Blog Post: What is FBLA?

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest and oldest student business organization in the world. It has a quarter of a million members across the country. It was started in 1937 by Dr. Hamden L. Forkner of Columbia University .

Today, AZ FBLA is a part of this respected and influential organization. The Arizona chapter was established in 1962 and since then its membership has grow to over 2,300 members and over 80 chapters. Many of the state chapter’s students have represented Arizona on the national level. Amber Burge served as a national officer for the 2004-2005 school year. Many students have won in competitive events at the national leadership conferences. In fact, this year the state delegation took home an astounding twenty trophies!             

In addition to having high school members, AZ FBLA has involved college students in their business organization. PBL, or Phi Beta Lambda, is the college version of FBLA. The Arizona PBL chapter was established in 1969 at Northern Arizona University . Since then they have spread to many other college campuses across the state, including Arizona State University , University of Arizona , and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

AZ FBLA has established a strong community presence as well. They have numerous business and education partners, including jobing.com, DeVry University , the Arizona Small Business Association, the Phoenix Suns, and Grand Canyon University . AZ FBLA is also heavily involved in community service, having partnered with the March of Dimes to raise money to help prevent premature births. They are also looking to support the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life-a fundraising event that aims to raise awareness of and prevent the spread of cancer. They also have the endorsement and support of the Arizona Department of Education. The state chapter is one of the CTSOs, or Career and Technical Student Organization that the ADE hosts. It is one of the branches of the Career and Technical Education program that the ADE has established. AZ FBLA’s goals and opportunities have been integrated into the business classes of the CTE program around the state. 

As you can see, Arizona FBLA is a dynamic organization.  We’re proud to partner with Jobing.com and look forward to a successful year!  Don’t forget to check us out at www.azfbla.org and even check out our Jobing.com promo video!