PO Box 5085, Jersey Shore, PA 17740
  (570) 398-4652 Phone    (570) 737-4250 Fax
  stateoffice@pafbla.us
             Staff Login

Author: Bruce Boncal

Adviser Resource Center, 2025-2026

Posted on July 23, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

2025-2026 FBLA Year Adviser Forms

1.  High School Chapter Intent Form
AND/OR
2.  Middle School Chapter Intent Form

3.  New Chapter Adviser Registration Form

  • Complete this form if you are a brand new FBLA chapter adviser or if you are returning as an adviser after an absence.

4.  Current Chapter Adviser Contact Information Update Form

  • Complete this form if you are a current FBLA adviser and need to update any part of your contact information.

When would you use this contact information update form?  Here are some examples:
1.  your name changed
2.  your email address changed
3.  your cell phone changed
4.  your school’s address changed
5.  your school within the same school system changed (ex.  you transferred to a new school within the same system)

If you are now teaching at a new school system and are the new primary adviser or new co-adviser, please complete the New Chapter Adviser Registration Form.  That data is used to update your national and state records.

National FBLA Connect Membership System Resource Files (please use this helpful area for FBLA Connect support)

From National FBLA

The 2025-26 Middle School and High School Chapter Welcome Kits will be in the mail by August 1! These kits include a QR Code to Download the Chapter Management Guide for your division; posters for your classroom with information about membership, 2025 fall conference and the 2026 National Leadership Conference, and more.

Your kit will be sent to the address we had on file as of June 15, assuming you had paid membership at that time.

Please allow 10 business days for the kit to reach you through USPS. If you do not receive your welcome kit by August 15, please submit a ticket to the FBLA Help Desk.

2025-2026 Competitive Events Changes as Posted by National FBLA
High School
Official Notification (and Rationale) for 2025-2026 High School Competitive Events Changes
Complete List of 2025-2026 High School Competitive Events Offered by National FBLA
Middle School
Official Notification (and Rationale) for 2025-2026 Middle School Competitive Events Changes
Complete List of 2025-2026 Middle School Competitive Events Offered by National FBLA

August 2025 (Zoom meetings require pre-registration/click the session title to register)

September 2025 (Zoom meetings require pre-registration/click the session title to register)

 

New FBLA Adviser Registration OR Updating FBLA Adviser Contact Information

Posted on July 23, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

Having up-to-date contact information for advisers is essential to sharing information about FBLA and FBLA-ML programs, events, and deadlines.

New Chapter Advisers

If you are a New Chapter Adviser for which PA FBLA has no contact information, please complete this online form.  Once the information is received, your information will also be uploaded to the National FBLA my.fbla-pbl.org membership system.

If you are a New Chapter Adviser at a different school (even though you may have been at another school), please fill out this form.  It will be used to update your information with the national office.

Click here for the New Chapter Adviser Registration Form.

Advisers Changing Contact Information

If you were previously registered as chapter adviser AND remain at a school where you were registered BUT need to update your contact information, please complete the following online form.  ONLY COMPLETE the areas that changed.

If you are aware that an adviser previously registered at your school is no longer serving as a chapter adviser, please place that information in the appropriate space on the form.

Click here to Update Your FBLA Adviser Contact Information
or identify any advisers that are no longer with your chapter

 

Starting an FBLA Chapter Is Easy — Here’s How!

Posted on July 23, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

We are honored that you are interested in becoming an FBLA adviser and starting or reactivating an FBLA chapter at your school.  Here are the suggested steps to follow to activate your chapter.

Step #1:  Reach out to the state office/national office and let us know you are interested in becoming part of FBLA

  • Please complete this online form and let us know that you are interested.  We’ll help guide you through the process and keep things moving.  Please complete this New or Reactivated Chapter Form.
    • Once your form is received, you will hear from PA FBLA Executive Director, Bruce Boncal, who will create your chapter record AND will send you a welcome email.  Once your chapter record is created, you will receive an email to activate your individual adviser/co-adviser account, which will give you access to multiple resources to secure approve and recruit members.
    • National FBLA will send you a Chapter Welcome Kit.

Step #2:  Make sure you have received all necessary approvals to start an FBLA chapter

  • Speak to staff members who might be willing to serve as a chapter adviser.  Each local chapter is required to have an adviser.  An adviser can be a school administrator, a teacher, or any faculty member. The primary adviser may not be a parent unless he/she is a school staff member.
  • Schedule to meet with the school principal about your desire to start an FBLA chapter.
  • Be ready to meet with the school superintendent and possibly the School Board.
  • Prepare a packet of materials about FBLA for the principal, superintendent, and School Board (if necessary); be prepared to make a presentation about FBLA to each.

Step #3:  Recruit at Least 5 Chapter Members / Elect Officers or Establish an Executive Board

Step #4:  Gather necessary student demographic information  for entry into the membership system

  • Create an online form (such as a Google form) to collect the following required student information:  (1) first name, (2) last name, (3) gender, (4) grade level, (5) email address (a unique email address is REQUIRED for each student; it is suggested that it be a personal email address rather than a school email address as experience has shown us that many school systems will block email from National FBLA and PA FBLA).
  • Using your National FBLA login credentials, enter names into the National FBLA Connect membership system; generate an invoice; and pay for the dues by (1) credit card (no convenience fee; (2) purchase order, (3) check.  More information about where to send the check is in Step #7.

 Step #5:  Complete the sample chapter bylaws found below

 Step #6:  Process payment for membership dues

  • Make the check payable to:  FBLA Inc. (do not mail any dues to PA FBLA)
  • Mail the dues check to the National FBLA lockbox:
    • FBLA, Inc. (make the check payable to FBLA)
      PO Box 79063
      Baltimore, MD 21279
  • Dues are $16 per student ($6 state dues and $10 national dues) for students in Grades 9-12.
  • Dues are $13 per student ($3 state dues and $10 national dues) for students in Grades 5-8.
  • Dues are unified.  A member must pay both state and national dues.
  • Dues are not refundable or transferable to another student once they are processed at the national office.
  • If you need a W-9 for National FBLA to present to your school business office, click this link.

Step #7:  Process additional memberships after you submit your initial membership

  • Logon to the FBLA Connect to add additional members.
  • You may add new members at any time AND as many times as you would like during the year.

Step #8:  For all questions regarding Pennsylvania FBLA and for support, contact:

State Office Mailing Address:
Mr. Bruce E. Boncal
PA FBLA Executive Director
PO Box 5085
Jersey Shore, PA 17740
bboncal@pafbla.us
570.279.6998 cell/texts

For Middle-Level Support:
Mrs. Michele Sites
PA FBLA Middle School Coordinator
234 Village Drive
Canonsburg, PA 15317
msites@pafbla.us
412.417.3543 cell/texts

The Role of an Adviser
The success of FBLA rests on the shoulders of student members. However, without the guidance of the local chapter advisers, no success would be possible. The adviser is instrumental in organizing and stimulating chapter development. They gain the support of the school administration and community.  

