Since 1940, the Future Business Leaders of America organization has been paving the way for business-savvy students all across the United States. With more than 250,000 members, it is one of the most connected and accredited scholastic institutions nationwide.

Fortunately, North Atlanta has its very own chapter, with almost 300 members, led by business teacher Lorraine Bowen. She has been the FBLA advisor for about five years.

Every year, the chapter and its members will participate in a diverse variety of FBLA activities, such as field trips that include rallies, conferences, and training workshops.

The chapter’s president, junior Carsen Miller, has a lot in store for the upcoming year. “We are shooting for five field trips this year, like tours of Coca-Cola and Google, as well as competition trips,” he said.

For the 2016-2017 school year, North Atlanta’s FBLA chapter goal is for exponential growth in membership and participation. One of its biggest difficulties is not membership, but active participation. “We’re aiming for at least 350 members this year,” said treasurer Cassipea Stith. “We need more freshmen involved to promote the club: quantity and quality.”

Stith encourages all students interested in business and leadership to join FBLA. “There’s a ton of fun. You get to go on educational field trips and network with new people,” she said. “You can get an overall better high school experience.”

Every year, more than 5,000 Georgia FBLA members visit a fairground in Perry, Georgia to rally together in unity for the next year of fun and education filled FBLA activities. “Ultimately, FBLA builds school spirit. Every student can come together and work on their personal and professional capabilities,” she said.

To join North Atlanta’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter, visit Bowen in Room 6141 for an application and to receive more information.

This year, a diverse and unprecedented amount of extracurricular activities have come to North Atlanta. In addition to in-school education, skills acquired from after school activities go hand in hand to building a student better prepared for life outside high school.