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

• Quarterly Wisconsin FCCLA newsletters and weekly communications like the Wisconsin FCCLA Huddle, Adviser Fast Facts, and Member Minute newsletters

• The ability to register for regional, 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.

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.

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

If you have questions about your eligibility, a specific course title, or the process to get started, please email Julie Anderson, State Adviser, at info@wifccla.org. 

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 email Julie Anderson, State Adviser, at info@wifccla.org. She 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

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

🔗 Detailed Step-By-Step Affiliation Guide
 

Step 1: Contact Your State Adviser

• Every state has a designated FCCLA State Adviser who oversees affiliation and implementation. Julie Anderson, CFCS is the Wisconsin FCCLA State Adviser. She 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. The 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 below

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.