Here are items to help you in managing your chapter:

  • Once you receive your FBLA Connect login credentials, download the High School or Middle School Chapter Management Handbook, which can only be accessed through the membership system.
  • Look at the National FBLA website (www.fbla.org) and FBLA Connect for important information.
  • Regularly refer to the PA FBLA website (www.pafbla.org) and any PA FBLA direct emails for regular information about competitive events, programs, and events occurring in Pennsylvania.
  • Establish a date for your first organizational meeting.
    • Advertise your meeting.
    • Promote FBLA and the meeting in classes.
  • Hold the first meeting; elect chapter officers.
  • Login to FBLA Connect and add new members (or have them complete an online membership form which you can approve).
  • Create the necessary invoices in FBLA Connect for new members.
  • Pay invoice by credit card (no convenience fee); upload a purchase order; or print a copy of the invoice and send it with your check.
  • Paid members will receive a digital membership card at the email address you provide.
  • Establish regular meeting dates (usually monthly).
  • Create a Program of Work to help establish a schedule of activities and goals for your chapter and its members.
    • Encourage members to participate in the high school or middle school competitive events program during the year.
    • Facilitate members’ participation in the National FBLA Business High School Achievement Awards program and the National FBLA Middle School LEAD Awards program.
    • Participate in Pennsylvania’s Big 33 Community Service Program; support the state project (Pennsylvania’s chosen state charity); complete some of the items in the William Selden Outstanding Chapter Program; and have individuals complete the Keystone Leadership Award.
    • Attend any and all of the following Pennsylvania FBLA events during the year; seek the necessary school approvals based on school policies and schedule support services (example: transportation) to attend.
      • State Leadership Workshop (usually last Sunday/Monday in October at the Kalahari Poconos Resort) (1 or 2 nights’ lodging)
      • Region Leadership Conference (either December or January/competitive events program at a high school/post-secondary institution in your regional area) (no overnight lodging)
      • State Leadership Conference (held in April in Hershey) (2 or 3 nights’ lodging OR commuter status)
    • If your members qualify, plan to attend the National Leadership Conference (held in a major city at the end of June). (5-6 nights’ lodging plus travel)

The local chapter adviser should:

  • Be knowledgeable about the history, bylaws and programs of the national and state chapters for active operation of the local chapter.
  • Direct, chaperone, and coordinate supervision of chapter activities.
  • Organize the selection process for chapter officers and provide officer training.
  • Encourage civic responsibility.
  • Assist in the maintenance of necessary chapter records.
  • Establish rules and guidelines that will help students lead themselves while remaining consistent with school policies and state and national bylaws.
  • Hold regular chapter meetings and see that they are conducted in a business-like manner.
  • Assist members and officers in developing an annual program of work, which includes a budget, calendar, and committee assignments.
  • Assist members in planning, collecting, preparing, and arranging materials to promote the chapter and its activities.
  • Ensure school administrators, faculty, students, and the public are informed of chapter activities and outstanding student achievements.
  • Be knowledgeable of the guidelines for district/regional, state, and national competitive events and activities and coordinate participation at all levels.
  • Oversee financial development projects and supervise the receipt, recording, depositing, and expenditure of chapter funds.

The adviser’s roles are:  (1) leader, (2) marketer, (3) fundraiser, (4) travel agent, (5) coach, (6) role model, and (7) networker.

Why Recruit Chapter Members?
The most important resource any organization has is its membership. The more dependable, enthusiastic members you attract—the more you can accomplish. Make your chapter stronger by keeping these points in mind.

  • A large and diverse membership makes for rich brainstorming sessions, unique projects, and lightened individual workloads.
  • Bigger is better—when it means that you have resources to dedicate to many worthy activities.
  • FBLA’s recognition and influence are assured when a larger portion of your student body and, by extension, your community is involved in your activities.
  • Your members enhance the chapter as a whole—while the chapter enriches your members.
  • FBLA offers students the following benefits and advantages:
    • Possible internship opportunities
    • Putting your skills to the test with 60 + competitive events
    • Rewards, scholarships, and recognition opportunities
    • Networking
    • Travel opportunities

Chapter Officers/Executive Board
It is suggested that each executive board includes the following offices:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Reporter
  • Historian
  • Parliamentarian
  • Social Media Officers
  • Others as defined by your chapter’s bylaws

Why Bylaws?
Bylaws are the rules by which a chapter regulates its affairs and the behavior of its members. FBLA strongly recommends that each local chapter creates bylaws for its chapter to abide by.

Create a Program of Work
The Program of Work is the action plan of a chapter. Strong Programs of Work include well-defined goals and objectives, deadlines, and assigned tasks. The Program of Work is important because it ensures careful planning and a detailed layout for the fiscal year.  Get involved in state and national individual and chapter programs.

Schedule Chapter Meetings/Establish Agendas
Many successful chapters layout dates and locations of each other their meetings in the beginning of the year. This ensures the chapter has a meeting place and the dates and locations can be published and publicized to members and prospective members. In addition, they create agendas that layout exactly what is to be discussed at each meeting.

Establish Chapter Committees
Committees help with the day-to-day tasks that will make your chapter a success.  They also help increase member involvement in your chapter’s activities.  Suggested committees include:  (1) professional development, (2) recruitment/membership, (3) community service, (4) fundraising, (5) social, (6) publicity, (7) competitive events, and (8) awards.

Feeding Pennsylvania — The 2025-2026 State Project

Posted on August 28, 2023
Written by Bruce Boncal

Theme/Slogan:
“Building Bridges to Success:  Empowering Action, Feeding Hope”
PA FBLA Statewide Fundraising Goal:  $50,000

All fundraising checks should be made payable to:  PA FBLA or PA FBLA State Project.
Send all contributions to the PA FBLA state office at any time during the year:

Bruce E. Boncal
PA FBLA Executive Director
PO Box 5085
Jersey Shore, PA 17740

A letter documenting each chapter’s or each region’s contributions will be emailed by Jonathan Lehigh, PA FBLA State Treasurer, shortly after the check is received.  Only checks received at the state office and documentation from the state treasurer will count toward the William Selden Outstanding Chapter Criteria or the state project awards.

Deadline for Contributions for State Project Awards:
All contributions received by April 13, 2026, 12:00 noon, will be counted toward the two state projects awards announced at the SLC Opening Session.  Drop off contributions brought on site at the conference headquarters in the Hershey Lodge, Cocoa Terrace.

Contributions will continue to be accepted from chapters until June 30, 2026.  A final check to Feeding Pennsylvania will be sent to the organization at the end of the fiscal year.

2025 State Leadership Workshop Information

Posted on July 23, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

State Leadership Workshop Registration Opens:  Thursday, August 15, 12:00 noon
Students must be in the FBLA Connect membership system before they can be registered/lodged in Blue Panda.
Students will only be imported into Blue Panda after the adviser has placed the students on an invoice AND a payment method chosen (credit card/check).
To access Blue Panda, go to:  https://app.gobluepanda.com/

Sunday/Monday, November 02-03, 2025 — Kalahari Poconos Resort
early arrival Saturday, November 01, 2025

Registration closes Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:59 pm
Payment “received by” deadline:  Saturday, October 18, 2025***
***payments not received by this date will incur a $75 administrative/late fee
State Leadership Workshop Promotional Video

Registration Fee:  $50 per person (advisers and students)
Lodging Cost:  $270 per room (with 1-4 individuals per room), including tax and hotel fees

SLW Details (Save the Date) Document (including deadline dates, pricing, FAQs) — originally published May 18, 2025
SLW Promotional “Are You Ready” Leadership Flyer
SLW Schedule of Events Grid (including leadership tracks, time schedules)

SLW Attendee Guide (highly recommend that it be made available to all attendees)

The base lodging is Sunday night, November 02; additional lodging may be scheduled for Saturday, November 01.  All registration and lodging must be done through Blue Panda.  All student attendees must be in the National FBLA membership system in order to be registered and lodged, and data will be imported into Blue Panda after an adviser entering members into the membership system.

All FBLA-HS (grades 09-12) and all FBLA-MS (grades 05-08) are eligible to attend.  There are no attendance restrictions/limits.

To access Blue Panda, go to:  https://app.gobluepanda.com/.  Returning advisers have maintained the same login and password that they used to register for their RLCs, SLW, SLC, and NLC.  If you are uncertain of your password (your school email address is your username), please contact Bruce Boncal, bboncal@pafbla.us, 570.279.6998 cell/texts.

Step-by-step illustrated instructions to register students and advisers/guests/chaperones in Blue Panda.

IMPORTANT ADVISER INFORMATION REGARDING SLW REGISTRATION:

You must place your FBLA members in the National FBLA membership system before you can register anyone in Blue Panda.

  1. With the roll out of FBLA Connect, only PAID or PENDING members will display in Blue Panda to be registered. Unpaid members will not display in FBLA Connect.  

Blue Panda imports members from National FBLA. Remember, you must have created/“transitioned” students for members to be considered active and imported; to do that, the students must be immediately paid with a credit card or a purchase order uploaded OR marked “payment by mail” if a check is being sent.  Simply choosing students or entering a name does not make them importable unless they have been transitioned from unpaid to paid/pending status.

