FBLA FUTURE OF BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA By Kimberly Oliver

WHAT IS FBLA Future Business Leaders of America ( FBLA ) is a national career student association for students in grades 7-12 who are interested in business or business education careers. Over 5,600 students in more than 150 high schools in Nebraska participate in the FBLA program.

GOALS The FBLA Business Achievement Awards Program meets the following goals: Develop competent, aggressive business leadership. Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work. Create more interest in and understanding of the American business enterprise. Encourage members in the development of individual projects, which contribute to the improvement of home, business, and community. Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism. Encourage and practice efficient money management. Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty. Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals. Facilitate the transition from school to work.

MISSION AND PLEDGE FBLA-PBL Mission Our mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. FBLA-PBL Pledge I solemnly promise to uphold the aims and responsibilities of Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda and, as an active member, I shall strive to develop the qualities necessary in becoming a responsible business leader.

WHAT YEAR WAS THE FBLA FOUNDED 1937— Hamden L. Forkner of Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, proposes to business teachers across the country that a national organization is needed for the thousands of business clubs in the nation’s high schools and colleges.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Thousands of students across the nation are joining Future Business Leaders of America! FBLA is the premier organization for students preparing for careers in business and the largest student business organization in the world with a quarter of a million members. FBLA prepares students for "real-world" professional experiences. Members gain the competitive edge for college and career success.

CREED I believe education is the right of every person. I believe the future depends on mutual understanding and cooperation among business, industry, labor, religious, family, and educational institutions, as well as people around the world. I agree to do my utmost to bring about understanding and cooperation among all of these groups. I believe every person should prepare for a useful occupation and carry on that occupation in a manner that brings the greatest good to the greatest number. I believe every person should actively work toward improving social, political, community, and family life. I believe every person has the right to earn a living at a useful occupation. I believe every person should take responsibility for carrying out assigned tasks in a manner that brings credit to self, associates, school, and community. I believe I have the responsibility to work efficiently and to think clearly. I promise to use my abilities to make the world a better place for everyone.

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WHERE WILL THE NEXT FOUR CONFERENCES BE HELD? 2016 NLC—Atlanta, Georgia PBL: June 24–27 FBLA: June 29–July NLC—Anaheim, California PBL: June 24–27 FBLA: June 29–July NLC–Baltimore, Maryland PBL: June 23–26 FBLA: June 28–July NLC–San Antonio, Texas PBL: June 24–27 FBLA: June 29–July 2

LEADERSHIP Joining FBLA -PBL in 1994 was the FBLA -Middle Level for students in grades 5-9. The national board of directors is comprised of local teachers, state educators, business leaders, and the division presidents. FBLA -PBL is the largest business career student organization in the world.

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