About AAFCS
Founded in 1909, the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is the only professional association representing members from both multiple FCS practice settings and content areas.
Our Mission AAFCS elevates the profession by inspiring research, leadership, and and communit
Letter from the President
Reflecting on 2024, we l opportunities of 2025! P development continued and Consumer Science through inspired resear service. The achievemen report reflect the efforts AAFCS members and th FCS professionals work touch individuals, share uplifting practices, and e to improve quality of life
In 2024, AAFCS made sig accomplishing our strat transition into 2025 and beyond, we are developing an extension of the strategic plan through 2027. During my inauguration as president of the AAFCS Board of Directors, I proposed three presidential priorities: recognizing and increasing member capabilities, linking and collaborating, and focusing on accomplishing good. These priorities are sequential and symbiotic, enhancing our individual talents and effectiveness through collaboration. AAFCS’s advocacy and involvement with all FCS organizations are key to our success.
Barbara
Stewart Board President 2024-2025
Professor and Chair of the Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences at the University of Houston. Dr. Stewart has published and presented more than 360 scholarly works with 131 of those in the Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences and at AAFCS annual meetings. She has received $32+ million in grants and funding to support FCS research and projects.
AAFCS Board of Directors
Front Row (L-R): Deborah Handy, CFCS, Margarget Jenkins, CPFFE Back Row (L-R): Landon Calderwood, CFCS-HDFS, Sharon Pate, Barbara Stewart, Debra Andres, CFCS-HDFS, Cara Simmons, CFCS (Not Pictured - Karin Athanas, Menia Chester)
Our Strategic Plan 2023-2026 | Extended to 2027 STRENGTHEN THE PROFESSION
Individuals, families, and communities are achieving optimal quality of life assisted by competent, caring professionals whose expertise is continually updated through AAFCS.
INVEST IN THE FUTURE
REVITALIZE THE ORGANIZATION
We develop, protect and strengthen equitable access to relevant family and consumer sciences programs for all generations. We build a relevant organization with the capability and capacity to operate effectively and efficiently to meet member needs.
New Initiatives
Affiliate Advocacy Grant
The AAFCS Affiliate Grant provides resources, training, and collaboration to participating Affiliates to help them grow their advocacy work.
FCSINDUSTRY SURVEY
FCS Industry Survey
AAFCS launched an FCS Industry Research Study to demonstrate the impact of FCS on the economy. Results will be published in 2025.
CIP Code
AAFCS and LEAD FCS Education collaborated to review and develop recommended changes to CIP Code 19 (Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences).
Collaborative Network
The Network was created to recognize the strong partnerships AAFCS has formed with our stakeholders and provide them with opportunities to highlight their programs, services, and resources available to FCS professionals. PoweringtheProfession
Powering the Profession
The Powering the Profession: Emerging Trends & Topics series are virtual sessions led by industry experts to explore trends and topics of interest to FCS students and professionals across content areas.
New Initiatives
Platform Enhancements
AAFCS Website
Our newly redesigned website offers a sleek, user-friendly interface with faster load times and intuitive navigation, ensuring a seamless and enhanced browsing experience for all users.
Oth
THINK FCSLearning Platform
THINK FCS: Training Hub for Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge! An online platform hosting virtual professional development, publications, and more.
THINK FCS - Streaming Series
Dive into the world of FCS with AAFCS as we promote the importance of FCS and challenge listeners to THINK critically about the issues facing individuals, families, communities, and the profession.
Pilot Testing
The AAFCS and the FCS Credentialing Center are pilot testing three professional assessments: Family & Consumer Sciences, Human Development & Family Science, and Hospitality, Nutrition, & Food Science.
FCS Forward
A grantmaking committee was created and new funding and programs for grantmaking approved by the Board.
Additional Efforts
National CTE Career Cluster
The AAFCS worked with our Alliance for FCS partners to advocate for the inclusion of Family and Consumer Sciences in the modernized career clusters. Our work on this project included:
AAFCS and our fellow FCS association partners worked with our members to submit responses to the Advance CTE Survey.
AAFCS launched an advocacy campaign providing information and empowering FCS professionals to send messages of support to their legislators, the Department of Education, and Advance CTE
AAFCS reached out to our partners and developed an industry support letter and a colleges and universities support letter, both of which were sent to Advance CTE.
AAFCS published a letter of support which was sent to Advance CTE.
AAFCS sent letters to every member of Congress asking for their support.
AAFCS sent letters to President Biden and US Agencies including the Department of Education, Department of Labor, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Transportation asking for their assistance.
The Alliance published “Family and Consumer Sciences: Overview of a 100-year-old industry sector” which was shared with FCS professionals, government agencies, and industry.
