FCCLA Week 2026 Highlights the Impact of Career and Technical Education Nationwide
Herndon, VA — February 2026 — Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) concluded a powerful national celebration of Career and Technical Education Month through FCCLA Week 2026, a nationwide recognition of leadership, service, and career focused learning taking place in classrooms and communities across the country.
Career and Technical Education Month is a national public awareness campaign led by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) that highlights the importance of preparing students for careers and strengthening the future workforce. Throughout February, FCCLA Members and Advisers demonstrated how Career and Technical Education equips students with the knowledge, skills, and leadership experiences needed to succeed in careers that support families and communities.
While the national observance of Career and Technical Education Month has concluded, its impact continues throughout the year. In classrooms across the country, FCCLA Chapters continue integrating leadership development, hands on learning, and exploration of the FCCLA Career Clusters into Family and Consumer Sciences education. These experiences move students beyond simply learning about careers to actively building the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead within them, preparing the next generation of professionals who will strengthen families, workplaces, and communities.
The recent Presidential Message recognizing Career and Technical Education further underscored the national importance of this work and the role it plays in strengthening the future workforce. Through FCCLA initiatives, chapter projects, Competitive Events, and classroom experiences, FCCLA Members apply what they learn to real challenges while building the leadership, communication, problem solving, and responsibility skills that are in high demand across today’s workforce. These experiences prepare students for meaningful careers and position FCCLA Members to contribute as capable professionals and leaders in their communities.
FCCLA Week Celebrations Across the Nation
FCCLA Week 2026 united FCCLA Chapters from coast to coast in a nationwide celebration of service, appreciation, connection, and leadership. Throughout the week, chapters shared stories, photos, and videos that captured the many ways FCCLA Members are strengthening their schools, supporting their communities, and demonstrating leadership in action.
Participation across the country reflected the spirit of this year’s theme, ConneCTEd, highlighting the power of a national network linked through shared purpose, collaboration, and leadership development. Social media engagement and chapter submissions showcased FCCLA in action, amplifying moments of service, recognition, and chapter pride taking place in classrooms and communities nationwide.
National Executive Council Represents FCCLA in New York City
During FCCLA Week, the FCCLA National Executive Council represented FCCLA Members nationwide through a series of high-level meetings, national media appearances, service initiatives, and career exploration experiences across New York City.
Throughout the week, National Officers strengthened national partnerships and expanded FCCLA’s visibility on a national stage while demonstrating leadership, professionalism, and advocacy. Highlights included national media appearances at live tapings of the Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, and Live with Kelly and Mark.
National Officers also engaged in meaningful service on the National Day of Service by preparing and serving meals at Saint Luke’s Church and connected directly with students during a virtual chapter visit with FCCLA Members from the Sewanhaka School District in New Jersey.
Career exploration experiences provided insight into industries represented across the Career Clusters through visits with The Walt Disney Company, Disney Theatrical Group at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre, Macy’s corporate offices and Herald Square, Zwilling U.S. headquarters, and the Institute of Culinary Education. These experiences offered a firsthand look at the innovation, leadership, and professional standards that define careers in these industries while reinforcing the career-readiness opportunities available through FCCLA.
Expanding Opportunity Through National Partnerships
National FCCLA extends sincere appreciation to the National Road Safety Foundation and the Manocherian family for supporting the National Executive Council experience in New York City during FCCLA Week. Their continued investment in youth leadership created meaningful opportunities for National Officers to engage in advocacy, service, national media, and career exploration while representing FCCLA Members nationwide.
The relationships, experiences, and insights gained throughout the week will continue to strengthen FCCLA’s national partnerships and elevate the voices of FCCLA Members advocating for Career and Technical Education across the country.
Continuing the Momentum of Career and Technical Education
The energy and leadership demonstrated during Career and Technical Education Month and FCCLA Week reflect the strength of students who are stepping forward ready to lead. Across the nation, FCCLA Members are turning learning into action through leadership, service, and career exploration that strengthens families, workplaces, and communities. Their commitment to growth, responsibility, and innovation stands as a powerful reminder that the future of the workforce is being shaped today in classrooms where Career and Technical Education is supported and FCCLA leadership is thriving.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national Career and Technical Student Organization for students enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences education. Since 1945, FCCLA has equipped students with leadership, workplace readiness, and career preparation experiences that strengthen families, communities, and the future workforce. Through classroom integration, Competitive Events, National Programs, and leadership opportunities, FCCLA engages more than a quarter of a million FCCLA Members in over 5,400 FCCLA Chapters nationwide, supported by more than 7,400 FCCLA Advisers who guide students in applying academic knowledge to real world challenges while developing the skills needed for lifelong success.
FCCLA is the nation’s #1 career preparation and workforce readiness organization for students pursuing careers in Education & Training, Hospitality & Tourism, Arts & Design, Personal Finance, Human Services, and Public Service through Family and Consumer Sciences education.
Media Contact
Reese Orwig
Communications and Public Relations Manager
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
703-716-1311
rorwig@fcclainc.org