Family, Career and Community Leaders of America

Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America

Abbreviation	FCCLA
Formation	June 11, 1945 (1945-06-11)
Founded at	Chicago, Illinois
Type	CTSO
Legal status	Non-Profit
Headquarters	Herndon, Virginia
Region	United States
Membership	245,000+
Official language	English
Executive Director	Sandy Spavone
National President	Brandon Weibel (OK)
First Vice President	Grant Hubley (OH)
Website	fcclainc.org
Formerly called	FHA, FHA-HERO

The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA, formerly known as the Future Homemakers of America, FHA) is a national nonprofit career and technical student organization for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences education in public and private school through grade 12. FCCLA offers intra-curricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA continues to further the leadership development of America's students by providing them opportunities and skills that will last a lifetime.

With over 244,000 student members and more than 7,300 chapter advisers across 5,300 chapters, the FCCLA family continues to expand and thrive, fostering a vibrant community of passionate individuals committed to making a difference. The work of FCCLA helps students and teachers focus on various youth concerns, including parenting, family relationships, substance abuse, peer pressure, sustainability, nutrition and fitness, teen violence, and career preparation in four specific Career Pathways. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life—planning, goal setting, problem-solving, decision making, and interpersonal communication—necessary in the home and workplace.

Mission

To promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.

History

Photograph of a member of the Future Homemakers of America posing with home-canned produce, Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia, 1950

The American Home Economics Association and Office of Education co-sponsored a national organization of high school clubs focused on home economics. The organization's name, creed, and motto were decided by the teenagers themselves. The focus groups chose "Future Homemakers of America". For the southern states that had segregation, a sister organization was created; the Black teenagers chose the name "New Homemakers of America". In the summer of 1945, Future Homemakers had over 90,000 members and New Homemakers had nearly 20,000. Four years later, the combined groups had 250,000 members.

In June 1945, the Future Homemakers of America was founded at a convention in Chicago, Illinois by Janet Barber and Edna P. Amidon. The first national convention was held in Kansas City, Missouri in July 1948. The organization's first male national officer, Toney Bingham, from Washington, DC, was elected in July 1973. In December 1977, Rhode Island was the last of the 53 state associations (including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) to affiliate. Monya Frazier from Florence, South Carolina, was elected as the organization's first African American national president in 1981. In July 1980, The National Board of Directors approved the purchase of land on which to build a national headquarters and leadership center in Reston, Virginia. September 28, 1981 was the date of the official groundbreaking ceremony was held at the building site in Reston, Virginia. The national headquarters and leadership center was dedicated during the 1983 National Leadership Meeting in Washington, DC. In July 1986, Thomas Lucas from Milton, West Virginia, was elected the organization's first male national president. In July 1999, voting delegates at the National Leadership Conference in Boston, Massachusetts voted in favor of the proposed name change from the Future Homemakers of America to the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. In July 2015, FCCLA hosted a “70 Years Strong” anniversary rally on Capitol Hill, drawing thousands of FCCLA members to advocate for strong Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) education in schools.

Conferences & Events

Every year, FCCLA hosts conferences that bring together FCCLA members, advisers, and supporters from across the nation to learn, compete, and network. FCCLA’s conferences offer enriching experiences that provide attendees with the opportunity to hear from motivational speakers, attend rewarding workshops, connect with youth leaders, and develop skills for life.

Capitol Leadership

Capitol Leadership allows members to travel to Washington, DC to advocate for FCS education. Members discuss issues supporting FCCLA's Mission and learn how to become better leaders. Attendees have a chance to connect with their state's representatives to the United States Senate and House of Representatives to share about the importance of FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences. (Capitol Leadership is not held in the same years as US Presidential Elections.)

Fall Leadership Institutes

The National Board of Directors is trying something new and replacing the NFC with 2 Fall Leadership Institutes. In the fall of 2024, FCCLA is offering 2 new leadership training opportunities to a limited number of affiliated members and advisers. FCCLA has joined forces with the Disney Imagination Campus at both Anaheim and Orlando parks to offer Disney-led Leadership and Teamwork sessions within the Disney parks. This is a unique opportunity to learn valuable skills within a small group outside of the classroom experience. (This is something new for the 2024-2025 School Year and may change in the following years.)

National Fall Conference

The National Fall Conference (NFC) which is scheduled in the late Fall and are held in a different city each year. Students and advisers convene to share ideas, learn about exciting programs, leadership skills, and compete in various skill demonstration events. (Removed for the 2024-2025 School Year.)

