media contacts are from FBLA members from all over the country. The networking at conferences is a huge plus and I don't know where else I can do this."
What's Involved?
FBLA operates like many other student organizations, except there is so much more! FBLA is a professional association, so you are joining a network of thousands of individuals who all share the same aspirations of becoming a leader. FBLA is not just a local club like many high school groups, it is a nationwide student leadership organization. Local FBLA chapters have meetings, social events, community service projects, guest speakers, and fundraising, and many take advantage of our Competitive Events Program and our Professional Development Conferences. The time commitment of advisers and students is up to the you and your fellow members. There is so much to FBLA, that it may be impossible to do it all. With FBLA, the rule of "You only get out of it, what you put into it" definitely holds true. To get the most fun, learning, and recognition for the students, we encourage you to attend our Leadership Conferences and participate in our Academic Competitions. The networking, camaraderie, and fun involved with these events tends to keep local FBLA chapters strong and keeps members coming back every year!
Four Divisions--One Great Organization!
FBLA can be a life-long association in which you can grow and give back! There are 4 divisions of FBLA . . . the Middle Level for junior high and middle schools, the high school level, the collegiate level for colleges and universities, and the Professional Division for adults working in their careers. If you are a middle or high school student or faculty member and want to join our awesome organization, contact us! In general, it is good to have an adult adviser who will support students who are interested in starting a chapter. If you are interested in starting a collegiate chapter, check out the IL FBLA Collegiate website. If want to become a Professional Division Member, join or renew at the FBLA-PBL National website, and credit a local high school FBLA chapter when applying.
Academic Competitions
FBLA has many ways for students to demonstrate their excellence. One of those ways is through academic competitions at the local, state and national levels. Competition allows members to highlight their skills, gain recognition in their schools and communities, build their academic credentials, earn monetary awards, and stand up as a champion! While students can participate in sports and other programs, FBLA allows students to showcase themselves in a variety of skill areas that are geared toward all students, not just business students. After all, FBLA is not just a business organization, but a leadership organization that has a broad career focus. The competitive events program not only has business events like Marketing, Computer Applications, and Sales Presentation, but also Political Science, Health Care Administration, and Public Speaking among a few. Speech Team, Math Team, FFA members--all can find a place within FBLA with its strong leadership focus and its competitions. Check out the over 70 competitive events and more through our Competition and Recognition Program!
FBLA-PBL Mission Statement
FBLA-PBL inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.
FBLA is both academic and fun!
