FAMILY, CAREER AND COMMUNITY LEADERS OF AMERICA

 What is FCCLA?

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education, or as determined by the state department of education. Each year over 200,000 students join over 10,000 chapters in 53 state associations, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands

FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical in-school student organization with the family as its central focus.

Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.

It is a nonprofit organization supported by membership dues and incorporated in the District of Columbia.  Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is one of the six national Career and Technology Student Organizations (CTSO). 

FCCLA has a National Leadership Center and Headquarters in Reston, Virginia.  The center has been paid for with chapter contributions and individual and corporate donations.

How Does Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Relate to Classroom Instruction?

The main goal of FCCLA is the same as Family and Consumer Sciences:  to improve personal, family, community and job/career life.  The Family and Consumer Science teacher is the adviser of the chapter.  The teacher/adviser uses the structure of the FCCLA Chapter to five Family and Consumer Science students leadership experiences in planning and directing their own activities that in turn give Family and Consumer Science classroom experiences more meaning.  Through integration of FCCLA into the classroom, more students may be involved in the organization.

• Interest and enthusiasm in class activities and FCCLA may be increased and competition with other organizations is eliminated.
• Many people in the school and community may benefit from projects.
• More students may be able to develop their skills and leadership abilities and, more often, for those students not having this opportunity.
• More time may be available for planning and working on projects and participation at regional and state levels since classroom time will be available for these purposes.
• Projects may also be worthwhile and challenging to those who participate.
• Student initiative and responsibility may be further increased through this integration.