California FBLA Collegiate Division is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) student organization committed to preparing today's students for success in business leadership.

California FBLA Collegiate Division is an affiliate of Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda, Inc. — the largest student business organization in the world with more than 225,000 members.

The FBLA Mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. We bring our mission to life through the application of our motto: Service, Education, and Progress.

FBLA-PBL Goals

FBLA-PBL has established nine goals for the organization:

• Promote competent, assertive business leadership
• Strengthen confidence of students in themselves and their work
• Create interest in and understanding of American business enterprise
• Encourage development of individual projects to improve home, business, and community
• Facilitate the transition from school to work
• Assist students in the establishment of career goals
• Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty
• Encourage and practice sound financial management
• Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism

History

The FBLA concept was developed in 1937 and launched in 1940, under the sponsorship of the National Business Education Association, to unite the thousands of individual business clubs in the nation's high schools and colleges. The first chapter was chartered at Johnson City, Tennessee on February 3, 1942. Two days later, the second chapter was organized in St. Albans, West Virginia. By the end of 1942, 39 chapters had been chartered; within three years, another 38 had joined; and 80 chapters were chartered by 1946. By 1947, the first state chapter was chartered in Iowa, with Indiana and Ohio quickly following. Within three years, a total of ten state charters had been issued.

1969 was a watershed year when articles of incorporation were signed and the association became FBLA-PBL, Inc. a non-profit student educational association with its own board of directors and full-time staff under the direction of CEO Edward Miller. Membership at this time was approximately 80,000 members in 4,500 local chapters. Dr. Miller retired as CEO of FBLA-PBL in 1997, marking a major milestone for the association. Jean Buckley was appointed at that time as the second CEO in the association's history.

California's involvement in FBLA began in 1947, with the chartering of Fullerton Junior College. The first State Leadership Conference was held on April 29, 1950 with over 200 members in attendance. State officers were elected at this time and a constitution approved. The conference theme was "Leadership in Action."

California FBLA celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2000, with a theme of "Building on Tradition … 50 Years of Excellence." Membership at this time exceeded 7,000 members in approximately 200 active chapters.