FCCLA

Ultimate Chapter Award

Resources

The FCCLA Ultimate Chapter Award is the highest honor an FCCLA Chapter can achieve, recognizing those who excel in leadership, service, and making a meaningful impact. This prestigious award celebrates chapters that lead purposefully, serve with passion, and engage their members in transformative experiences embodying the Ultimate Leadership Experience. Earning this award signifies that your chapter is meeting and exceeding the standards of excellence set by FCCLA, ensuring that every member benefits from a comprehensive and enriching leadership journey.

Chapters honored with the Ultimate Chapter Award demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the values of FCCLA, creating an environment where students are empowered to develop essential skills for their future careers while making a positive difference in their schools and communities. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of chapters that truly embody the spirit of FCCLA, setting a benchmark for others to follow and contributing to the overall strength and vitality of the organization.

Purpose of the Award

The Ultimate Chapter Award was created to honor chapters that are exemplary in their pursuit of FCCLA’s mission, going beyond participation to embody and advance the organization’s values truly. This award serves to recognize those chapters that have cultivated an environment of continuous improvement, where every activity, initiative, and interaction is aligned with the goals of leadership development, career preparation, and community service.

The purpose of this award is not only to celebrate outstanding achievement but also to encourage chapters to innovate and strive for excellence in all they do. By setting a high standard of involvement and impact, the Ultimate Chapter Award inspires chapters to deepen their commitment to the FCCLA experience, ensuring that their members are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

In essence, the Ultimate Chapter Award is a recognition of chapters that have made significant contributions to their communities, schools, and the broader FCCLA network, and it serves as a powerful motivator for others to pursue and uphold these same high standards.

Eligibility

All affiliated FCCLA chapters are eligible to pursue the Ultimate Chapter Award, regardless of size or location. This award is designed to recognize excellence across the diverse spectrum of FCCLA Chapters, ensuring that every chapter, from the smallest rural group to the largest urban school, has the opportunity to be celebrated for its achievements.

Eligibility for the Ultimate Chapter Award is inclusive, reflecting FCCLA’s commitment to recognizing the outstanding efforts of all chapters that actively engage in the organization’s programs and initiatives. Whether your chapter is just beginning its journey or has a long-standing history of involvement, the Ultimate Chapter Award is an attainable goal that highlights the unique strengths and contributions of your chapter.

How to Earn the Award

To earn the FCCLA Ultimate Chapter Award, your chapter must complete a specific number of opportunities based on the highest grade level of students within your chapter. The number of opportunities required reflects the level of involvement and leadership expected from chapters with varying member compositions:

  • For chapters with members up to grade eight (8): You must complete at least 55 opportunities.
  • For chapters with any members in grade nine (9) and above: You must complete at least 70 opportunities.

While the number of opportunities may seem significant, rest assured that with regular involvement and a well-planned strategy, your chapter can steadily achieve these milestones throughout the year. By staying actively engaged, setting clear and achievable goals, and taking full advantage of the diverse programs and initiatives that FCCLA offers, your chapter can steadily work towards meeting these milestones.

The key to success lies in regular participation, which ensures that each opportunity contributes meaningfully to your chapter’s journey toward earning this prestigious award.

Areas of Excellence

To earn the FCCLA Ultimate Chapter Award, your chapter must demonstrate excellence in six key areas, each highlighting the vital aspects of chapter engagement, leadership, and communication. These areas are designed to reflect the diverse opportunities available for chapters to showcase their strengths and make a meaningful impact.

  • Join

    The Join section highlights your chapter’s ability to build and sustain a Jointhriving membership base, which is foundational to your chapter’s success. A strong membership ensures a diverse and active community, fostering a sense of belonging and commitment among members.

    Examples of Opportunities:

    • Affiliate by November 1:
      • ​​​​​​​Demonstrates your chapter’s commitment to early organization and readiness for the year.
    • Chapter members verify their email address in the Portal:
      • Ensures effective communication and engagement with all members, helping them stay informed and involved.
    • Submit evidence of hosting a back-to-school night event:
      • Engages new and returning members, fostering community and setting a positive tone for the year.
    • Submit evidence of recognizing new or returning members on social media:
      • Highlights your chapter’s efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, strengthening member retention.

    By excelling in the Join section, your chapter builds a solid foundation that supports all other activities and ensures ongoing growth and vitality.

  • Engage

    The Engage section recognizes your chapter’s commitment to Engageinvolving members in meaningful activities that promote personal growth, leadership development, and community service. Active engagement is essential for cultivating well-rounded members who are prepared to lead and make a positive impact in their communities.

    Examples of Opportunities:

     

    • Complete an Explore Act Tell submission:
      • Demonstrates your chapter's engagement in FCCLA's National Outreach Program, showcasing your commitment to broader social causes.
    • Submit evidence of a chapter member participating in a job shadowing activity:
      • Provides members with real-world career exploration opportunities, helping them connect classroom learning with future career paths.
    • Submit evidence of participating in a national partner initiative:
      • Highlights your chapter's collaboration with FCCLA partners, expanding your impact beyond the local community.
    • Submit evidence of hosting a We Help Two fundraiser:
      • Showcases your chapter’s dedication to service and fundraising for important causes, empowering members to make a tangible difference.

