History of the Future Business Leaders of America

• The FBLA concept was developed in 1937 by Dr. Hamden L. Forkner of Columbia University. In the fall of 1940, official sponsorship of FBLA was accepted by the National Council for Business Education; on February 3, 1942, the first high school chapter was chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee.

• More than 250,000 active members participate in more than 13,000 chartered chapters in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, U.S. Territories, and Department of Defense Dependent Schools worldwide.

• FBLA is financed primarily through membership dues. Corporate and foundation grants also play an important role in the association's financial base.

• FBLA is endorsed by A Presidential Classroom for Young Americans; American Management Association; American Vocational Association; Career College Association; Johnson and Wales University; March of Dimes; National Association of Parliamentarians; National Association of Secondary School Principals; National Business Education Association; National Management Association; and the U.S. Department of Education.

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