Future Business Leaders of America

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is an organization where students facilitate the transition from school to work. Individual conduct and appearance are part of that training. Students have the privilege to participate in regional, state, and national tournaments to display their abilities and knowledge in the business arena. Students are warmly welcomed to commit to fundraisers and community service activities. It is expected that FBLA members will maintain high standards for academic performance and unquestionable integrity. Members of FBLA pledge to meet in a spirit of friendship and goodwill as they prepare for productive lives in business and office careers. They work together to develop professionalism and leadership through Future Business Leaders of America and pledge their loyalty to their nation. The MLK FBLA sponsor is Ms. Lisa Bonelli.

Throughout the year FBLA plans to complete at least two fundraisers and at least two community service projects including Pennies for Patients, Data Match, and car washes.


Model U.N.

The Model U.N. is an organization that allows students to imitate the United Nations with a convention and country proposals. Students will form groups and choose a country to represent at the Model U.N. convention which is usually held during November and lasts a few days. The groups write proposals that deal with an issue of their specific country and present these at the convention. The convention has many separate parts including ICJ (International Court Justice), Security Council, and General Assembly. Model U.N. is also a fundraiser for poor countries and children who don’t have money for education. During the convention the officers are auctioned off and all the proceeds are sent to help poor children receive an education.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) is MLK's high school student council organization. The purpose of the SGA is to provide a communication link between the students, improve the conditions of the school, and plan school-wide events throughout the year.

The SGA provides a vital communication link between the students and the faculty and administration at MLK. Students can voice their concerns with SGA members when they themselves are not able to communicate with the administration, and the SGA will discuss and communicate their concerns. The SGA also works with the PTSA and administration in giving student input on policy decisions.

Throughout the year, the SGA plans many of the school-wide activities such as Homecoming, Heritage Day, Issues Day, and the annual Flag Football game.

Student Council

The Student Council is the student organization representing the MIddle School. Elections for officers in the 7th grade are usually conducted in the first few weeks of school in the fall. The 8th grade elections are held in late March.

Youth About Business

Youth About Business (YAB) was founded in 1992 in Nashville, TN. YAB conducts one of the most innovative leadership-training programs for youth in the marketplace today. The program provides an entrepreneurial training format that will introduce students to the mechanics of how to successfully run a business. YAB knows that tremendous leadership skills are required to successfully run and manage a business. The program gives students a theoretical view of business through our established curriculum. Students then have the opportunity to apply the knowledge by actually participating in the management of small business operatives that we refer to as our Training Centers. Local executives help by covering key aspects of our curriculum, and providing our students with opportunities to see business in action. This is done through corporate field trips and shadowing opportunities. YAB is now a primary program where students participate from Tennessee, Texas, and New York, with a strategic plan to establish this innovative, entrepreneurial training program nationwide. The long-term goal of YAB is to establish training work sites nationwide that will offer practical skill development and opportunities to students. Youth About Business alumni have enrolled in schools such as: University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Florida A&M, Fisk, John Hopkins, Howard, Kentucky State, Morehouse, Emory, Spelman, Babson, Hampton, Sewanee and many other colleges and universities. The objective is to provide a youth Entrepreneurial training program that successfully fills that gap. YAB is committed to “preparing tomorrow’s leaders today.”

Various schools around the Nashville area offer YAB to their students. MLK students who belong to YAB participate in the summer business camps and go on the numerous outings with the local YAB program. Students manage different businesses and work along with business owners to prepare themselves for their careers and their lives.