Once the students are imported into Blue Panda and marked paid/pending, you can register them for the SLW (and not before). You can register advisers/guests/chaperones at any time as they are not imported.

Step 1: register all your attendees before attempting any lodging

Step 2: place your attendees in housing

Step 3: click “submit” to generate an invoice.

  • You can go in and edit/change your SLW registration/housing as many times as you wish until the September 27, 11:59 pm deadline. It is not a once and done deal.

Adviser Family Members
Step 4:  If an adviser is bringing his/her family members to the SLW and are not FBLA members, the family members are to be registered as “guests/family.”  The adviser should then be able to place the family in the same room, but there is a maximum of four individuals per room.  If there are issues with the adviser placing family in the same room, please contact Bruce Boncal, PA FBLA Executive Director, bboncal@pafbla.us.

Gender Critical Error
Step 5:  Advisers may lodge students of the same gender in the same room without encountering any critical errors.  If there is a gender error, the adviser needs to go to FBLA Connect and add/correct the gender listed for the student.  If the “no gender” option is chosen for a student in FBLA Connect, then the adviser needs to contact Bruce Boncal, PA FBLA Executive Director, for instructions to resolve the “critical” gender issue.

Adviser/Students Sharing from Different Schools
Step 6:  If an adviser and/or student from another school is to share a room, the adviser must contact Bruce Boncal, PA FBLA Executive Director, to join the rooms “on the back end.”  Provide the following information:  (1) school name, (2) adviser/student name to be shared, (3) other school name, (4) other school’s adviser/student to be shared and the room configuration.

FBLA Advisers — High School and Middle School

SLW Forms (due October 20, 2025)
Forms 1-5 are to be uploaded as assets via Blue Panda

  1. SLW Combined Delegate Code of Conduct with “business casual” dress code illustrations (distribution & return:  one per student/signature page only)
  2. SLW Student Emergency/Permission Form (distribution & return:  one per student)
  3. SLW Adviser/Guest/Chaperone Emergency Form (distribution & return:  one per adviser/guest/chaperone)
  4. SLW Adviser Emergency and School Administrator Contact Form (distribution & return:  one per chapter)
  5. SLW Adviser/Guest/Chaperone Hotel/Workshop Safety Guidelines (distribution & return:  one per adviser/guest/chaperone)
  6. SLW Delegate Code of Conduct (not including “business casual” illustrations)
  7. SLW Business Casual Dress Code Flyer
  8. SLW Battle of the Chapters Guidelines

SLW Special Events Information

  1. SLW Basket Auction Details
  2. SLW State Project Shirt Sale
    a.  SLW T-Shirt Graphic (black/long sleeve)
  3. SLW Rubber Ducky Derby Flyer
  4. SLW Optional Sunday and/or Monday Full Buffet Breakfasts — order as part of SLW Blue Panda registration
    a.  $24 per person for each full buffet breakfast ticket pre-ordered/includes tax and gratuity (Sunday and/or Monday)
    b.  Regular price at the door (without pre-ordering):  $34.95
  5. Selden Scholarship Fund Pin Pre-Order Sales:  $5 per pin (all proceeds benefit the Selden Scholarship Fund) / pre-order through the Blue Panda SLW store / pins also available onsite for purchase with cash, check, credit card, Venmo)
    a.  Design #1:  Pennsylvania Gold Outline Pin
    b.  Design #2:  Pennsylvania Seal Pin
    c.  Design #3:  Pennsylvania State Flower Pin
    d.  Design #4:  Declaration of Independence Pin
    e.  Design #5:  Pennsylvania Landmarks Pin
EXHIBITORS / WORKSHOP PRESENTERS / ADVERTISERS
  1. Invitation to Attend the State Leadership Workshops — Exhibitors, Workshop Presenters, Advertisers
  2. Exhibitor Fees Registration
    1. Section B:  Exhibitor Registration Form — Instruction and Details
    2. Link to Section B Online Form
  3. Workshop Presentation Registration Form
    1. Section C:  Workshop Presentation Registration — Instruction and Details
    2. Link to Section C Online Form
  4. Promotional Advertising & Sponsorship Opportunities Registration Form
    1. Section D:  Promotional Advertising & Sponsorship — Instruction and Details
    2. Link to Section D Online Form
  5. Guest Lodging Reservation Form
    1. Section E:  Guest Lodging Reservation Form — Instruction and Details
    2. Link to Section E Online Form

For additional questions regarding the SLC program, please contact:
Janet Skiles
PA FBLA Conference Coordinator
jskiles@pafbla.us | 412.576.2826 voice/texts

For FBLA Connect, Blue Panda support (such as room sharing), or items posted in this area and on the website, please contact:
Bruce Boncal
PA FBLA Executive Director
bboncal@pafbla.us | 570.279.6998 voice/texts

2025-2026 Region Leadership Conference Information

Posted on July 23, 2024
Written by Bruce Boncal

Region Adviser Reporting Forms:
1. RLC Dates Reporting Form: https://pafbla.wufoo.com/forms/k1kp6b881tqq97r/
2. 26-27 New Region Officers Report Form: https://pafbla.wufoo.com/forms/z14t6ulx0bjbh73/
3. Certificate of Insurance Request Form: https://pafbla.wufoo.com/forms/x1jay5co1ied07b/

2025-2026 PA FBLA Competitive Events Guidelines (will be published by mid September 2025 once information received from National FBLA)

2025-2026 Competitive Events Changes as Posted by National FBLA
Until Pennsylvania FBLA receives the full set of guidelines and then reviews how to adapt them in Pennsylvania in our own state-based guidelines, it is possible that administration may be different in Pennsylvania.
High School
Official Notification (and Rationale) for 2025-2026 High School Competitive Events Changes
Complete List of 2025-2026 High School Competitive Events Offered by National FBLA
Middle School
Official Notification (and Rationale) for 2025-2026 Middle School Competitive Events Changes
Complete List of 2025-2026 Middle School Competitive Events Offered by National FBLA

Events Requiring Specific Competitive Topics
Click here for a complete list of topics for those events which are identified as needing a topic. (posted xx.xx.xx)
National FBLA will not release the topics until approximately August 15.

RLC Registration Milestones/Policies
To access Blue Panda:  https://app.gobluepanda.com

November 17, 2025:  RLC registration opens at 8:00 am for all Pennsylvania FBLA regions and will remain open until your region adviser identifies the region closing deadline.    Blue Panda is the official RLC registration for all 29 PA FBLA regions.
November 20, 2025:  Earliest date any region’s RLC registration may close, 11:59 pm
December 01, 2025:  Earliest date online objective tests and performance events may begin
December 05, 2025:  Earliest date RLC Awards Programs may be held
December 31, 2025:  Date to determine a region’s membership incentive plan (Plan A/B/C/D)
January 24, 2026:  Final date RLC awards programs may be held
February 01, 2026:  Final date for a region’s chapters to make competitive events changes
February 13, 2026:  State-only chapter events submission deadline via Blue Panda, by 11:59 pm

State Leadership Conference 2026
December 15, 2025:  SLC registration/lodging opens via Blue Panda, 8:00 am
December 19, 2025:  Business Plan, Digital Animation, and Digital Video Production upload deadline via Blue Panda, by 11:59 pm
December 19, 2025:  SLC state-only individual/team events registration deadline via Blue Panda, by 11:59 pm
December 31, 2025:  SLC Region Membership Incentives calculations (Plans A, B, C, D) (based on membership in FBLA Connect)