Chapter Adviser Summit

The Chapter Adviser Summit (CAS) provides FCCLA Chapter Advisers with a wealth of professional development opportunities designed specifically for Family and Consumer Sciences education teachers looking to excel in the classroom and in FCCLA. The CAS is developed and led by FCCLA's National Staff and the National Consultant Team. Attendees will receive up-to-date professional development training, share ideas, and network with other chapter advisers from across the nation.

National Leadership Conference

The National Leadership Conference (NLC) is the largest FCCLA conference of the year with over 8,000+ attendees from across the United States and its territories. This unforgettable experience will allow you to network with peers from across the country, attend inspiring workshops and seminars, and explore all Orlando offers. At the conference, you will learn essential skills to enhance your personal and professional growth, such as effective communication, team-building, and problem-solving. You will have the chance to hear from renowned speakers who will share their stories and expertise, leaving you feeling motivated and inspired to make a difference in your community. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow as a leader, make lifelong connections, and explore the NLC City.

National Programs

FCCLA offers eight peer-to-peer educational programs to help students develop real-world skills for life within Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. Each National Program is designed to be integrated into the FCS classroom to help reinforce lessons with opportunities for hands-on practice

1. Career Connection
2. Community Service
3. FACTS (Families Acting For Community Traffic Safety)
4. Families First
5. Financial Fitness
6. Power of One
7. Stand Up
8. Student Body

Each National Program comes with a wealth of engaging resources, including lesson plans, activities, and project ideas carefully curated for seamless integration into FCS classrooms. For more information on the details of each program go to the Engage->National Programs on the national website.

Competitive Events

Through participation in Competitive Events, FCCLA members acquire industry insights and employable skills required to thrive in the 21st Century. Members can select from over 50 Competitive Events that employ skills and knowledge learned through Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. Competing on regional/district, state, and national levels in Competitive Events enables members to explore Career Pathways and address significant personal, work, and societal issues.

Competitive Events align with FCCLA's mission to concentrate on multiple roles, including family member, wage earner, and community leader. Each event is curated to help members develop specific lifelong skills in character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.

The foundation of these events is the belief that anyone can succeed, and participation in FCCLA's Competitive Events will equip students for life after high school.

Competitive Event Levels

• Level 1 - Members through grade 8
• Level 2 - Members in grades 9 and 10
• Level 3 - Members in grades 11 and 12
• Level 4 - Postsecondary members

Entry into a particular level is determined by the participant’s grade in school during the school year preceding the National Leadership Conference and in some cases, enrollment in a specific course or program.

Awards & Scholarships

Scholarships will be awarded to Competitive Event participants in select events and levels. Collegiate scholarships are offered by partners and are not administered by FCCLA. Final tuition scholarship award amounts and additional qualification requirements are determined by the sponsoring partner. Please contact your state adviser for information on additional state-specific scholarships.

Knowledge Bowl

FCCLA/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl is a team competition that challenges students' knowledge in six content areas:

1. Personal Finance
2. Consumer Rights & Responsibilities (to include Family, Career & Community Studies)
3. Technology (to include Fashion & Housing Design)
4. Health & Safety (to include Food Sciences & Nutrition and Early Childhood & Human Development)
5. Environment (to include Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation)
6. FCCLA Knowledge

Questions come from a variety of sources. Preparation resources include resources found in Family and Consumer Sciences textbooks, reference guides, content area websites, the National FCCLA website, and other local or online resources.

Online Challenge Tests

Online Challenge Tests provide opportunities for FCCLA members to demonstrate college- and career-readiness skills in Family and Consumer Sciences and related occupations. Members will demonstrate skills learned in their FCS courses and through their involvement in FCCLA by taking one of many online challenge tests covering state and national FCS standards.

FCCLA will be piloting the opportunity for attendees to participate in Challenge Tests at the 2024 National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Seattle, WA! These Competitive Event opportunities do not require state-level qualifications, and all members registered to attend the National Leadership Conference can participate as long as they meet all event and level requirements.

Skill Demonstration Events

Skill Demonstration Events provide opportunities for FCCLA members to demonstrate college- and career-readiness skills in Family and Consumer Sciences and related occupations.  Members will use event criteria to demonstrate skills learned in their FCS courses and through their involvement in FCCLA. These events may serve as an introduction to FCCLA's competitive events and require a shorter time commitment than STAR Events projects.