    By excelling in the Engage section, your chapter fosters a culture of involvement, service, and leadership development that benefits both members and the community.
     
  • Compete

    The Compete section emphasizes your chapter’s participation in CompeteFCCLA’s Competitive Events, showcasing members’ skills and achievements. Success in this area reflects your chapter’s commitment to excellence and its ability to inspire members to reach their full potential.

    Examples of Opportunities:

    • Compete at a National Conference (Knowledge Bowl):
      • Demonstrates your chapter’s dedication to academic excellence and teamwork through participation in national-level competitions.
    • At a minimum, one (1) individual/team from your chapter places in the Top 10 at the National Leadership Conference (STAR Events):
      • Highlights your chapter’s success in preparing members to excel in high-level competitions.
    • Submit evidence of integrating a minimum of one (1) Competitive Event into the classroom:
      • Ensures that competition-based learning is a regular part of your chapter’s educational activities, enhancing members’ skill development.
    • Compete in Round 1 or Round 2 of the Knowledge Matters Virtual Business Challenge:
      • Engages members in business and entrepreneurship, fostering critical thinking and real-world skills.

    Excelling in the Compete section signals that your chapter not only participates in but excels at competitive events, positioning itself as a leader in developing skilled, confident members.

  • Attend

    The Attend section underscores the importance of your Attendchapter’s active participation in FCCLA’s national events. Attending these events connects your chapter to the broader FCCLA community, providing valuable experiences that enhance leadership, networking, and engagement.

    Examples of Opportunities:

    • At a minimum, one (1) attendee registered for the National Leadership Conference:
      • Ensures your chapter is represented at FCCLA’s premier event, where members gain exposure to leadership development, networking opportunities, and the broader FCCLA community.
    • At a minimum, one (1) chapter adviser applies to host an adviser roundtable at the National Leadership Conference:
      • Demonstrates your chapter’s leadership and willingness to share knowledge and contribute to the collective expertise within FCCLA.
    • At a minimum, one (1) chapter member applies to participate in the Fashion Show at the National Leadership Conference:
      • Showcases the talents and creativity of your members on a national stage, furthering their personal and professional development.
    • At a minimum, one (1) chapter member participates in the Say Yes to FCS Signing Ceremony at the National Leadership Conference:
      • Highlights your chapter’s commitment to promoting career pathways in Family and Consumer Sciences, aligning with FCCLA’s mission.

    By excelling in the Attend section, your chapter gains invaluable insights, builds connections, and reinforces its role as an active participant in the broader FCCLA community.

  • Lead

    The Lead section focuses on developing and demonstrating leadershipLead within your chapter. Strong leadership is essential for guiding your chapter’s vision, executing plans effectively, and inspiring members to take on active roles in FCCLA and beyond. 

    Examples of Opportunities:

    • Submit evidence of developing a Program of Work for the school year (Chapter Officers):
      • Demonstrates your chapter’s ability to plan strategically and set clear goals, ensuring a well-organized and purpose-driven year.
    • Submit evidence of hosting a Chapter Officer Training:
      • Ensures that your chapter’s leadership team is well-prepared to guide members and manage chapter activities effectively.
    • At a minimum, one (1) Chapter Adviser graduated from Adviser Academy within the past five (5) years:
      • Highlights the importance of continuous professional development, equipping advisers with the skills needed to mentor and lead successfully.
    • Submit an original lesson plan on how you integrate FCCLA into your classroom:
      • Showcases your chapter’s commitment to educational leadership and innovation, aligning classroom learning with FCCLA’s mission and values.

    Excelling in the Lead section ensures that your chapter is equipped with strong leaders who can drive success, inspire others, and contribute to the overall growth and vitality of FCCLA.

  • Communications

    The Communications section recognizes your chapter’s ability Communicationsto effectively share its goals, activities, and accomplishments with members, the school, and the broader community. Strong communication is key to building awareness, fostering engagement, and promoting the value of FCCLA.

    Examples of Opportunities:

    • Apply for FCCLA’s Chapter Public Relations Award:
      • Showcases your chapter’s excellence in public relations and its ability to effectively communicate its achievements and initiatives to a wide audience.
    • Submit evidence of celebrating FCCLA Week using provided resources:
      • Demonstrates your chapter’s active participation in national FCCLA initiatives, reinforcing your connection to the broader FCCLA community.
    • Submit evidence of developing a chapter promotion and marketing plan for the year:
      • Ensures that your chapter has a strategic approach to promoting its activities, maximizing visibility and member engagement.
    • Submit evidence of utilizing social media platforms to promote FCCLA and engage with members:
      • Highlights your chapter’s ability to connect with a wider audience, keeping members informed and involved through modern communication channels.

    Excelling in the Communicate section ensures that your chapter’s successes are not only achieved but also celebrated, both within your community and across the FCCLA network.