January 13, 2026:  SLC Qualifying Presentations via Zoom:  (1)  Digital Video Production
January 14, 2026:  SLC Qualifying Presentations via Zoom:  (1)  Financial Statement Analysis, (2) Website Design
January 15, 2026:  SLC Qualifying Presentations via Zoom:  (1)  Public Service Announcement
January 20, 2026:  SLC Qualifying Presentations via Zoom:  (1)  Supply Chain Management
January 21, 2026:  SLC Qualifying Presentations via Zoom:  (1)  Business Plan
January 22, 2026:  SLC Qualifying Presentations via Zoom:  (1)  Computer Game & Simulation Programming, (2) Data Analysis
January 27, 2026:  SLC Qualifying Presentations via Zoom:  (1)  Digital Animation, (2) Website Coding & Programming
January 28, 2026:  SLC Qualifying Presentations via Zoom:  (1)  Coding & Programming, (2) Introduction to Programming
January 29, 2026:  SLC Qualifying Presentations via Zoom:  (1)  Career Portfolio, (2) Mobile Application Development

2025-2026 — PA FBLA Competitive Events Guidelines (will be published by mid September 2025 once information received from National FBLA)
2025-2026 — Competitive Events Eligibility Guidelines(will be published by mid September 2025 once information received from National FBLA)
2025-2026 — Who is Eligible to Attend the State Leadership Conference?
2025-2026 — RLC Events Planning Document for Use by Local Chapters
2025-2026 — Competitive Events Topics (will be published by mid September 2025 once information received from National FBLA)
2025-2026 — Competitive Events Descriptions (will be published by mid September 2025 once information received from National FBLA)

2024-2025 Competitive Events Zoom Preparation Sessions Conducted by Derek Selleck, PA FBLA Competitive Events Coordinator
click the link for a recording of the Zoom session

  1. Objective Tests
  2. Business & Financial Systems / Business Management / Entrepreneurship / Help Desk / Hospitality & Event Management / International Business / Introduction to Event Planning / Marketing / Sports & Entertainment Management
  3. Digital Animation / Digital Video Production
  4. Computer Applications / Spreadsheet Applications / Word Processing
  5. Parliamentary Procedure
  6. Electronic Career Portfolio
  7. Data Analysis / Financial Statement Analysis
  8. Future Business Educator
  9. Coding & Programming / Introduction to Programming / Mobile Application Development / Computer Game & Simulation Programming
  10. Website Design / Website Coding & Development
  11. Business Plan
  12. Broadcast Journalism
  13. Business Ethics
  14. Client Service
  15. Impromptu Speaking
  16. Network Design / Management Information Systems
  17. Public Service Announcement
  18. Sales Presentation
  19. Introduction to Business Presentation
  20. Introduction to Social Media Strategy/Social Media Strategies
  21. Introduction to Public Speaking/Public Speaking
  22. Future Business Leader
  23. Job Interview
  24. Chapter Events (American Enterprise, Community Service, Local Chapter Annual Business Report, Partnership with Business)
  25. Graphic Design/Visual Design

Common Question:  How many competitive events may a student compete in?
Students may compete in one competitive event only.  The student may choose one of the RLC objective tests, performance events, or production tests OR one state-only individual/team competitive event, but not both. 

Chapter events are just that — chapter events.  Working on a chapter project on behalf of the chapter does not prevent a student from competing in one of the other competitive events.  A chapter event is created on behalf of the chapter, not an individual or team of students.  A chapter only identifies the students associated with a chapter event at the time the project is submitted at the February 13, 2026, deadline.  Otherwise, the student should plan to — and may — compete in another competitive event.

Common Question:  Are they event preparation resources for the competitive events?

  • National FBLA has resources available on FBLA Connect for preparation access.  Click this link to access the resources.  A login to FBLA Connect will be required.  In this area will be sample test questions and sample role plays.
  • Derek Selleck, Competitive Events Coordinator, will be conducting a competitive events “boot camp” at the State Leadership Workshop.  For advisers and students attending the SLW, there will be a series of sessions on Sunday and Monday, November 02-03.  Derek Selleck will share suggestions for event preparation and insight from judges during these boot camp sessions.
  • Derek Selleck, Competitive Events Coordinator, will also be offering a series of evening Zoom meetings to prepare students and advisers for the competitive events program in October.  A schedule of Zoom sessions will be sent by email.
  • From the printed competitive event guidelines, review:  (1) the online objective test competencies (that’s the content from which the test is written, (2) the performance event rating sheets (that’s how the judges will evaluate the performance)

Downloadable Documents

  1.  PA FBLA Competitive Events-at-a-Glance Flyer
  2.  Blue Panda RLC Registration Step-by-Step Instructions (all advisers are encouraged to have the instructions as your side as a guide)
  3.  RLC Asset Collection Procedures
  4.  Upload Videos to  YouTube as “Unlisted”
  5. RLC Planning Document for Chapters/Sign-up Form for Local Chapters

Blue Panda Login Credentials

  1.  Returning advisers — the credentials from 2024-2025 have remained the same.
  2.  New advisers — temporary login credentials were emailed to all new advisers.  The email included instructions how to set a permanent password.
  3. These credentials will be used for the following PA FBLA events:  (1) State Leadership Workshop, (2) Region Leadership Conference, (3) State Leadership Conference, and (4) National Leadership Conference.

How to Prepare Your Students for the RLC

  1.  Download and print this PA FBLA Competitive Events-at-a-Glance Flyer.  This provides an overview of all competitive events offered by PA FBLA.
  2. Download and print this RLC Planning Document.  This is the complete list of events that will be offered at your RLC (unless identified by your region adviser).
  3. Decide whether your students will participate in the regular RLC competitive events OR the state-only competitive events.
  4. Watch the recording of the recorded Zoom meeting for advisers and students on the RLC competitive events program overviews.  In the video, there are tips and tricks to help students prepare for their competitive event.  The following are links to the most recent Zoom meetings and slide presentations:
    1. State-Only Competitive Events Overview Zoom Recording, Date TBD
      —November xx slide deck
    2. RLC Competitive Events Overview Zoom Recording, Date TBD
      —November xx slide deck

Region Leadership Conference Policies

  1. Pennsylvania FBLA Competitive Events Guidelines (will be published by mid September 2025 once information received from National FBLA)
  2. Administration of Online Objective Tests:
    1. All Region Leadership Conference objective tests will be conducted at the home school under the direct supervision of school staff UNLESS the region chooses to administer the online objective tests on the day of the RLC. There will be NO objective testing conducted at a student’s home UNLESS the student is part of the Virtual/Cyber Region 29.
    2. Students in Pennsylvania RLC and SLC online competitive events ARE NOT permitted to take tests using open book, open notes, open web research.  Students in online objective tests are required to test under the direct supervision of school staff; students are not permitted to test at home.
    3. Students ARE NOT permitted to take any online objective test collaboratively in any event, effective with the 2022-2023 FBLA year, due to a change in guidelines announced by National FBLA.
      1. The scores of all team members will be averaged to determine the average team score in events in which there are teams.
      2. Any team member who does not sign in and take the test will be removed from the team and prevented from advancing in the competition.
  3. RLC Format:
    1. Each region, under the leadership of the region adviser, may determine how it wishes to administer its competitive events program: (1) totally in-person, (2) in a hybrid format with some in person and some virtual.   The PA FBLA Board of Directors has approved a resolution that there must be some “in person” component to each region’s RLC.
  4. Region Officers:
    1. According the PA FBLA policy, each region should elect a minimum of two region officers:  a region president and a region secretary.  All 25-26 outgoing region officers, as well as the incoming 26-27 region officers, are eligible to attend the state conference.  Regions have the choice to elect their region officers in person at their RLC or virtually.  The region adviser may contact the state office for assistance with the administration of a virtual region officer election.  New policy for 2024-2025 and beyon:  All region officers, which may include president/vice president/secretary/treasurer, are eligible to attend the State Leadership Conference — even if they are not eligible to attend the SLC in a competitive event.

