Lehighton Area School District’s board of directors will vote later this month on providing $4,500 to help send 29 Future Business Leaders of America students to April’s state leadership conference in Hershey.

The district contribution would reduce the cost to $150 per student for three nights in Hershey and conference registration.

“The registration alone for the competition is $130, so they’re spending three nights in Hershey for $20,” FBLA advisor Kevin Koch said. “I think that’s a pretty good deal.”

Registration is due Feb. 20, after which a late fee would be incurred. Koch said he would contact the state director about sending a partial payment before the deadline as Lehighton’s next voting meeting falls three days after the deadline.

Lehighton’s policy, revised in 2025, states the district will cover 100% of travel-related expenses to statewide competitions up to $4,500.

Students raised money through two bingo nights in December and earlier this month, a field day and Krispy Kreme donut sales. Another donut sale is planned.

“We have about $2,000 in our account that can be used,” Koch said. “We had a bingo in December, as well as a bingo just two days ago, where there’s another $1,500.”

A donut sale is also planned to defray further cost.

Board members praised students Monday night for starting fundraising earlier this year after directors encouraged that approach last year.

Jeremy Glaush, who raised concerns last year about late-starting fundraising, said he was pleased with the improvement.

“Two years ago when I was president, I had mentioned about fundraising,” Glaush said. “They only started fundraising in November that year. I had a problem with that, because from November to January, it’s two months and people are preparing for Christmas holidays.”

Glaush said he was glad the students started earlier this year.

“I’m very proud of each and every one of those children that are going to the FBLA competition,” he said.

Lehighton FBLA President Alex Sebelin said the organization develops leadership skills across multiple fields.

“We pride ourselves not just on being business leaders, but leaders in all sorts of spaces such as medical, technological and others,” he said. “We learn leadership values as well.”

Students ranging from 10th to 12th grade will compete in categories including marketing, hospitality and event management, journalism, business management, advertising, accounting, social media, sales presentation, economics, banking and financial systems, and visual business concepts.

Koch said some students have attended all four years of high school, and the district had national qualifiers last year.

“It’s definitely a legacy type of competition, and something that has been around for a long time,” Koch said.

The conference includes educational sessions on topics like entrepreneurship, starting a business and taxes.

“The sessions directly translate to college and workplace areas,” Koch said.

Students also benefit from networking opportunities with Pennsylvania universities.

Board President Alex Matika shared his experience as FBLA president 16 years ago.

“I had the opportunity to go to the state conference out in Hershey, and I recall this very invaluable experience,” he said. “I commend the students for rolling up their sleeves and fundraising.”