Saint Francis hosted the Region 5 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Conference on Jan. 24.
Approximately 300 high school students visited SFU’s campus and took part in the events of the day. These events included student presentations, business-related competitions, a student panel discussion and educational lectures on a wide variety of business topics.
“I like the connections that I have made through attending the workshops,” said Hollidaysburg senior Macy Boland, “and being able to grow my knowledge of the business world.”
The schools that competed at the conference included Altoona, Bishop Guilfoyle, Claysburg-Kimmel, Forest Hills, Hollidaysburg and Northern Bedford.
The winners at last week’s conference will move on to compete at the FBLA state competition in Hershey later this year.
“Collaborating with FBLA aligns with our commitment to nurture leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial skills,” said John Miko, Associate Dean of the Shields School of Business.
“It offers a dynamic platform where these young, aspiring business leaders can engage with real-world challenges, network with industry professionals, and develop the practical skills essential for their future success.”
During the student panel discussion, SFU sophomore Matthew Hall explained how attending the FBLA Conference when he was a student at Northern Bedford High School helped him make his college decision.
“Saint Francis wasn’t even on my radar until I came here my senior year of high school for the FBLA competition,” said the Business Analytics and Accounting double-major.
“After speaking with Dr. (Randy) Frye about attending school here, I knew it was a place I could succeed.”