STAR Events

Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events are Competitive Events in which members compete at the regional/district, state, and national levels. Students are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. STAR Events allow students to compete individually or as a team. There are more than 30 STAR Events students can choose to compete in, all of which recognize participants who demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to actively identify an issue concerning families, careers, or communities, research the topic, and develop and implement a project to advocate for positive change. STAR Events offer individual skill development and application of learning through the following activities:

• Cooperative - teams work to accomplish specific goals
• Individualized - an individual member works alone to accomplish specific goals
• Competitive - individual or team performance is measured by an established set of criteria

Online STAR Events

Online STAR Events focus on integrating Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) content through digital delivery. The top 15 entries in each event and level will qualify to compete at the National Leadership Conference.

Virtual Business Challenge

The FCCLA/Knowledge Matters Virtual Business Challenges (Personal Finance and Fashion) encourage FCCLA members to test their personal finance or fashion management skills! Participants will utilize a competition version of the Virtual Business classroom software.

The Virtual Business Challenge focuses on different concepts found within the simulation. FCCLA members will not be able to control every concept, and are only able to manipulate the actions enabled for that specific Challenge. All other concepts will be set adequately and controlled for the teams. Assignments explaining Challenge goals and objectives will be available within the competition files.

Other Programs & Contests

FCCLA offers programs, contests, scholarships, and opportunities for members to develop real-world skills, become college-and career-ready, and make a difference in families, careers, and communities.

Programs

Say Yes To FCS

Say Yes to FCS is a national outreach campaign meticulously designed to bring attention to Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education as a valuable and viable career path. FCS educators play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of individuals and communities, equipping them with essential life skills for both personal and professional success. This initiative invites everyone to join in promoting the profound significance of FCS education and the immense impact it can have on the world.

National Outreach Project

Each year Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) establishes a National Outreach Project with a partner organization to reach to the community and help work towards a cause. The National Outreach Project is a national community service activity that gives our state delegations/members the opportunity to make a united impact concerning a need that the National Executive Council decides to address.

FCCLA started the National Outreach Project at the 1997 National Leadership Meeting in San Diego, California where 38 states participated in donating over 6,000 various items to shelters/agencies in San Diego. The focus of the project changed over the years to focus on the needs of each community where FCCLA chapters are located. Members are now encouraged to focus on the needs of their local community. The success continues year to year and today FCCLA is still working toward donating money.

Japanese Exchange Program

Are you ready for a journey that will redefine your understanding of the world? Welcome to the FCCLA Japanese Exchange Program, your ticket to a six-week immersion experience like no other. Made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Kikkoman Corporation and administered by Youth For Understanding USA (YFU), this scholarship is valued at over $9,995.

At the heart of the Japanese Exchange Program lies a profound belief: true international understanding is born from personal experiences. We believe in the power of family living as the foundation of overseas learning. By embracing the day-to-day life of another country and its people, you'll gain a deep insight into global issues, broadening your horizons in ways you never thought possible.

Imagine a summer in Japan that will stay with you forever. Picture yourself in the midst of time-honored traditions, from savoring the serenity of a traditional tea ceremony to mastering martial arts, and even immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of local summer festivals. This is your chance to seize the call of Japan. Don't hesitate to apply for the FCCLA Japanese Exchange Program and embark on a journey that promises cultural immersion, personal growth, and memories that will last a lifetime. Japan is ready to welcome you with open arms.

Youth Scholarships

FCCLA, along with FCCLA’s generous partners and sponsors, award over $13,500,000 in scholarships and awards annually. FCCLA members are strongly encouraged to apply for the following youth scholarship opportunities.

All scholarships can be found in the FCCLA Portal under the Surveys/Applications tab - Scholarships.

FCCLA@TheTable

Sitting down to enjoy a family meal with the realities of 21st Century lifestyles is a challenge. Yet, there are many positive long-term benefits of gathering around the dinner table to enjoy a meal with your family such as: promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen family ties, improve students’ academic performance, and lessen the likelihood of youth engaging in negative behaviors. FCCLA’s initiative, FCCLA@TheTable, encourages members to plan, prepare, and share healthy meals for their families. The ultimate goal is to engage youth in planning and preparing healthy meals for their family and to increase planned and prepared family meals nationwide.

Contests

Each year, FCCLA, in collaboration with its dedicated partners and supporters, offers many exciting opportunities for its members and chapters nationwide. These opportunities come in the form of special contests that not only enrich the FCCLA experience but also provide the chance to win thousands of dollars in awards and scholarships.

