The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA, formerly known as the Future Homemakers of America, FHA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofitcareer and technical student organization[1] 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[2], 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 245,000 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.
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.[3][4][5]
The New Homemakers of America merged with the Future Homemakers of America in 1965 as racial segregation came to an end with the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In 1966, Future Homemakers of America's membership peaked at 607,175.
1970s
FHA had its 25th anniversary in 1970.
In 1973, males were permitted to join FHA for the first time. The organization's first male national officer, Toney Bingham from Washington, D.C., was elected in July 1973.
In December 1977, Rhode Island was the last of the 53 state associations (including the Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) to affiliate.
1980s
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.
Monya Frazier from Florence, South Carolina, was elected as the organization's first African American national president in July 1981. September 28 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, D.C.. In the fall, National FHA began hosting a series of regional Cluster Meetings across the United States. STAR Events were introduced. The first three STAR Events developed were Job Interview, Illustrated Talk, and Chapter Activities.
For the first time, one copy of "Teen Times," FCCLA's national magazine, was mailed to every FHA member during the fall of 1984.
In the winter of 1985, the "Adviser Newsletter" was introduced for chapter advisers.
In July 1986, Thomas Lucas from Milton, West Virginia was elected the organization's first male national president.
1990s
FHA celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1995. 76 honorees were inducted into FHA's Leadership Hall of Fame at the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. in recognition of FHA's 50th anniversary.
In July 1999 during the business session, 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. The organization's articles of incorporation, bylaws, mission statement, creed, and purposes were revised following the conclusion of the 1999 Business Session to better reflect the new organization.
2000s
In September 2003, "The Ultimate Leadership Experience," tagline was adopted. Two years later, in September, the first all four-color "Teen Times" was sent to all nationally affiliated FCCLA members.
In September 2009, FCCLA/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl was introduced as a new competitive event.
2010s
In July 2011, the FCCLA Leadership Academy was launched to provide national opportunities and recognition to any FCCLA member seeking leadership development. In September, Technology-based, online STAR Events and a new type of Competitive Event, called Skill Demonstration Events, were included in the newly named Competitive Events Guide.
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 (FCS) education in schools.
2020s
FCCLA had its 75th anniversary in 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was decided to hold the 2020 National Leadership Conference virtually.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was decided to hold the 2021 National Leadership Conference as a hybrid event. The national officer elections and other important functions were hosted in person in Nashville, Tennessee, following Covid-19 precautions, while other functions were held virtually.
On August 28, 2023, FCCLA reached a historic moment by hosting an open house celebration and ribbon cutting at its new national headquarters in Herndon, VA. The event marked the official unveiling of FCCLA's state-of-the-art headquarters office, where esteemed alumni, valued partners, and special guests were welcomed to join in the festivities and witness this significant achievement.
On July 1, during the 2024 Business Session at the National Leadership Conference in Seattle, Washington, FCCLA had the most major proposed bylaw and purpose changes since the 1999 Business Session. A majority of the bylaw amendments failed, and the proposed purposes failed by over two-thirds protecting the identity of the organization.
Values and statements
FCCLA's purposes, mission, and creed provide a clear framework for guiding its members and activities, ensuring alignment with the organization's values and goals. They help members focus on personal growth, leadership development, and community service, creating a unified direction for their efforts. By articulating these principles, FCCLA fosters a strong sense of identity and commitment among its members, driving meaningful engagement and impact.[6]
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.
Creed
We are the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. We face the future with warm courage and high hope. For we have the clear consciousness of seeking old and precious values. For we are the builders of homes, homes for America's future, homes where living will be the expression of everything that is good and fair, homes where truth and love and security and faith will be realities, not dreams. We are the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. We face the future with warm courage and high hope.
Purposes
To provide opportunities for personal development and preparation for adult life.
To strengthen the function of the family as a basic unit of society.
To encourage democracy through cooperative action in the home and community.
To encourage individual and group involvement in helping achieve global cooperation and harmony.
To promote greater understanding between youth and adults.
To provide opportunities for making decisions and for assuming responsibilities.
To prepare for the multiple roles of men and women in today's society.
To promote Family and Consumer Sciences and related occupations.
Conferences and 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.[2]
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.)[3]
Fall Leadership Institutes
The national board of directors replaced the National Fall Conference 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[7] and Orlando[8] parks to offer Disney-led leadership and teamwork sessions within the Disney parks.[5]
National Fall Conference
The National Fall Conference (NFC) is scheduled in the late fall and is 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.
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.[9]
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.[10]
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
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.[7]
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.[19]
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 and 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.[20]
Knowledge Bowl
FCCLA/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl is a team competition that challenges students' knowledge in six content areas:
Personal finance
Consumer rights and responsibilities (to include family, career and community studies)
Technology (to include fashion and housing design)
Health and safety (to include food sciences and nutrition, and early childhood and human development)
Environment (to include hospitality, tourism and recreation)
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.[21]
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, Washington. 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.[22]
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 Event's projects.[23]
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.[24]
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 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.[25]
Other programs and 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 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.[26]
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.[12]
Japanese Exchange Program
FCCLA offers a six-week exchange program that allows member to learn in Japan .[27]
Youth Scholarships
FCCLA, along with FCCLA's generous partners and sponsors, awards over $13,500,000 in scholarships and awards annually. FCCLA members are strongly encouraged to apply for the youth scholarship opportunities.[28]
FCCLA@TheTable
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.[29]
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.[30]
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.[31]
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 offers the Safe Rides – Save Lives PSA Contest! This initiative is an opportunity for FCCLA members to display their creativity and advocacy as they encourage their peers to make safe choices on the road.[32]
Safe Roads Challenges
The FCCLA Safe Road Challenge promotes safety on our roads. The FCCLA Safe Roads Challenge is not only designed to enhance 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.[33]
National board of directors
The national board of directors is the legal governing body of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. FCCLA's board of directors has 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.[34]
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 and 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.[35][36]
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)
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.
