The humid Virginia summer felt a world away as six students, representing their high school FBLA chapter, stepped off the plane into the warm California sun. Their week-long adventure was just beginning. First up: the FBLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) at the Anaheim Convention Center. They were there to compete, learn, and soak in the energy of thousands of future business leaders. The conference was lively, with workshops on everything from financial planning to marketing strategies, engaging presentation events, and a bustling Expo Hall where they collected pins and networked with students from across the country. Anya, ever the organizer, loved exploring the interactive Innovation Theater in the Expo Hall, which showcased cutting-edge technologies.

Beyond the conference, California beckoned with its exciting attractions. A highlight was a day at Knott's Berry Farm, California's original theme park, riding rollercoasters and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Their evenings were filled with exploring California’s culinary delights like In and Out Burger..

The week flew by in a blur of business, beaches, and boundless fun. The FBLA Conference was a valuable learning experience, but the California adventure forged an even stronger bond among the friends. As they boarded their plane back to Virginia, they were already planning their next FBLA adventure, hoping it would be as unforgettable as their week in the Golden State.

Cerritos High School Engineering Design and Development (EDD) 2025

Engineering Design and Development (EDD) is the capstone course in the Cerritos High School (CHS) engineering program. It is an engineering research course in which students work in team to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. The trade show will highlight an entire year of product development through the design process.

Orange County Uplift Foundation (OCUF) is the means by which we are able to fund each of the EDD projects as well as reward outstanding students with scholarships each year. This is our 10^th year partnering with the foundation and they have provided over $35,000 towards student product material student scholarships.

This year’s Product Design Winners will receive:

1^st Place Team MediPal: $500 per Team Member

2^nd Place Team Glove Guardian: $250 per Team Member

3^rd Place Team Low Tide Innovation: $187.50 per Team Member

Cerritos High School Engineering Design and Development (EDD) 2024

Orange County Uplift Foundation (OCUF) is the means by which we are able to fund each of the EDD projects as well as reward outstanding students with scholarships each year. This is our 9^th year partnering with the foundation and they have provided over $30,000 towards student product material student scholarships.

This year’s Product Design Winners will receive:

1^st Place Team Slide -n- Shut: $500 per Team Member

2^nd Place Team Aerobin: $250 per Team Member

3^rd Place Team Adapt Aide: $150 per Team Member

OUCF Supports Santa Ana College’s U2 Program with $2,500 Donation

Through a group of educators and community allies, the Santa Ana College U2 Scholars Program provides essential educational resources and services, to foster the personal, professional, and academic success of Black/African American students.

Additionally, members of the program will have access to a team of SAC educators and community leaders, who assist students towards obtaining their goals.

On behalf of Santa Ana College and the U2 Scholars Program Kalonji and I thank The Orange County Uplift Foundation for their tremendous support. The U2 Scholars Program Recognition Ceremony was an Outstanding event and could not be as such without The OC Uplift Foundation.