Rural Teen RSA

FCCLA’s Rural Teen Road Safety Assessment (RSA) initiative enhances peer-to-peer education and promotes teen driver safety by having students look at the roads we use every day to see if they are safe for teens and everyone else. FCCLA Members participate in this program to bring awareness to infrastructure safety and to educate their peers and community members. It is an opportunity to focus on an area specific to them that either they or their peers drive/walk every day. It is an eye-opening opportunity that can potentially lead to big changes if the road safety assessment proves an intersection is unsafe or dangerous. These assessments can help to make teens better drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

This youth-led effort engages students, school administrators, local law enforcement, and others to study an intersection in front of or near your school or community. The goals of the program are to:

• Use peer-to-peer education to engage students in addressing a geographic area they use daily, whether walking or driving
• Connect students with local members of their community to address road safety
• Help teens become smarter drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, through education and awareness

Safe Rides-Save Lives

Empowered by FACTS and sponsored by The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF), FCCLA is proud to offer the Safe Rides - Save Lives PSA Contest! This initiative is an excellent opportunity for FCCLA members to display their creativity and advocacy as they encourage their peers to make safe choices on the road.

Safe Roads Challenges

Join the journey and embrace the FCCLA Safe Road Challenge. Embark on a transformative adventure by taking on the challenge of promoting safety on our roads. This nationwide initiative calls upon each of you to recognize the power you hold in creating positive change within communities, particularly concerning road safety—a difference that extends beyond the asphalt. Join us in this empowering drive as we work together to create a culture of responsible and secure road practices.

The FCCLA Safe Roads Challenge is not only designed to enhance our members' driving skills but also to promote safety, leaving a positive impact on the roads in our communities. This competition encourages FCCLA members to strive for safe driving performance, contributing to their state's overall driving score. States will go head-to-head, and at the end of the season, the team with the highest overall driving score will be crowned the winner. Moreover, in addition to some amazing prizes, the Grand Prize of this competition is an all-expense-paid trip to the 2024 National Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA – where two members will be chosen as the lucky winners!

Unlock Rewards through Safe Driving for a Greater Cause

• Improve Your Driving Habits: Practice your skills and contribute to safer roads.
• Win an Exciting Journey to Seattle: Drive safely for a chance at our Grand Prize.
• Compete and Climb the Leaderboards: Challenge your friends and rise to the top.
• Lead in Your Communities: Set an example and be a driving force for positive change.
• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Drive responsibly and make a positive environmental impact.
• Contribute to Community Safety: Play a vital role in developing safer streets for everyone

National Board of Directors

Overview

The National Board of Directors is the legal governing body of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. FCCLA’s Board of Directors is comprised of seven members elected by related organizations and groups, six members ex officio, four youth members, and two members-at-large elected by the board. The total number of board members shall not exceed 19. The primary functions of the Board of Directors are to set policies related to program, personnel, and fiscal matters and to be responsible for sound management. FCCLA’s Executive Director serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the organization. The board receives and acts upon the recommendations of the Executive Director relative to the management of personnel, program, and fiscal matters. FCCLA’s Executive Director also serves on the Board of Directors but does not have the power to cast a vote.

2024-2025 National Board of Directors

Chair: Brenda Osman

• Local Adviser Representative, Indiana

Past Chair: Mary Jo Kohl

• LEAD FCS Education Representative

Vice Chair: Katy Blatnick-Gagne

• Vice President of the Family and Consumer Sciences Education Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)

Treasurer: Chelsey Greene

• State Adviser Representative for the Central Region, Nebraska

Secretary: Cheryl Uceny

• Local Adviser Representative, Washington

Ann Arnold

• Business and Industry Representative

Karin Athanas

• American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Executive Director

Amanda Chen

• Past National President

Stacey Dworzanski

• State Adviser Representative for the North Atlantic Region, New Jersey

Kaitlyn Dyer

• National VP of Finance, Alabama

Leonardo Luna-Duran

• Past National VP of Finance, Nebraska

Corey Seaman

• Business and Industry Representative

Sandy Spavone

• National Executive Director

Susan Turgeson

• Family & Consumer Sciences Education Association (FCSEA) Representative

Tannen Turman

• Secondary School Administrator, Oklahoma

Brandon Weibel

• Past National President, Oklahoma

National Executive Council & National Officers

Overview

Ten youth leaders elected annually at FCCLA’s National Leadership Conference make up the National Executive Council and serve a one-year term as the representative body of FCCLA. The National Executive Council’s primary function is program development, program implementation, and public relations.

FCCLA's National Officers serve as the highest level of leadership within the organization, responsible for guiding and shaping the future of FCCLA's programs and initiatives. These exceptional youth leaders are elected annually at the National Leadership Conference to serve as the voice of FCCLA's more than 245,000 members nationwide.

