ABOUT FBLA
Future Business Leaders of America is the largest business Career and Technical Student Organization in the world.
Each year, FBLA helps more than 230,000 members in middle school, high school, and college prepare for careers in business.
Our Mission
FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.
- Develop competent, aggressive business leadership
- Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work
- Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise
- Encourage members in the development of individual projects that 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
I solemnly promise to support the mission of Future Business Leaders of America, abide by its Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, and develop the qualities necessary to become a community-minded business leader.
I WILL…
- be honest and sincere.
- approach each task with confidence in my ability to perform my work at a high standard.
- willingly accept responsibilities and duties.
- seek to profit from my mistakes and take suggestions and criticisms directed toward the improvement of myself and my work.
- abide by the rules and regulations of my school.
- exercise initiative and responsibility and will cooperate with my employer and fellow workers.
- dress and act in a manner that will bring respect to me and to my school.
- seek to improve my community by contributing my efforts and my resources to worthwhile projects.
I BELIEVE:
- education is the right of every person.
- 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.
- 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.
- every person should actively work toward improving social, political, community, and family life.
- every person has the right to earn a living at a useful occupation.
- every person should take responsibility for carrying out assigned tasks in a manner that brings credit to self, associates, school, and community.
- 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.
Our History
The concept for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) was developed in 1937 and the first high school chapter was chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1942. In 1958, the first chapter of Phi Beta Lambda (now FBLA Collegiate) was chartered at Iowa State University. The FBLA-Middle Level division (now FBLA Middle School) was started in 1994 for students in grades 5-9. The FBLA Network is rooted in the former Alumni & Professional Division, which began in 1979.
1937—Hamden L. Forkner is the founder of FBLA. Professor Forkner developed the concept while at the Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, and envisioned a national organization that would unite the thousands of business clubs in the nation’s high schools and colleges.
1940—The National Council for Business Education (now known as the National Business Education Association) sponsors the proposed student organization. Committees are appointed to formulate the organization’s general plans. The name “Future Business Leaders of America” is selected for the organization.
1942—An experimental chapter is chartered at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee, on February 3. A second chapter is started two days later in St. Albans, West Virginia. The first collegiate chapter is chartered at the University of Northern Iowa on February 10. By the end of the year, 39 chapters are added. Over the next three and one-half years, another 38 chapters join.
1946—The United Business Education Association assumes sponsorship of FBLA. Headquarters office for FBLA is established at the National Education Association Center in Washington, D.C.
1947—Iowa becomes the first FBLA state chapter. Indiana and Ohio quickly follow. Within the next three years, FBLA state chapters total ten.
1958—The postsecondary division, FBLA Collegiate, is created.
1969—FBLA is granted independent status as a nonprofit educational student association under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). FBLA acquires its own board of directors and full-time staff.
1973—FBLA appoints Edward D. Miller as the association’s first full-time executive director.
1979—The board of directors approves establishment of the FBLA Alumni Division.
1981—The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation purchases 1.6 acres of land in the Center for Educational Associations, Reston, Virginia, as the site for a future FBLA National Center.
1987—FBLA annual membership tops 200,000 for the first time.
1989—The Alumni Division is renamed as the Professional Division to include alumni and professional businesspersons.
1990—The groundbreaking ceremony is held for the FBLA National Center.
1991—The grand opening of the 11,600 square foot FBLA National Center is held.
1994—The FBLA–FBLA Middle School division is formed for students in grades 5–9.
1997—Edward D. Miller retires as president and chief executive officer of the national association. Jean Buckley is appointed president and chief executive officer.
2001—FBLA National Center mortgage is retired.
2016—FBLA celebrates 75 years.
2019—Jean Buckley retires as president and chief executive officer of the national association. Alexander T. Graham is appointed president and chief executive officer.
2020—FBLA was one of only a few CTSOs to adapt its National Leadership Conference to serve as a virtual event, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to meet student members despite restrictions on in-person gatherings. More than 10,000 attendees convened for the virtual experience.
2021—Still in the midst of the global pandemic, FBLA hosted its National Leadership Conference online; yielding more than 12,000 student attendees. FBLA transitioned its Professional Division to an FBLA Network, in order to emphasize and support the student member experience at the core of its mission.
2022—Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda rebranded to Future Business Leaders of America, replacing the 90s-era logo and uniting the Middle School, High School, and Collegiate membership divisions under the FBLA name.
2023—The FBLA National Center building at 1912 Association Drive in Reston, VA is sold. National Center operations are moved to its current office space, also in Reston.
2025—The Board of Directors appoints Jennifer Woods as FBLA’s fourth president and chief executive officer.
Get Help
Find answers to frequently asked questions and submit help tickets to National Center staff.
Our Association
FBLA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with headquarters in Reston, Virginia.
Remit Address (W-9): P.O. Box 79063, Baltimore, Maryland, 21279
