Fall Leadership Institute

Level Up Your Leadership at the 2026 Fall Leadership Institutes!

In fall 2026, FCCLA will host the third annual Fall Leadership Institutes in two dynamic locations across the country. In partnership with Disney Imagination Campus in Anaheim and Orlando, this exclusive experience features Disney-led sessions focused on leadership, teamwork, creativity, and innovation—hosted right inside the parks.

Participants build real-world skills in small, interactive learning groups while
experiencing the energy and creativity that make Disney a global leader in innovation and guest experience.

Attendees will select two of the following engaging workshops:

• Leadership the Disney Way: What do college, high school, and middle school students have in common? The potential to become leaders. In the session, students will get a unique opportunity to realize their potential by interacting with Disney leaders, engaging in leadership activities, and experiencing fun, hands-on learning. Students will learn effective communication, critical thinking, and the art of innovation. They will explore the belief that everyone can be a leader and the importance of Disney’s 5 Keys of Excellence – principles that guide Disney Cast Members in everything they do.
• Teamwork the Disney Way: How does Disney continually provide their guests with the services and products they expect? Cast Members working together towards a common goal is the key to success. This spirit of shared vision, collaboration and teamwork can be observed throughout The Walt Disney Company and in every aspect of the Disney theme parks—with Cast Members creating magic for Guests every day. Students will learn the Disney philosophy and strategies behind their high-performing teams. They’ll experience firsthand how collaboration and communication skills can enable any team to overcome obstacles and achieve their ultimate goals.
• Immersive Storytelling: At Disney, everyone is a storyteller. Immersive Storytelling is what happens when Disney Imagineers create the environment of the stories they tell – making the stories magically come alive!  They employ a wide range of disciplines to express their stories; bringing technology together with other fields – including the design of attractions, culinary arts, live performances, music, sculptures, and more. Students will get an inside look at how Disney Imagineers envision environments that provide the backdrop and create the magic for the immersive Disney stories that live across the Disney parks.
• Theme Park Design: In the Theme Park Design Workshop, discover how Disney Imagineers marry imaginative vision and large-scale functionality. Uncover the concepts, philosophy and tools they consider necessary to make premier theme parks tick. Students will be taught valuable lessons in this special design workshop that could help them advance toward their goals, whether they’re attending for themed entertainment design studies or project management training—or even to find out how to become a Disney Imagineer! From visual design elements to practical considerations—including the flow and maintenance of attractions—students will gain a holistic understanding of how form and function come together to make the seemingly impossible… possible!

FCCLA student leaders from across the country are expected to attend at each location, creating an inspiring environment to grow leadership capacity, strengthen teamwork skills, and make unforgettable memories.

All affiliated FCCLA members are eligible to participate in 2026. A limited number of advisers may attend as registered chaperones.

Justification Letters for School Administrators

To help advisers gain school approval for student participation in the 2026 Fall Leadership Institute, FCCLA is providing two official justification letters written by CEO Sandy Spavone. These letters are designed to communicate the educational value of FLI and demonstrate how the experience supports classroom learning, leadership development, and career readiness.

• The Short Version is ideal for school administrators who are already familiar with FCCLA and do not require extensive information about the program. It provides a brief, high-level overview of the program’s purpose and value.
• The Long Version offers a comprehensive explanation of the Fall Leadership Institute, including detailed information about the program structure, expected student learning outcomes, alignment with CTE and FCS standards, and the overall impact on student development.

FCCLA recommends that advisers share one or both of these letters with their school administration to help secure support for travel and participation. These resources are especially helpful for illustrating that FLI is a purposeful, career-focused leadership training—not a recreational trip. Sharing them early can help ensure your chapter is fully prepared and approved before the summer break.