As members of the National Executive Council, National Officers play a crucial role in program development, program implementation, and public relations. They work tirelessly to advance FCCLA's mission and values, serving as role models and advocates for the transformative power of youth leadership.

FCCLA's National Officers inspire and empower fellow members to reach their full potential as leaders, embodying the organization's core values of character, leadership, teamwork, and service. These youth leaders are passionate, dedicated, and committed to positively impacting their communities and the world around them.

To take your leadership to the next level, consider using the skills and experiences gained through FCCLA to run for national office. Serving as a National Officer is a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference, develop your skills, and inspire others to do the same.

2024-2025 National Executive Council

Brandon Weibel - President (OK)

Grant Hubley- First Vice President (OH)

Rowan Sween - VP of Community Service (MN)

Claire Cantrell - VP of Competitive Events (AL)

Benjamin Dome - VP of Development (KS)

Kaitlyn Dyer - VP of Finance (AL)

Bryna McKenzie - VP of Membership (GA)

Casey Toner - VP of Parliamentary Law (WY)

Lucais Romo - VP of Programs (NJ)

Kimi Ward - VP of Public Relations (TX)

Qualities

To become a National Officer, you must possess the necessary qualities that align with FCCLA's core values of character, leadership, teamwork, and service. Consider the following qualities that can help you become an exceptional National Officer:

Active Involvement in FCCLA Programs

Active participation in FCCLA programs demonstrates your commitment to the organization's values and shows that you're willing to put in the effort to create positive change.

Cultural Competence

A deep understanding and appreciation for diversity and cultural competency are essential for serving as an effective spokesperson for FCCLA's diverse membership.

Enthusiasm

A genuine excitement and passion for FCCLA's mission and values are crucial for inspiring and motivating fellow members.

Forward-Looking Vision

A forward-looking vision is necessary for anticipating and adapting to changes in the organization, the community, and the world.

In-Depth Knowledge of FCCLA

A thorough understanding of FCCLA's history, programs, and goals is essential for serving as an effective ambassador and spokesperson.

Innovative Mindset

Innovative thinking can help you develop creative solutions to complex problems and create unique opportunities for FCCLA members.

Interpersonal Skills

Exceptional interpersonal skills are necessary for building strong relationships and collaborating effectively with others.

Leadership Experience

Prior leadership experience within FCCLA or other organizations can help you demonstrate your ability to lead, inspire and mobilize others toward a common goal.

Passionate and Committed to FCCLA

A passionate and committed approach toward FCCLA demonstrates your dedication to the organization's values and willingness to go above and beyond to achieve its goals.

Strong Communication Skills

Exceptional communication skills are essential for articulating your vision, inspiring others, and representing FCCLA nationally.

Opportunities

Serving as an FCCLA National Officer is a unique and rewarding experience that offers a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. In serving as a National Officer, you will have the opportunity to:

Expand Your Network

As a National Officer, you will have the chance to meet and connect with like-minded individuals from across the country, forging lifelong friendships and professional relationships.

Help FCCLA Reach its Goals

National Officers are crucial in helping FCCLA achieve its strategic goals and objectives by leading initiatives, advocating for change, and mobilizing members to take action.

Improve Leadership Skills

Serving as a National Officer provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop and hone your leadership skills through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

Increase Personal Growth and Awareness

Serving as a National Officer will challenge you to step outside your comfort zone, push your boundaries, and develop new skills and perspectives. This experience will help you grow as an individual and enhance your personal awareness.

Serve as a Spokesperson for FCCLA

National Officers serve as official ambassadors for FCCLA, representing the organization at local, state, and national levels. This is a unique opportunity to positively impact and promote FCCLA's mission and values, inspiring others to get involved.

Travel

FCCLA National Officers have the opportunity to travel across the country to attend conferences, meetings, and events, experiencing new cultures and broadening their horizons.

These opportunities are just the beginning of what you can achieve as an FCCLA National Officer. By seizing this chance to make a positive impact, you can build your skills, grow your network, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Responsibilities

The National Executive Council has the following responsibilities:

• Review the aims and objectives of the national program of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
• Recommend the establishment of programs, projects, and activities.
• Plan the program for the national meetings sponsored by the national organization.
• Conduct the official business of the organization at the National Leadership Conference.
• Interpret and advocate the goals and program activities of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America to groups and individuals within and outside the organization.

The responsibilities of each officer position can be found in the FCCLA Bylaws.