  5. Policy Change Regarding Students Repeating in Competitive Events:

    1. Members may compete in an event at the NLC more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at the NLC.  If a member places in the top ten of an event at the NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.  This eliminates the exceptions for team events that were previously in place, as this change will now affect all events.  This change was announced by National FBLA and is effective with the 2022-2023 FBLA year.  For a list of Pennsylvania FBLA High School 9-12 winners, click here for a historical list of NLC winners.  Advisers should only be concerned with the following NLCs:  2025 (Anaheim), 2024 (Orlando), 2023 (Atlanta), 2022 (Chicago)
    2. For PA FBLA-related events, students may repeat in the same event as long as they have not placed in the top 10 at the NLC.  For team events, any and all students may repeat on the team as long as the students did not place in the top 10 at the NLC.  For example, a student may repeat in Business Lw each year of the four years a student may be a member UNLESS he/she placed in the top 10 at the NLC.  Once that student places in the top 10 at the NLC, that student or the members of a team may not compete in that event again.  The same policy change applies to any and all students in team events such as Entrepreneurship or Parliamentary Procedure, for example.  This policy change immediately replaces previous guidelines that permitted members of a team to repeat, even if they had placed in the top 10 at the NLC.
    3. Note:  This policy change does not apply to the four chapter events as a chapter may assign any students to present on behalf of a chapter.  A student may participate in one chapter event in multiple years – even if he/she placed in the top 10 at an NLC.  The four chapter events are:  (1) American Enterprise Project, (2) Community Service Project, (3) Local Chapter Annual Business Report, (4) Partnership with Business Project.

Reported RLC Dates by Region Advisers:

Region 01:

  1. Region Adviser:  Barbara Miller, Northwestern High School, bmiller@nwsd.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 02:

  1. Region Adviser:  Jeanne Pursel, Neshannock J/S High School, jpursel@ntsd.org | LeAnn Petro, Wilmington Area High School, petro@wasd.school
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 03:

  1. Region Adviser:  Adelle Dolney, Penns Manor High School, dolneyad@pennsmanor.org | Hannah Gnagey, Homer-Center High School, hgnagey@homercenter.org | Tyson Ellenberger, Marion Center High School, tellenberger@mcasd.net
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 04:

  1. Region Adviser:  Janet Skiles, Retired Educator, jskiles@pafbla.us
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 05:

  1. Region Adviser:  Matthew Claar, Claysburg-Kimmel High School, mclaar@cksdbulldogs.com | Bonnie Makin Forest Hills High School, bmakin@fhrangers.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 06:

  1. Region Adviser:  Lena Showers-Lewis, Littlestown High School, lewisl@lasd.k12.pa.us
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 07:

  1. Region Adviser:  Ann Kieser, North-Penn Mansfield High School, akieser@southerntioga.org | Jen Kimball, Montoursville Area High School, jkimball@montoursville.k12.pa.us
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 08:

  1. Region Adviser:  Kelly Ackerman, Conrad Weiser High School, k_ackerman@conradweiser.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 09:

  1. Region Adviser:  Stephanie Shrake, Avon Grove High School, sshrake@avongrove.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 10:

  1. Region Adviser:  Roxanne Delon, Central Valley High School, rdelon@centralvalleysd.net
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 11:

  1. Region Adviser:  Anthony Kobus, Penn Hills High School, akobus@phsd.k12.pa.us
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 12:

  1. Region Adviser:  Janice Farley, William Tennent High School, farlja@centennialsd.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 13:

  1. Region Adviser:  Vacant
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 14:

  1. Region Adviser:  Vacant
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 15:

  1. Region Adviser:  Amy Sullivan, Cedar Crest High School, asullivan@clsd.k12.pa.us | Michelle Sweigert, Central Dauphin High School, msweigert@cdschools.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 16

  1. Region Adviser:  Lisa Joyce, Pittston Area High School, lisa.joyce@pittstonarea.com | David Joyce, Wilkes-Barre Area CTC, djoyce@wbactc.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 17:

  1. Region Adviser:  Melissa McDonald, Chestnut Ridge High School, mmcdonald@crlions.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 18:

  1. Region Adviser:  Kristi Ryland, Cocalico High School, kryland@cocalico.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 19:

  1. Region Adviser:  Vacant
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 20:

  1. Region Adviser:  Jessica Sundling, Upper Dublin High School, udhsfbla@udsd.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 21:

  1. Region Adviser:  Jennifer Danzeisen, Palmerton Area High School, jdanzeisen@palmerton.org | Kerry Palumbo, Palmerton Area High School, kpalumbo@palmerton.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 22:

  1. Region Adviser:  Melissa Monte, Wallenpaupack Area High School, monteme@wallenpaupack.org | Audrey Dennis, Delaware Valley High School, dennisa@dvsd.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 23:

  1. Region Adviser:  Dan Frake, Selinsgrove Area High School, dfrake@seal-pa.org | Renee Hughes, Pine Grove Area High School, rhughes@pgasd.com
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 24:

  1. Region Adviser:  John Good, Peters Township High School, goodj@pt-sd.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 25:

  1. Region Adviser:  Mike Gardner, Franklin Learning Center, migardner@philasd.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 26:

  1. Region Adviser:  Vacant
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 27:

  1. Region Adviser:  Kathy McHenry, Mountain View J/S High School, kmchenry@mvsd.net
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 28:

  1. Region Adviser:  Beverly Klein, Easton Area High School, kleinb@eastonsd.org | Joe Peregrin, Lehigh CTI, peregrinj@lcti.org
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Region 29:

  1. Region Adviser:  Jake Sarwar, PA FBLA Virtual Chapter, jsarwar@pafbla.us
  2. RLC Date:  TBD
  3. RLC Registration Deadline:  TBD
  4. RLC Online Objective Tests Administration Window:  TBD
  5. RLC Production Tests Administration Window: TBD
  6. RLC Location:  TBD

Join the PA FBLA Virtual Chapter // High School or Middle School Chapters!

Posted on July 23, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

The Pennsylvania FBLA Virtual Chapter offers two opportunities for members without active FBLA chapters at their schools to participate in our programs.

For students in Grades 9-12, students may complete the following online membership application to be a part of the PA FBLA Virtual Chapter–HS (high school level).  Complete the HS (grades 9-12) Virtual Chapter Application here.

  • Once the application is submitted and received by the state office, an invoice will be sent to the student AND parent for dues payment.
  • Complete this membership application ONLY if you meet the following requirements:
    • Your school does not have an active FBLA chapter, AND
    • You are:  (1) in grades 9-12, AND (2) home schooled, OR (3) enrolled in a cyber charter school, OR (4) enrolled in a brick-and-mortar charter school.
      • If you are enrolled in your own school system’s cyber program and your high school has an active FBLA chapter, you need to be a member of your school system’s FBLA chapter.
    • You are enrolled in/taking a business or business-related class, which could include classes such as English/language arts, social studies, math, etc.

For students in Grades 5-8, students may complete the following online membership application to be a part of the PA FBLA Virtual Chapter–MS (middle school level).  Complete the MS (grades 5-8) Virtual Chapter Application here.

Fast Facts About the Virtual Chapter:
High School Dues:  $16 total ($6 state, $10 national)
Middle School Dues:  $13 total ($3 state, $10 national)
Dues are paid to the PA FBLA state office.  Once dues are received, membership will be uploaded to the National FBLA office.

National FBLA High School Division Resources:

National FBLA Middle School Division Resources:

Tomorrow’s Business Leader (national magazine/digital editions)

For more information about the Virtual Chapter, feel free to reach out to Mr. Jake Sarwar, PA FBLA Virtual Chapter Coordinator, jsarwar@pafbla.us.

Become a Part of PA FBLA Middle School This Year

Posted on July 23, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

Welcome to the Pennsylvania FBLA Middle School Information Center.
Membership is open to students in Grades 5-8.

