Eighteen high school and middle school students from Jim Thorpe Area School District represented Pennsylvania at Future Business Leaders of America Inc.’s National Leadership Conference. The event, held in Anaheim, California, from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 15,000 middle school and high school students, educators and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition and networking opportunities centered on business.

Nearly 11,000 students from more than 2,000 middle schools and high schools in 48 U.S. states competed in business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $120,000.

Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 120 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 260 colleges, universities and employers, including Alzheimer’s Association, BusinessU, CLA, Empowerly, FICO, Funds2Orgs, Jostens, Kendra Scott, Men’s Wearhouse, UWorld, MBA Research, National Retail Federation, National Technical Honor Society, PNC Bank Student Lending, TKS Worldwide and the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard.

Additionally, students heard from keynote speaker and FBLA alumna, Karissa Bodnar, founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare. Bodnar shared her journey from high school entrepreneur to leading a globally recognized beauty brand rooted in social impact. Her story inspired students to pursue their passions, embrace innovation and lead with purpose.

“Our students truly embraced all of the opportunities that were available to them at this year’s National Leadership Conference,” said Tonia Thompson, Jim Thorpe Area High School FBLA adviser. “From workshops, to keynote speakers, exhibitors, competitive events and so much more, the students were able to grow individually and as a team. I am looking forward to continued growth and success of the Jim Thorpe Area High School, LB Morris Middle School and Penn Kidder Campus Middle School FBLA chapters in the years to come.”

“This year’s National Leadership Conference showcased the remarkable talent and dedication of our student members,” said FBLA President and CEO Jennifer Woods. “From critical thinking and business management to finance, accounting and information technology, they demonstrated the essential skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce. These middle school and high school students leave Anaheim with not only well-earned recognition, but also new connections, greater confidence, and a clearer path toward their future careers.”

Future Business Leaders of America is a nonprofit education association with more than 200,000 members worldwide.