Lehighton Area School District’s Future Business Leaders of America organization is seeking additional district funding to help cover the increasing costs of participation in leadership conferences and competitions.

FBLA adviser Kevin Kotch, during a workshop last Monday, outlined the program’s achievements and its financial challenges. He noted that the group has grown from 19 members shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic to 60 members this year, with 32 students already qualified for the state competition and a possibility of eight more earning a trip to Hershey in April.

Kotch highlighted the program’s history of sending students to national competitions, a tradition that has continued for nearly a decade.

“Ever since I took over about 10 years ago, we’ve had national qualifiers come through, and some have done very well at the national level,” he said.

However, he emphasized that the cost of attending the state competition, which includes accommodations, meals and registration fees, is a significant financial hurdle.

“Last year, it was about $23,363 for 38 people, including students and advisers,” Kotch said.

Fundraising and financial gaps

Lehighton’s FBLA has engaged in several fundraising efforts, including a Krispy Kreme fundraiser and a semiformal dance, but these events have not raised enough to cover the full costs.

“Right now, we have about $4,500 in our account, and we’re looking at needing an estimated $14,000 more,” Kotch said.

He said that students are continuing to raise funds individually, but additional support from the district could make a significant difference.

The estimated cost for the state conference is $23,000, covering three nights’ accommodations, five meals and conference registration for 36 competing members and two advisers. A December Cash Bingo event raised approximately $2,500, and a January semiformal dance is expected to bring in another $1,500. A Krispy Kreme fundraiser scheduled for February aims to generate an additional $3,000, allowing individual students to reduce their expenses.

Even with those efforts, Kotch said, there will still be a shortfall, leaving a per-student cost of $380.

Kotch also mentioned that other districts in the region provide more substantial financial assistance to their FBLA programs. For example, Jim Thorpe Area allocated $20,000 for state competitions and additional funds for national qualifiers last year.

Board discussion and feedback

Board President Joy Beers acknowledged the importance of the program and proposed doubling the district’s traditional $3,500 contribution to $7,000.

“That would definitely move the needle,” Beers said.

Some board members suggested alternative approaches, including matching the group’s fundraising efforts or incorporating FBLA funding into the annual budget. Superintendent Jason Moser encouraged planning for long-term support.

“If this is something we want to support year after year, we need to plan for it during the budget process,” Moser said.

Lehighton’s state conference balance is due by Feb. 21. Community members or businesses interested in contributing are encouraged to contact the school’s FBLA chapter.

Palmerton FBLA

Palmerton FBLA members spoke Tuesday about their experiences, emphasizing how the organization has helped them develop business knowledge and leadership skills.

“In October, our officers attended the Regional Leadership Conference at East Stroudsburg University,” Sofia De Angelis, FBLA regional president and chapter vice president, said. “This was followed by the State Leadership Workshop in November at Kalahari, which included leadership training, networking opportunities and community service activities.”

Additionally, the chapter hosted a career panel in November, featuring local entrepreneurs like Opal Snyder from Opal’s on Fifth; Jeff Hager from Hager’s Furniture; Terri Trotter from Third Street Studio; Tina Smith Henninger from Wine and More on 1st; and Marissa Strohlein from Big Creek Vineyard.

“The panel gave our students valuable insights into entrepreneurship,” De Angelis said, “and it was inspiring to hear firsthand about the challenges and rewards of starting and running a business.”

Palmerton’s competitive spirit was evident during their participation in the Regional FBLA Competition, which took place in November and December.

“We are thrilled to announce that 68 of our members qualified for the state-level competition in Hershey in April,” said Hannah Diener, Palmerton FBLA treasurer. “This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students.”

To offset the $573 per-student cost of attending the state competition, the chapter has embarked on several fundraisers. They include Krispy Kreme sales, a Capriotti’s fundraiser, and a coffee bar at a local basket raffle.

“Every dollar raised goes directly into the individual accounts of participating students,” Diener said. “This ensures that those who actively contribute to fundraising efforts are rewarded for their hard work.”

The chapter’s fundraisers include a Capriotti’s sale starting Feb. 10 and a Krispy Kreme delivery on Feb. 6.

In February, the chapter will celebrate FBLA Week from the 9th to the 15th with a variety of events designed to engage students and promote the organization’s mission. “

Planned activities include a Dress for Success Day, a Spirit Day, Teacher Appreciation initiatives, and a community service project benefiting the American Red Cross, Nathan Marlatt, sophomore class representative, said.