Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences education in public and private schools through grade 12. Everyone is part of a family, and FCCLA is the only national Career and Technical Student Organization with the family as its central focus. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.

Today, more than 182,000 members from 5,253 chapters are active in a network of associations in 48 states, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Chapter projects focus on a variety of youth concerns, including teen pregnancy, parenting, family relationships, substance abuse, peer pressure, environment, nutrition and fitness, teen violence, and career exploration. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life — planning, goal-setting, problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal communication — necessary in the home and workplace.

Mission

To promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family members, wage earners, and community leaders, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.

Purpose

1. To provide opportunities for personal development and preparation for adult life
2. To strengthen the function of the family as a basic unit of society
3. To encourage democracy through cooperative action in the home and community
4. To encourage individual and group involvement in helping achieve global cooperation and harmony
5. To promote greater understanding between youth and adults
6. To provide opportunities for making decisions and for assuming responsibilities.
7. To prepare for the multiple roles of men and women in today’s society
8. To promote Family and Consumer Sciences and related occupations