FCCLA

Chapter Affiliation

FCCLA connects learning to leadership. By affiliating an FCCLA Chapter, schools become part of a national network that prepares students for real-world success in careers that support families and communities.

FCCLA is not a club or after-school activity. It is an intracurricular Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) designed to be integrated into the classroom, specifically within Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. Whether a teacher leads courses in culinary arts, fashion design, education, interior design, human services, or financial literacy, FCCLA strengthens instruction by adding leadership development, career-connected projects, and hands-on experiences that prepare students for life.

What Does Affiliation Mean?

Affiliating a chapter means officially enrolling your school in FCCLA for the year. This gives your students and educators access to:

  • A personalized Student Portal login for each affiliated student
  • The FCCLA Adviser Portal for chapter management and classroom integration tools
  • Full access to Competitive Events and Scholarship Opportunities
  • Weekly communications like the Adviser Fast Facts and Member Minute newsletters
  • The ability to register for state and national conferences
  • Recognition, leadership development, and career exploration opportunities

Once affiliated, your school becomes an active FCCLA Chapter and can begin engaging in local, state, and national programming.

Who Can Start a Chapter?

Any public or private school, trade school, college, or university that offers a course in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) is eligible to start an FCCLA chapter—even if the course is not labeled “FCS.” FCCLA welcomes participation from a broad range of education settings that prepare students for careers supporting the family across industries.

Many educators teach under course titles such as:

  • Culinary Arts
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Family and Consumer Science Foundations
  • Fashion Design
  • Hospitality or Tourism Services
  • Housing and Textiles
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Interior Design
  • Life Management or Independent Living
  • Nutrition and Wellness
  • Personal Finance
  • Teaching and Training

These courses fall under the broader FCS umbrella and contribute directly to career development in service-based, people-centered fields. If your course equips students with real-world skills that impact families, well-being, or community life, your program likely qualifies.

The educator teaching the course serves as the FCCLA Chapter Adviser. Because FCCLA is an intracurricular Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), it is designed to be integrated into classroom instruction, not added on as an extracurricular club. The adviser is responsible for affiliating the chapter and guiding students through leadership development, service learning, and career preparation opportunities that extend from classroom content.

If you have questions about your eligibility, a specific course title, or the process to get started, your State Adviser is your best resource. They can provide guidance on state-specific requirements, deadlines, and the affiliation option that best fits your program.

What’s Next?

 

 

Members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.