How to Start a Chapter

Who Can Start a Chapter?

FCCLA Chapters may be established in any public or private school that is recognized by its state education agency as offering Family and Consumer Sciences education, and that has students meeting membership qualifications.

To start a chapter, your school must:

• Offer at least one FCS course approved by your state
• Have a certified FCS teacher (or one approved by the state agency) to serve as the adviser
• Be located in a state with a chartered FCCLA State Association
  • (If your school is in a state without an FCCLA association, you may apply to become an Independent Affiliated Chapter)

Per FCCLA Bylaws, Section 6: “Students who are taking or have taken a course, determined by their governing state agency as pertaining to Family and Consumer Sciences, shall be eligible for membership."

Not Sure You Qualify?

If you teach any of the subjects listed below, you are teaching Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). Even if your course is not labeled “FCS,” it falls within the FCS umbrella. Many educators identify as culinary, fashion, human development, or early childhood teachers without realizing they are part of this broader industry. FCCLA is specifically designed for these programs and can be integrated directly into your classroom to enrich what you already teach.

Family and Consumer Sciences is the foundation for success in every industry, equipping students with essential life skills and career competencies that are in demand across today’s workforce. FCCLA serves as the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for FCS education, providing students with hands-on leadership development, career exploration, and real-world application in professions that support families and communities.

If you are unsure whether your course qualifies, please contact your State Adviser. They can review your curriculum and help confirm your eligibility to start an FCCLA Chapter.

Common Course Areas Include:

• Culinary Arts
• Early Childhood Education
• Fashion Design
• Hospitality or Tourism Services
• Human Growth and Development
• Interior Design
• Leadership
• Life Management or Independent Living
• Nutrition and Wellness
• Personal Finance
• Teaching and Training

• More FCS Course Topics (Click to Expand)

  These Additional Course Topics Fall Within the FCS Umbrella

  If your school offers any of the following courses, or similar topics, your program likely qualifies to start an FCCLA Chapter. FCCLA’s six Career Clusters reflect the full breadth of Family and Consumer Sciences education. Courses may vary in title, but if they align with the topics below, they fall within FCCLA’s scope.

  If you are unsure whether a specific course qualifies, contact your State Adviser for guidance. They can review your curriculum and help confirm your eligibility.

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  Arts and Design

  Courses in this cluster focus on creativity, design, and the integration of form and function in fashion, interiors, and media.

  • Digital Media and Content Creation
  • Fashion Design and Construction
  • Fashion Merchandising and Retail
  • Housing and Interior Design
  • Interior Design
  • Multimedia Design
  • Photography and Imaging
  • Product Development
  • Textiles and Apparel
  • Web and Graphic Design

  ---

  Education and Training

  This cluster prepares students for teaching and instructional careers across age groups.

  • Career Development and Readiness
  • Child Development
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Education and Training
  • Instructional Design and Curriculum Planning
  • Parenting and Family Life
  • Principles of Teaching
  • Teaching Professions / Careers in Education

  ---

  Financial Services

  Courses in this cluster help students manage personal and family finances and explore careers in financial literacy and planning.

  • Consumer Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Financial Literacy
  • Personal Finance

  ---

  Hospitality and Tourism

  This cluster includes careers in food service, lodging, events, and recreation.

  • Baking and Pastry
  • Culinary Arts
  • Event Planning and Management
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Food Production and Services
  • Food Science
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Lodging Management
  • Tourism

  ---

  Human Services

  These courses prepare students for careers that support individual and family well-being.

  • Aging and Gerontology
  • Community and Family Services
  • Counseling and Mental Health
  • Dietetics and Nutrition
  • Ethics
  • Family Relations and Services
  • Health and Wellness
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Human Services
  • Independent Living / Life Skills
  • Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Life Management / Life Skills
  • Nutrition and Wellness
  • Sustainable Living / Sustainability

  ---

  Public Service

  This cluster supports careers in leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

  • Employability Skills
  • Interviewing and Workplace Communication
  • Leadership
  • Public Speaking
  • Work-Based Learning / Internships

  ---

  Still Unsure?

  FCCLA understands that course titles vary by school and state. If your course focuses on preparing students for careers that support individuals, families, and communities, it likely qualifies. Contact your State Adviser to confirm.

   

Step-by-Step: How to Start a Chapter

Starting your chapter is straightforward—and you will have support at every step from your FCCLA State Adviser and national staff.

Step 1: Contact Your State Adviser

Every state has a designated FCCLA State Adviser who oversees affiliation and implementation. They can walk you through deadlines, packages, and state-specific guidelines.

🔗 Contact Your State Association

Step 2: Request a Chapter Through the FCCLA Portal

Go to the FCCLA Portal and select “First Time Chapter Affiliation.” Submit your request to create a new chapter. Your state adviser will approve it and provide your login credentials.

🔗 Access the FCCLA Portal

Step 3: Choose Your Membership Package

FCCLA offers flexible membership options—including individual and bundled chapter packages—to meet your program’s needs.

🔗 View Membership Rates and Packages

Step 4: Add Student Members

Use the FCCLA Portal to enter your student roster. You can input names individually or upload a CSV file for bulk entry. Helpful templates and portal instructions are available in the Resources section.

Step 5: Submit Payment

Once your student roster is finalized, you will submit payment for your selected affiliation package. After payment is processed, your chapter will be officially affiliated and ready to participate in FCCLA programs and events.

After You Affiliate

Your affiliated chapter gains access to:

• 50+ Competitive Events aligned to Career Clusters
• Service and leadership opportunities through National Programs
• Adviser-exclusive planning tools, lessons, and student tracking
• State and national conferences for both students and advisers
• Scholarship opportunities and national recognition
• A built-in system to integrate leadership, service, and career readiness into your curriculum

FCCLA is not something extra—it is designed to support and enhance your instruction, not add more to your workload.

Looking for Tools to Help You Get Started?

Checklists, sample forms, planning templates, portal guides, and more are all available in one place.

🔗 Visit the Chapter Affiliation Resources Page

Still Have Questions?

Your State Adviser is your best source for support and guidance. They understand your state’s policies, deadlines, and expectations and can help you launch with confidence.

🔗 Contact Your State Association

You already teach the content. FCCLA helps your students live it—with leadership, purpose, and future-ready skills that will serve them for life.