For information, please contact:
Michele Sites, PA FBLA Middle School Coordinator
msites@pafbla.us

Organizing a Middle School Chapter

PA FBLA Middle School Important Dates

PA FBLA Middle School Outstanding Chapter Criteria

PA FBLA Middle School Competitive Events

  • PA FBLA Middle School Competitive Events/Policy Handbook
  • PA FBLA Middle School Competitive Events Brochure

National “FBLA Connect” Membership System Resource Area

Posted on July 23, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

FBLA Connect Resource Files
Type of Resource Materials:

FBLA Connect Training Videos Created by National FBLA

  1.  Adding Unpaid Members to Your Chapter’s Membership (video, 7.0 minutes) (advisers strongly encouraged to watch/excellent refresher)
    1. Learn how to use the “self-registration” form for new (never before) FBLA members.
      1. Previous members need to be added “manually” as their records already exist.
  2. Purchasing Membership and Paying by Check or Credit Card/Generating an Invoice (Once All Unpaid Members Are Listed in the Unpaid Student Column) (vide0, 7.5 minutes) (excellent refresher)
    1. IMPORTANT:  entering members doesn’t mean they have membership benefits access or are imported into Blue Panda.  Advisers needs to choose one of the three payment options:  (1) payment will be coming by check; (2) payment made by credit card, or (3) purchase order upload.
      1. Caution:  Do not generate a invoice for each member unless you want to submit multiple invoices to be paid by the school system.
      2. Suggestion:  Transition multiple students from the unpaid (left column) to the “pending/paid” column and then generate an invoice for payment.
      3. Remember:  Members may be entered into FBLA Connect multiple times per year and paid multiple times during the year.  The critical deadline for your chapter:  members must be in the system by the time your RLC registration closes in order to participate in the RLC competitive events.  You can pay immediately by credit card; students are immediately marked paid.  You can can pay “by check” with 60 days to get the check to National FBLA
        1. NEW FOR 2025-2026:  Any members added January 1 or later will not have a 60-day grace period to send a check to National FBLA and be marked as pending with full membership rights.  Starting January 1, a student will no longer have membership benefits/rights until the payment has been received by National FBLA.  Translation:  after January 1, a student will no longer be imported into Blue Panda until the student is marked paid by National FBLA.
          1. Implication:  If you are entering students into FBLA Connect to meet an RLC deadline that may not occur until after December 31, you will need to pay by credit card in order for students to be imported into Blue Panda to be registered for competitive events.
          2. There is no convenience fee for paying by credit card with National FBLA.
  3. Membership Benefits (Once Students are in FBLA Connect and are “Pending” or “Paid”) (video, 2.25 minutes)
    1. Watch this video is you want to monitor student progress in the Business Achievement Award Courses, among other items.
  4. Important Tools for Advisers Once Members are “Pending” or “Paid” (video, 11.75 minutes) (excellent video for advisers)
    1. Great video to learn how to use:
      1. Your chapter’s dashboard
      2. Your chapter events calendar with access to the state and national calendars
      3. Your chapters FBLA Connect “internal” mailing system
      4. FBLA Connect “forms” and how to apply privileges based on a member’s status
      5. “Announcements”
      6. Creating “folders” with your chapter downloadable documents
      7. “Courses” to monitor student progress on their participation on the Business Achievement Awards (BAAs)
      8. “Minutes” to post meeting minutes and opt to share
  5. Getting Help/how to open tickets (video, 1.25 minutes) (instructions how to open tickets with National FBLA)
    1. Advisers have the option to reach out to Bruce Boncal for support, 570.279.6998.  Bruce cannot help with invoice issues!
    2. FYI:  National FBLA tickets may not be answered immediately.
  6. Comprehensive FBLA Connect Orientation From August 2023’s Launch (video, 1 hour, 40 minutes) 

FBLA Connect Print Materials

  1. FBLA Connect Glossary
  2. FBLA Connect:  Adding Members/Paying Dues
  3. FBLA Connect:  Setting Up Your Chapter
  4. FBLA Connect:  Exporting Members
  5. FBLA Connect:  Form to Charter a New or Reactivate an Inactive Chapter

FBLA Help Center (FAQs on various FBLA areas)

  1. To create an FBLA ticket:  https://zendesk.fbla.org
  2. Topic areas also related to FBLA Connect:
    1. Membership
      1. How to Merge Open Invoices
      2. How to Remove a Graduation Cap from a Student
      3. How to Move Middle School Students to a High School Chapter
      4. Four Ways to Add New Members
      5. Create an Invoice (by transitioning members)
      6. Pay for Membership by Credit Card
      7. Pay for Membership by Check
      8. How to Graduate Students from the Unpaid List
      9. How to Create Membership Reports
      10. A Student with the Wrong Membership Status
      11. Duplicate Students on the Chapter’s Roster
      12. Adding Large Numbers of Students via Import
      13. I need a National FBLA W-9 Form for My School System to Pay Dues
  3. Topics Related to FBLA Programs:
    1. Business Achievement Awards (high school)
      1. Overview of the BAAs — video
      2. Printing BAA Certificates
    2. LEAD Awards (middle school)
      1. Overview of LEAD Awards (middle school)
      2. Printing LEAD Award Certificates
  4. FBLA Connect for Students:
    1. Completing a Module
    2. Completed Awards
    3. FBLA Connect Programs Grace Period
    4. Accessing Programs in the Learning Center
    5. My membership is paid, but I still cannot access programs.  What to do?

Big 33 Community Service Information

Posted on July 23, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

THE BIG 33 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
The Goal:  33,000 Community Service Hours Each Year

Community service is one of the core goals of FBLA, and it should be a focus of all chapters and all members.  PA FBLA’s Big 33 program is designed to recognize chapters and members for the volunteer hours they have committed in school and in the community.

Guidelines

01.  Community service hours are to be recorded and claimed monthly.
02.  Only hours for which the volunteer is unpaid may be claimed.
03.  Volunteer hours may be claimed for service performed in the schools and in the community.
04.  The maximum number of hours able to be claimed in one day is 24. No longer will generic items such as “Summer of 2022” be acceptable.
05.  All hours must be recorded monthly on the online form found at one of the links shown below:

Levels of Chapter Recognition
There are two levels of recognition that will be available:
01.  Certificates will be presented to the Top 10 chapters with the most community service hours during the business session at the State Leadership Conference.
02.  Each member attending the SLC from a chapter that participated in the Big 33 Project with receive a “Big 33 Chapter” ribbon.

Levels of Member Recognition
PA FBLA will recognize all members who complete at least three hours of community service during the period of March 1 through February 20.  The recognition members receive will be:
01.  All participating members will be awarded a certificate of recognition and a letter of commendation.
02.  Members who achieve top 10 status will be recognized at the Business Session at the State Leadership Conference, but it will not automatically entitle a member to qualify to attend the State Leadership Conference.
03.  Participants attending the State Leadership Conference will receive a special Big 33 “individual” ribbon to wear on the name badge.

EXAMPLES OF ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

The following are examples of community service that would be acceptable to claim as part of the Big 33 Club.  Hours may be claimed for both FBLA and non-FBLA related activities.  Examples:  members may claim community service hours performed while members of organizations such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Student Council, Key Club, church youth groups, etc.

Community service hours are unpaid activities—time given freely of one’s own will and not because the member is required to do so.  Community service is designed to improve the quality of life for community residents or schools.  Community service can occur in such fields as health care, child care, literacy training, education (including tutorial services), welfare, social services, transportation, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, crime prevention and control, recreation, rural development, and community improvement.

This list is not all-inclusive.  These are examples only.

