FCCLA Named Official Supporting Partner of America250
FCCLA to bring more than 10,000 student leaders to the nation’s capital as part of the United States Semiquincentennial
Herndon, VA — April 22, 2026 — Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) proudly announces its designation as an official Supporting Partner of America250, the nonpartisan initiative established by Congress to lead the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This designation marks a significant national milestone and places FCCLA among a highly selective group of organizations entrusted to help shape and elevate one of the most important commemorations in United States history. As the first nationally recognized Career and Technical Student Organization to be named an official Supporting Partner, FCCLA is uniquely positioned at the intersection of education, workforce development, and civic leadership during this historic moment.
As a Supporting Partner, FCCLA will help amplify America250’s mission to educate, engage, and unite Americans through a national reflection on the past and a forward-looking vision for the future.
“At a defining moment in our nation’s history, this partnership reinforces FCCLA’s longstanding commitment to preparing the next generation to lead,” said Sandy Spavone, Chief Executive Officer of FCCLA. “As more than 10,000 students and educators gather in Washington, D.C. for the 2026 National Leadership Conference, this experience will connect career readiness, leadership development, and civic engagement in a way that is both immediate and lasting. While the nation reflects on the past 250 years, FCCLA Members represent the next 250, equipped with the skills, perspective, and responsibility to shape the future of the workforce and the communities they will serve.”
FCCLA’s 2026 National Leadership Conference, taking place July 6–10 in Washington, D.C., will serve as a powerful national convening within the America250 commemoration. Bringing together more than 10,000 students and educators from across the country, the conference will place the future workforce at the center of this historic milestone. In the nation’s capital, participants will engage directly with the institutions, history, and leadership that have defined the United States, while gaining a deeper understanding of their role in shaping what lies ahead.
America250 will be thoughtfully woven throughout the conference experience, enhancing the connection between leadership development, career readiness, and civic engagement. The setting of Washington, D.C. during this historic moment creates an unparalleled opportunity for FCCLA Members to experience the nation’s history firsthand while actively engaging in its future.
A signature moment of the conference will take place on Capitol Hill, where FCCLA will host a national youth rally celebrating leadership and the impact of student voice. Following the rally, FCCLA Members will meet with legislators and representatives, demonstrating the strength, preparation, and perspective of the next generation of leaders. This experience will empower FCCLA Members to use their voice to discuss issues that matter most to them, gain firsthand insight into government and civic leadership, and actively engage in meaningful dialogue with national decision-makers.
FCCLA represents the highest standard of the future workforce, developing students who are prepared to lead with skill, purpose, and impact in an increasingly complex and demanding world. This partnership affirms FCCLA’s role as a national leader in shaping individuals who are not only career-ready, but equipped to influence industries, strengthen communities, and drive the future of the nation forward.
Media Contact:
Press inquiries or interview requests can be directed to FCCLA Development and Communications Director, Abigail Lee, at alee@fcclainc.org.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national Career and Technical Student Organization that prepares students for careers that support the family through Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. Since 1945, FCCLA has provided leadership development, workplace readiness, and career preparation opportunities that equip students with the skills needed for success in both life and work. Guided by dedicated FCS educators, FCCLA Members develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while exploring career opportunities aligned to the national Career Clusters. With more than a quarter of a million FCCLA Members in over 5,500 chapters nationwide, FCCLA continues to build the next generation of leaders who are prepared to make a lasting impact in their families, careers, and communities.
About America250
America250 is the national initiative established to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through programs that educate, engage, and unite communities, America250 seeks to inspire reflection on the nation’s history while shaping its future.