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Student Spotlight: FBLA Club 

Stories & Spotlights
Promotional banner for FBLA Spirit Day featuring logos of Pikes Peak Online School and Colorado Preparatory Academy, all powered by K12. The banner is in blue and gold, inviting participants to share their favorite thing about FBLA either in chat or on the mic.

Future Business Leaders of America Thrives at Pikes Peak Online School 

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter at Pikes Peak Online School is making waves, not only in competition but also in student growth and leadership. In just two years, this online school’s FBLA chapter has flourished under the guidance of Nikia Hunt, a dedicated educator with a background in business, marketing, and information technology.  

Today, the chapter boasts 17 students from Pikes Peak Online School and Colorado Preparatory Academy, two K12-powered online public schools in Colorado, each demonstrating remarkable ambition and a commitment to leadership, public speaking, and business smarts. 

A Chapter on the Rise 

In early February, FBLA students participated in district competitions, securing nine top ten finishes. One student instantly qualified for the state competition with a fourth-place finish in the social media competition, while another was later bumped up to compete at the state level. With five students currently invited to the state competition in April—and the possibility of more joining—students are eager for the chance to qualify for the national competition in California. 

The chapter’s success isn’t just measured in awards. Students have grown tremendously in their confidence and leadership abilities. Some who initially had no interest in public speaking now challenge themselves in competitions. Others have taken on leadership roles, including one student who started as an officer in the chapter and is now both chapter president and a state officer for Colorado FBLA. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

As an online school, students at Colorado Preparatory Academy and Pikes Peak Online School gain a unique perspective on virtual communication, a skill increasingly valuable in today’s digital age.  
They collaborate on projects, competitions, and community service initiatives, developing time management skills akin to those of a busy business owner. While most interactions happen online, students cherish in-person events such as business tours of Hammond’s Candy Factory and the Outlets at Castle Rock. A visit to Celestial Seasonings Tea is also in the works, giving students an inside look at real-world business operations. 

Group of eight people smiling for the camera in front of the "Hammond's Candies Since 1920" sign inside the store.

FBLA offers students a diverse range of competitions designed to refine their business skills. From social media strategies to public speaking, financial literacy, and marketing concepts, students are exposed to invaluable experiences that prepare them for various career paths. More information on the breadth of competition categories can be found here. 

Making an Impact 

Group of individuals participating in a community clean-up event, standing outdoors with trash bags and cleanup gear, in a park with trees and mountains in the background.

Beyond competitions, FBLA students are making a difference in their communities. They actively participate in Richard’s Rubbish Roundup, an initiative that encourages students to clean up their local communities in and around Colorado Springs. This community service endeavor sparked another impactful project—providing aid to the city’s unhoused population. Students assembled and distributed necessity bags filled with food and hygiene products, demonstrating their commitment to civic responsibility. 

The chapter has also taken leadership beyond high school. Some graduates have pursued collegiate FBLA chapters, inspired by their high school experiences. Others have launched personal projects, such as a student-run gourmet chocolate-covered strawberry business and a virtual social circle for online and homeschooled students. 

A Vision for the Future 

Nikia Hunt has witnessed immense growth from her students. “I’m so proud of these students and all of the work they’re doing,” she said. With a background in both business and education, she recognized the desire among her students for a program like FBLA and worked diligently to establish it. Her passion for Career and Technical Education (CTE) is evident in the opportunities she provides for students to engage in real-world business concepts. 

Her goal is to continue expanding the program, ensuring that every student, regardless of their career aspirations, has the opportunity to develop skills that will serve them in the future. FBLA fosters leadership in many ways, including qualifying students as gifted and talented based on their exceptional leadership contributions. 

As students continue to grow, compete, and give back to their communities, the FBLA chapter at Colorado Preparatory Academy and Pikes Peak Online School stands as a testament to the power of ambition, dedication, and mentorship. Whether students aim to become astronauts, entrepreneurs, or business leaders, this program equips them with the skills and confidence to succeed. 

Join Pikes Peak Online School’s thriving FBLA chapter and unlock your potential in leadership, competition, and community service. Whether you aim to be an entrepreneur, business executive, or simply want to develop essential skills for the future, our program offers the support and opportunities you need to succeed. Visit our website to learn more and become a part of our dynamic community today!

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