Church-related Activities

  1. participating in a dunking booth for a church
  2. working as a meal volunteer for senior citizens
  3. babysitting during church services (unpaid)
  4. serving as a Sunday School teacher/assistant
  5. providing rides to services for those without vehicles
  6. participated in a Bowl-a-Thon for a cause
  7. Easter Egg hunts
  8. altar server/acolyte
  9. church lector
  10. vacation Bible school volunteer
  11. mission trips

Community-based Activities

  1. working as an auction volunteer for a community-service organization such as Lions, Lioness, Ducks Unlimited.
  2. working as a blood drive volunteer at a Red Cross Bloodmobile
  3. participating in a Relay for Life activity
  4. serving as a volunteer at the local hospital
  5. serving as a Big Brother/Big Sister
  6. becoming Red Cross safety certified
  7. participating in a March of Dimes activity
  8. Christmas caroling at the senior citizen home
  9. adopt-a-highway clean-up days
  10. serving as an EMT/volunteer fireman
  11. bell ringer for Salvation Army
  12. coaching Little League/other unpaid activities
  13. any FBLA/school activity that ultimately benefits outside groups such as Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity
  14. public library volunteer
  15. counting coins for disaster relief
  16. telephone operator for a telethon

School Activities

  1. open house volunteer
  2. working at a FBLA or school-group concession stand
  3. gathering and sorting items for a food drive
  4. working at a elementary school fair or book fair
  5. working at a Basket Bingo to raise funds for a charitable organization
  6. serving as a math, science, English, etc., tutor
  7. guiding freshmen tours
  8. volunteering at a school-based sports tournament
  9. reading to elementary students on Dr. Seuss days
  10. gift wrapping for need families
  11. working at the school store (unpaid)
  12. served as volunteer assisting teachers with clerical-related activities (unpaid)
  13. assisting/participating in the school play/musical
  14. lab assistant
  15. pit orchestra
  16. school announcements
  17. assisting with kindergarten orientation
  18. collecting recyclable materials
  19. tech team member
  20. volunteer clerical activities

Miscellaneous Activities

  1. stuffing envelopes for a school-based or community organization
  2. assisting senior citizens with painting house, cleaning yards, clearing snow
  3. collected coins at local banks for a charitable organization
  4. collected Toys for Tots

Workplace Activities

  1. volunteering to work in an office (unpaid)
  2. babysitting (unpaid)
  3. summer camp counselor (unpaid)
  4. volunteer clerical activities

Penn Pal Information/25-26 Timelines

Posted on July 23, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

2025-2026 PENN PAL
Chapter News Submission Form Link

Welcome back to another FBLA year! Once again, Pennsylvania FBLA will be publishing our Bimonthly newsletter, the Penn Pal.

The Penn Pal gives members and chapters the opportunity to share articles and pictures about the amazing things they have done for and through PA FBLA.

Important Submission & Penn Pal Publication Dates

Article submissions should be no less than 150 words; should focus on chapter activities (excluding participation at state workshops & conferences, as the state officers will write articles about these); and answer the following questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why/How, and How chapter was impacted.

With each submission, chapter news will also be highlighted on our social media accounts:

Chapters can also receive points towards Outstanding Chapter and members can receive points towards the Keystone Leadership Award.

2025 NLC Information & Updates

Posted on January 4, 2025
Written by Bruce Boncal

NLC Alerts for Pennsylvania FBLA Travelers Attending the National Leadership Conference

Competitor Help Session Recordings

NLC Alert #01:  Travel Information
NLC Alert #02:  4 Weeks to Departure/What You Can Expect

  • NLC Alert #02a:  Specific Information Targeted to Those Traveling on the San Diego Educational Excursion (details for this event will not be posted here)
  • NLC Alert #02b:  Specific Information Targeted to Those Going to the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Game (details for this event will not be posted here)
  • NLC Alert #02c:  Specific Information Targeted to Those Scheduled for the Whale Watching Excursion (details for this event will not be posted here)
  • NLC Alert #02d:  Specific Information Targeted to Those Scheduled for the Surf City/Huntingdon Beach Excursion (details for this event will not be posted here)

NLC Alert #03:  Important Information for ALL, but IMPORTANT Information for Advisers & Parents/Chaperones/Guest Attending the FBLA NLC
NLC Alert #04:  Individual High School and Middle School Performance and Objective Test Times

NLC Alert #05:  Pennsylvania FBLA NLC Alerts Published in NLC Section of the Website
NLC Alert #06:  Nearly All NLC Registration Paid on Time / PA FBLA Conference HQ and State Meeting Information
NLC Alert #07:  National FBLA Update on LA Protests and Travel to the NLC

NLC Alert #08:  National FBLA Update:  NLC Orientation Recording / Download the Attendee Guide
NLC Alert #09:  Review the NLC Orientation Video and Attendee Guide
NLC Alert #10:  Official NLC Dress Code

NLC Alert #11:  Hotel Confirmations and a PA FBLA “Know Before You Go”
NLC Alert #12:  Cash Accepted vs. Cashless Venues

Pennsylvania FBLA Blue Panda for NLC lodging and a la care items is now open as of 12:01 am, April 17.
National FBLA Blue Panda is open for NLC registration and placement in competitive events.

PA FBLA National Leadership Conference Travel Package with Pricing

2025 National Leadership Conference Orientation PowerPoint, April 16, 2025
2025 National Leadership Conference Zoom Recording, April 16, 2025
>>>Passcode:  9+&i&Kur

Click this link for a school/parent to request an invoice to pay by credit card (3.5% convenience fee applies)

All PA FBLA payments are mailed to:                       All National FBLA payments are mailed to:
PA FBLA                                                                                    FBLA, Inc.
PO Box 5085                                                                             PO Box 79063
Jersey Shore, PA 17740                                                          Baltimore, MD 21279
PA FBLA W-9                                                                        National FBLA W-9

Advisers/Parents/Chaperones, please complete this Summer Mailing Address Contact Form for items that need to be mailed prior to the NLC.

Information will be published as it is released by National FBLA.
click here to be redirected to National FBLA’s NLC page

2025 National Leadership Conference
Anaheim, California — Anaheim Convention Center
June 29-July 02 (does not include travel dates to and from Anaheim)
1.  TENTATIVE conference schedule
2.  TENTATIVE high school competitive events schedule
3.  TENTATIVE middle school competitive events schedule
The schedules listed above are subject to change and should not be considered final for travel purposes.  Final schedules will be announced in mid to late May after National FBLA reviews the number of competitors in each event.

Pennsylvania FBLA assigned lodging location (as announced by National FBLA):
Lodging is available for check-in beginning Friday, June 27; check-out is scheduled for July 03 (must include two nights’ lodging during that range) ; all lodging reservations MUST be made through Pennsylvania FBLA.  Budgeting rate:  $315 per night per room; 1-4 per room; taxes/fees included.  Lodging is NOT available prior to June 27.

Anaheim Marriott
700 West Convention Way
Anaheim, CA 92802

Important Dates and Responsibilities:
April 15, 2025:  NLC scholarship deadline for high school students and/or scholarship deadline for middle school students (apply for $695 in National FBLA grants) (responsibility:  student)
April 30, 2025:  $200 per traveler deposit paid to PA FBLA  (must be received by that date) (responsibility:  adviser/school and/or parent)
May 10, 2025:  balance due on PA FBLA package paid to PA FBLA (must be received by that day) (responsibility:  adviser/school and/or parent)
***PA FBLA must make final lodging arrangements/commitments no later than May 13, 2025.  Preliminary lodging holds are made based on the $200 per deposit (first come, first served); final lodging commitments are made based on full payments received by May 10.
May 13, 2025:  adviser must register all NLC conference participants and place them in National FBLA’s Blue Panda no later than this date; pre-judged assets must be uploaded no later than that date:  (1) American Enterprise Project (report), (2) Business Ethics (one-page executive summary), Business Plan (report), (3) Community Service Project (report), (4) Digital Animation (video url), (5) Digital Video Production (video url), (6) Future Business Educator (lesson plan pdf), (7) Future Business Leader (cover and resume pdf), (8) Job Interview (cover and resume pdf), (9) Local Chapter Annual Business Report (report), (10) Partnership with Business Project (report) (responsibility:  adviser).  Only the adviser can register competitors and upload these assets.
June 01, 2025:  NLC registration fees paid to National FBLA (postmark date; otherwise, there is be a $25 administration (late) fee if payment does not arrive by June 12).  Parents are not able to directly pay National FBLA by credit card. (responsibility:  adviser/school and/or parent)

Who’s eligible to attend?
Follow these guidelines regarding eligibility to compete and attend the 2025 National Leadership Conference:

  • The Top 4 high school award winners automatically qualify to compete in the official high school competitive events
  • The Top 4 middle school award winners automatically qualify to complete in the official middle school competitive events
  • If a chapter’s Top 4 qualifier is not eligible to participate, chapter advisers need to contact the following:
    • high school competitive events:  Bruce Boncal, PA FBLA Executive Director, bboncal@pafbla.us
    • middle school competitive events:  Michele Sites, PA FBLA Middle School Coordinator, msites@pafbla.us
      • Offers to participate will be made to the 5th- through the 10th place winners should any in the Top 4 not be able to participate.
  • For questions regarding high school scores and judging ratings from the State Leadership Conference and Middle School program scores and judging, contact:
    • Derek Selleck, PA FBLA Competitive Events Coordinator, dselleck@pafbla.us (high school program)
    • Michele Sites, PA FBLA Middle School Coordinator, msites@pafbla.us (middle school program)

Family members are welcome to attend the NLC and travel as part of the PA FBLA package.  If an adviser cannot attend the conference, a parent may serve as the student member’s chaperone.

