About FBLA-PBL
Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) education association of students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. The Association has four divisions:
- FBLA for high school students
- FBLA Middle Level for junior high, middle and intermediate school students
- Phi Beta Lambda for postsecondary students
- And the Professional Alumni Division for business people, educators and parents, who support the goals of the Association.
The FBLA-PBL Mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.
FBLA-PBL is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, and organized on local, state and national levels. Business teachers/advisers and advisory councils (including school officials, business people and community representatives) guide local chapters. State advisers and committee members coordinate chapter activities for the national organization.
History
Dr. Hamden L. Forkner, head of the Commercial Education Department of the Teachers College of Columbia University developed the FBLA concept in 1937. In the fall of 1940, the National Council for Business Education accepted official sponsorship of FBLA; on February 3, 1942, the first high school chapter was chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee. In 1958, Phi Beta Lambda becomes an independent division of FBLA. The Professional Division (originally the Alumni Division) began in 1979; the latest group to join FBLA (in 1994) was the FBLA Middle Level, for students in grades 5-9.
About Us
The Board of Directors is comprised of local and state educators, business leaders, and the membership division presidents. The Board sets policy and employs a President/CEO, who directs a national staff and Association programs.
The Association's National Center is an 11,600 square foot building, which was completed in 1991. The 1.6-acre site it occupies was purchased through a grant from the Conrad Hilton Foundation. The building mortgage was retired in 2001 following a successful capital campaign.
Membership and Dues
For the past few years, FBLA-PBL has enjoyed an annual increase in membership. The high school level has more than 215,000 members, while Phi Beta Lambda (postsecondary level) reaches over 10,000 college students. The newest group, FBLA Middle Level (grades 5-9) is showing remarkable growth with 8,000 student members and is developing member interest for the high school level.
- National Dues are $10.00
- State Dues are $10.00
- The membership year runs from August 1st through July 31st
Funding
FBLA-PBL, Inc. is funded by membership dues, conference fees, corporate contributions and grants.
Conferences
National Leadership Conference - Each year, the best and brightest of FBLA and PBL convene to compete in leadership events, share their successes and learn new ideas about shaping their career future. These four-day sessions are considered the pinnacle of the FBLA-PBL experience, especially for those running for national office.
Institute for Leaders - This four-day seminar is a focused leadership experience for state and local chapter officers as well as members and advisers. It offers a unique chance to build leadership and career skills that last a lifetime in tracks focusing on entrepreneurship, communication and FBLA-PBL leadership. It is held in conjunction with the National Leadership Conference each year.
National Fall Leadership Conference - Each fall, new leaders and advisers from chapters across the nation gather for regional conferences designed to guide and motivate their success for the year. This includes workshops, seminars, and a plenary session, as well as the benefit of networking among their peers from other cities.
Wisconsin Spring Leadership Conference - Also every year the Wisconsin PBL chapter hosts a conference for its member to compete in and network with other PBL members. This conference is held every year in April, in different locations around the state.
Wisconsin Fall Leadership Conference - Executive Board members plan a fall conference to bring the chapters together for leadership training, corporate speakers, workshops, and social activities.
Publications
- PBL Business Leader - The National Publication for Phi Beta Lambda
- The Wisconsinite - The Publication for Wisconsin Phi Beta Lambda
- Professional Edge - Publication of the professional division
Endorsements
FBLA-PBL is endorsed by:
- American Management Association
- Association for Career and Technical Education
- Career College Association
- March of Dimes
- National Association of Parliamentarians
- National Association of Parliamentarians
- National Association of Secondary School Principals
- National Business Education Association
- National Management Association
- The U.S. Department of Education
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