Types of Opportunities for Earning Credit

To earn the FCCLA Ultimate Chapter Award, your chapter can accumulate credits through three distinct types of opportunities. Each type is designed to make the process straightforward and accessible, ensuring that your chapter can efficiently track and achieve the necessary milestones.

Chapters track and report their engagement for the Ultimate Chapter Award through the FCCLA Portal. Chapter advisers can visit the Ultimate Chapter Award tab to view their current status and see all available opportunities to secure points. The portal includes detailed instructions for each point item, outlining what needs to be done to earn points for completion.

Automatic Tracking Opportunities:

These opportunities are the simplest to earn. When your chapter completes specific actions within the FCCLA Portal, such as affiliating members or registering for events, the credit is awarded automatically. This seamless process, tracked in real-time through the portal, ensures that your chapter’s participation is recognized instantly, without the need for additional steps.

Application-Based Opportunities:

For these opportunities, your chapter earns credit by submitting applications through the FCCLA Portal. This might include applying for awards, grants, or recognition programs. The portal provides clear instructions for each application, ensuring that your chapter knows exactly what is required to earn credit. Once your application is submitted, the credit is automatically added to your chapter’s progress, making it easy to monitor your achievements.

Reflection-Based Opportunities:

These opportunities allow your chapter to earn credit by sharing experiences and stories through surveys and reflections. By documenting your chapter’s unique journey, contributions, and impact, you not only earn credit but also contribute valuable insights to the FCCLA community. The FCCLA Portal guides you through the submission process, ensuring that your reflections are captured and credited efficiently.

This integrated system within the FCCLA Portal makes it easy for chapters to stay organized, track their progress, and work towards achieving the Ultimate Chapter Award with clarity and confidence. By utilizing the portal’s features, your chapter can focus on what matters most: providing an outstanding leadership experience for your members.

Recognition

Chapters that achieve the Ultimate Chapter Award will be celebrated for their exceptional accomplishments and commitment to FCCLA’s mission. Recognition takes place in August, following the close of the affiliation year on July 31.

Chapters earning the Ultimate Chapter Award will receive the prestigious digital badge, symbolizing their dedication to excellence in leadership, service, and member engagement. This badge will be prominently displayed on your chapter’s FCCLA Portal, showcasing your chapter’s achievements throughout the year.

In addition to the digital badge, your chapter’s success will be highlighted across FCCLA’s platforms, including features in national FCCLA publications, spotlights on the FCCLA website, and celebrations on FCCLA’s social media channels. These recognitions not only honor your chapter’s hard work but also inspire other chapters to strive for the same level of excellence.

Ultimate Chapter Award recipients will also receive a digital promotional kit to help your chapter celebrate and share its success. The kit includes a press release template for media announcements, social media graphics for online promotion, a customizable flyer for school and community displays, an email template for internal communication, and a certificate of achievement for display.

Earning the Ultimate Chapter Award ensures that your chapter is recognized as a leader within the FCCLA community, with your achievements celebrated by peers, advisers, and the broader FCCLA network.

Dates and Deadlines

Staying aware of key dates and deadlines is crucial for earning the Ultimate Chapter Award.

Point Completion Deadline:

Chapters have until the end of the affiliation year, July 31, to complete and submit their opportunity points.

However, be aware that some opportunities have earlier deadlines. For example, National Program Award applications must be submitted by the deadline listed on the FCCLA website. To receive credit for these opportunities, you must meet the specific deadline, and only then will the credit be reflected on your dashboard.

Opportunity-Specific Deadlines:

If an opportunity has a deadline before July 31, it will be noted in the description on your dashboard.

Please note that late submissions for any opportunities cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

How to Get Started

Getting started on your journey to earning the Ultimate Chapter Award is simple and easy!

To begin:

  1. Log in to the FCCLA Adviser Portal: Access the Ultimate Chapter Award tab to view your chapter’s current status and all available opportunities.
  2. Download the Printable Checklist: Use this resource to keep a tangible record of your chapter’s progress. Share it with your members to ensure everyone is aware of the tasks at hand.
  3. Set Goals and Assign Responsibilities: Work with your chapter members to set specific goals and assign tasks related to the opportunities available. Regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
  4. Monitor Progress in the Portal: Regularly log into the Adviser Portal to track your chapter’s achievements and see where additional efforts are needed.

With these tools and resources, your chapter will be well-prepared to pursue and achieve the Ultimate Chapter Award.

Tips for Success

To help your chapter excel and earn the Ultimate Chapter Award, consider these best practices:

  • Start Early: Begin working on opportunities as soon as the school year starts to give your chapter ample time to complete all required tasks.
  • Involve Every Member: Ensure that each member has a role in contributing to the chapter’s success, fostering a sense of ownership and teamwork.
  • Stay Organized: Utilize the checklist and progress tracker resources to monitor your chapter’s achievements and keep track of completed opportunities.
  • Reach Out for Support: If you have questions or need guidance, do not hesitate to contact FCCLA for assistance. Support is always available to help you navigate the process.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or need additional information about the Ultimate Chapter Award, please reach out to FCCLA's support team. We are here to help you every step of the way!

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