FAQs (answers to your likely questions):

  1. If my student is on a team of 1-3 students that placed at the state conference and one or more drop out, can my single student complete?  Answer:  yes, your single student may compete as the event can be 1-3 students (or 4-5 students in the case of Parliamentary Procedure).
  2. Are the competitive events guidelines the same for the national conference as the state conference?  Answer:  no, you should be referring to the National FBLA guidelines for the national conference.  Although the guidelines might be similar, there are definitely some differences.  Click here for the high school competitive guidelines and/or the middle school competitive events guidelines.
  3. Are the production tests administered at my home schools as they have been in prior years?  Answer, no.  Computer Applications, Exploring Computer Applications (middle school), Spreadsheet Applications, and Word Processing will be administered onsite in Anaheim this year.  Nothing will be administered at the home school.
  4. May I make changes to the items I submit for NLC pre-judging that were submitted at the national conference?  Answer, yes. Competitors are strongly advised to review the SLC judges’ scoring sheets and feedback and make improvements, if appropriate.  The deadline for submission is May 13.
  5. Do advisers need to inform the state office if my competitor will not attend?  Answer, yes.  Please contact Bruce Boncal, PA FBLA Executive Director, bboncal@pafbla.us, for high school students not able to attend OR Michele Sites, PA FBLA Middle School Coordinator, msites@pafbla.us, for middle school students not able to attend.  Please notify us as soon as possible so that offers can be made to the next eligible competitor.
  6. Am I able to see my objective test scores and rating sheets for my events from the region conference and the state conference?  Answer, yes.  Advisers only must sign on to Blue Panda to download the scores and rating sheets.
  7. Can substitutions be made if a student cannot participate at the national conference?  Answer, no.  If a student did not compete at the state level and qualify for the state conference, he/she may not be substituted to participate at the national conference.
  8. Can an adviser/chaperone from one school serve as a chaperone for a student from another school?  Answer, yes.  Written agreements should be made between the school administrations of both schools.  Because a school’s adviser must enter an adviser/chaperone name for his/her school and another school’s adviser/chaperone is taking responsibility  for his/her students, the adviser will need to email nlc@fbla.org to make sure the chaperone is assigned to both chapters (only one registration fee will be charged).
  9. Can I submit accommodations for a student for his/her competitive event based on his/her IEP/504 or medical issues?  Answer, yes.  Requests for accommodations are made through the National FBLA Blue Panda Special Needs Provision for an individual attendee.  All accommodations must be submitted by the May 13, 2025, registration deadline.
  10. Do students need to bring their own laptops/tablets to complete their objective tests in Anaheim?  Answer, yes.  Students are to bring their own electronic devices.  Phones are not compatible with the testing systems.  Windows devices, Apple devices, Chromebooks — all are acceptable.  However, if the device is a school-issued device, the adviser and competitor should work with the school system’s technology staff to make sure security policies do not impede the ability to connect to WiFi outside the school system or access to Blue Panda.
National FBLA NLC Policies:    
  • Pennsylvania will publish a travel package prior to the State Leadership Conference.  There will be the following options:
    • Plan A:  6- or 7-night package — all-inclusive package (excluding airfare), which includes lodging, tours, transfers, and more.  Plan A will include a full-day excursion to San Diego on Saturday, June 28, which will include the San Diego Zoo, hop on/hop off San Diego city trolley tour access, Old Towne San Diego
    • Plan B:  5-night package — includes lodging and possible transfers (depending on travel dates) and option to purchase a la carte items
    • Plan C:  a la carte package with minimum purchase of two-nights’ lodging at the required Pennsylvania FBLA assigned hotel
      • Each traveler incurs a mandatory $40 travel service fee for services provided by Pennsylvania FBLA pre-conference, at the conference, and post-conference
      • Each student must be chaperoned by an adult in compliance with National FBLA’s chaperone policy
  • All lodging reservations must be made through Pennsylvania FBLA.
  • Attendees must schedule a minimum of two-nights’ lodging at Pennsylvania FBLA’s assigned hotel (not known at this time).
  • Chapters/travelers make their own air travel reservations to and from Anaheim.
  • Pennsylvania FBLA is tentatively planning that there will be transfers to and from two Anaheim area airports only with reservations through PA FBLA.  The closest airport is John Wayne Airport/Orange County (SNA); the other location is Los Angeles International (LAX).
  • Domestic airlines serving John Wayne Airport:  (1) Alaska Airlines, (2) Allegiant Airlines, (3) American Airlines, (4) Breeze Airways, (5) Delta Airlines, (6) Frontier Airlines, (7) Southwest Airlines, (8) Spirit Airlines, (9) United Airlines.    Most air travel from Pennsylvania will require connecting flights into John Wayne Airport.  The only direct flight from Pennsylvania is Breeze Airways from Pittsburgh; the other closest airport with direct flights to John Wayne Airport is United Airlines from Newark, New Jersey. 
  • American Airlines offers direct flights from the following locations to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):  (1) Pittsburgh, (2) Philadelphia.  United Airlines offers non-stop flights to LAX from:  (1) Washington Dulles, (2) Baltimore, (3) Newark.  Southwest Airlines offers non-stop flights to LAX from:  (1) Baltimore. 

Projected costs for planning are found below.  Actual costs will be unveiled at a Zoom meeting on Wednesday night, April 16, starting at 8:00 pm.   Invitations to the Zoom meeting will be issued next week.

Known costs:
Registration fees:  $195 per FBLA member / $125 per FBLA adviser or adult chaperone

Plan A (complete package)
6-nights’ lodging		 Plan B (lodging + a la carte)
5 nights’ lodging		 Plan C (lodging + a la carte)
customize your package
Published Single Rate: $2,304 per person $1,705 per person $315 x # of nights + $40 per person service fee + a la carte items
Published Double Rate: $1,359 per person $918 per person $315 x # of nights divided by two + $40 per person service fee + a la carte items
Published Triple Rate: $1,044 per person $655 per person $315 x # of nights divided by three + $40 per person service fee + a la carte items
Published Quad Rate: $887 per person $524 per person $315 x # of nights divided by four + $40 per person service fee + a la carte items
does not include: airfare
registration fee		 airfare
registration fee		 airfare
registration fee
includes: 6-nights lodging, starting 6/27
airport meet & greet, 6/27
airport transfers, 6/27 & 7/3
travel service fee (swag bag, trading pin, baggage tags, pre- & post-conference services)
San Diego education program, 6/27		 5-nights lodging, starting 6/28
airport meet & greet, 6/28
airport transfers, 6/28 & 7/3
travel service fee (swag bag, trading pin, baggage tags, pre- & post-conference services)		 minimum 2 nights lodging
travel service fee (swag bag, trading pin, baggage tags, pre- & post-conference services)
a la carte options: NLC polo shirt, $25
Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game
Discounted Disneyland tickets
Knotts Berry Farm		 NLC polo shirt, $25
Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game
Discounted Disneyland tickets
Knotts Berry Farm		 NLC polo shirt, $25
Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game
Discounted Disneyland tickets
Knotts Berry Farm
       

READ ID Requirements
Air travelers 18 years of age and older must be REAL ID compliant starting May 7, 2025, to board domestic flights.  From the Department of Homeland Security page on REAL ID:  “Travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025″ will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.”  “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.”  Refer to the Department of Homeland Security page on READ ID FAQs for additional information.  A passport is an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID license.  More information on alternatives published by DHS can be found here.