About California FBLA Collegiate

California FBLA Collegiate (formerly Phi Beta Lambda) is the official state organization for postsecondary students pursuing careers in business. Since 1947, we have been developing future leaders through competitions, leadership programs and community service. Today, with 400+ members across 20 chapters, we continue to empower students to achieve success in business and beyond.

Our History

  • 1947: California’s first Phi Beta Lambda chapter is chartered at Fullerton College.

  • 1950: Over 200 members attend our first State Leadership Conference; the first state officers are elected and a constitution is approved.

  • 1970s–1990s: Membership flourishes, then declines.

  • Early 2000s: The organization is revitalized new chapters are chartered and membership doubles under State President Danielle Tuason (née Tolentino).

  • 2004–2006: Eight new chapters form, and membership climbs to 350, the largest state membership in the Western Region.

  • 2009: Professionalism grows with the State Business Leadership Conference moving from campus to a hotel setting.

  • 2010s: PBL continues to grow in California breaking record numbers

  • 2019/20: PBL undergoes significant transformation due to COVID

  • 2020-2025: PBL is rebranded to FBLA Collegiate and regains membership and chapter charters

  • Today: We’re the second‑largest state nationally with over 400 members, continuing to provide leadership opportunities and expanding our programs statewide.

FBLA Collegiate Mission

FBLA Collegiate is the collegiate division of Future Business Leaders of America. With more than 12,000 members nationwide, FBLA Collegiate bridges business and education by creating leadership, career and networking opportunities for postsecondary students interested in business. Our motto: Service, Education, Progress, guides everything we do.

FBLA comprises four divisions: Middle Level, High School, Collegiate and Professional. Learn more about the national organization at fbla.org

Goals

Develop Leaders and Professionals:

  • Promote competent, assertive business leadership.

  • Strengthen students’ confidence and understanding of American business.

  • Facilitate the transition from school to work and assist in setting career goals.

Encourage Scholarship and Citizenship:

  • Encourage scholarship and school loyalty.

  • Develop character and foster patriotism.

  • Practice sound financial management and promote ethical business practices.

Support Innovation and Enterprise:

  • Encourage individual projects to improve home, business and community.

  • Create interest in entrepreneurship and economic progress.

Local Chapters

CAFBLA Collegiate chapters operate independently with locally elected officers and advisers, yet collaborate on statewide projects and conferences. Interested in joining or starting a chapter? Join us or contact us for more information.

Registered chapters as of July 2025:

Berkeley City College
California State University - Sacramento
California State University - San Bernardino
Canada College
Cerritos College
City College of San Francisco
College of the Canyons
De Anza College
Diablo Valley College
Evergreen Valley College
Foothill College
Irvine Valley College
Las Positas College
Los Medanos
Santa Monica College
University of California - Berkeley
University of California - Riverside
University of California - San Diego
Ventura College
Yeah Education

Get Involved

Whether you’re a student, educator, or industry professional, there’s a place for you in CAFBLA Collegiate. Join today, start a chapter, or partner with us to help develop California’s next generation of business leaders.