Campaign Messages Breakdown (4,716 Total)
366 377 159
SENT TO ADVANCE CTE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KATE KREAMER, BOARD PRESIDENT KATIE GRAHAM, AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, STATE POLICY DAN HINDERLITER
Other Outreach
SENTTOSECRETARY OFEDUCATION MIGUELCARDONA
Produced White Papers and MOU
SENTTOTHEOTHER MEMBERSOFTHE ADVANCECTEBOARD
3,814
SENTTOSENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVESOF THEU.S.CONGRESS
MOU: Signed with the Home Baking Association to develop two new credentials, one for pre-professionals and one for professionals in baking.
White paper: Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) as a Career and Technical Education Career Cluster
White paper: Family and Consumer Sciences in Statewide Education and Community Programs
White paper: The Erasure of an Industry
New Resources
AAFCS also redesigned and relaunched the AAFCS Advocacy website with new resources and tools including an interactive legislative map.
Feature Fridays
Every Friday AAFCS Features FCS! AAFCS spotlights programs, services, members, conferences, and much more through social media and on the AAFCS website!
AAFCS MATTERS! Newsletter
The bi-weekly newsletter underwent a comprehensive redesign to enhance visual appeal and user experience. Providing members with timely, relevant information in an accessible and enjoyable manner The redesign reflects our commitment to keeping our FCS community informed and connected.
AAFCS Website
FCS Educator Day
On February 14, 2024, we Fell in Love with FCS as AAFCS highlighted wonderful FCS Educators and FCS supporters on social media and the AAFCS website.
Our website saw tremendous engagement in 2024 with over 330,000 home page visits The most popular page was “What is FCS?” In September an updated version of the site was launched to make it easier for visitors to access valuable resources and stay connected with our community.
FCS Week
Celebrated December 2-6, 2024, each day had a theme to elevate the fun! FCS supporters followed along on social media and shared their own celebrations as AAFCS distributed resources, activities, and hosted contests throughout the week!
Our Membership
Affiliate Highlights
California Affiliate
23 students attended the professional conference at San Francisco State University. All students attending from outside the San Francisco area received reimbursement for travel and housing.
Montana Affiliate
Montana FCS was recognized by their governor whom designated February 14 as FCS Day
AAFCS members are a diverse group of students, professionals, and post professionals dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across sectors such as FCS, education, business, health, and social services. Their expertise in areas like financial literacy, family dynamics, and sustainable living enables them to address pressing societal issues and create lasting, positive impacts. Valued for their adaptability and commitment to lifelong learning, AAFCS members are key contributors to building resilient communities and are essential partners in advancing social, educational, and economic goals.
North Carolina Affiliate
Over 100 members and nonmembers attended the affiliate’s 105th Annual Meeting.
Ohio Affiliate
14 FCS professionals from Ohio attended and presented their work at the International Federation of Home Economics in Galway, Ireland
Wisconsin Affiliate
A CFCS study group in Wisconsin resulted in a one hundred precent pass rate for the group.
50 Year Member Conference Attendees Honored at the 2024 Conference
Front Row (L-R): JoBerta H. Campbell, Marie D. Winker, CFCS-Retired, Brenda M. Dickinson, CFCS-Retired, Sue Buck, CFCS Back Row (L-R): Don Bower, Deb Andres CFCS-HDFS (2024 Board President)
Jerlyn S. Demarest
Patricia A Hammerschmidt
Joyce W Villwock
Indiana
Michigan
Indiana
Brenda M Dickinson, CFCS-Retired Texas
Julie A Despot
Minnesota
Sylvia E. Chatagnier California
Nancy J. Rash
April H. Wong
Iowa
California
Marline E. Riehle California
JoBerta H. Campbell
Linda G Smock
Sue Buck, CFCS
Billie Lou Sands
Sharon L Mader
Don Bower
Indiana
Florida
Wisconsin
California
Ohio
Georgia
Jean A. Zeithaml, CFCS-Retired Wisconsin
Carol Subera
Wisconsin
Marie D. Winker, CFCS-Retired Minnesota
Pre-Professional Certification
Pre-PAC(Pre-ProfessionalAssessmentandCertification)isapremiernational assessmentandcertificationprogramprovidinganintegratedsystemthat recognizesindividualcompetencyachievementandbuildsvalueofprograms throughaccountability,articulationpossibilities,andbusiness/industry recognition
ThroughPre-PAC,AAFCSoffersaportfolioofthird-party,standards-based assessmentsandcorrespondingindustrycertificationsinavarietyofcontent areasincluding:
Leadership
Professional Certification
TheAAFCSCertificationProgramrecognizesfamilyandconsumersciences professionalswhohavedemonstratedmasteryofessentialknowledgethrough abaccalaureatedegreeandsuccessfulcompletionofanationalcompetencybasedexam.Thiscertificationassuresthepublicofaprofessional’s qualifications,fostersexcellenceinthefield,andpromotesongoingprofessional development.Earningoneofthefollowingcredentialsenhancescareer opportunities,providesprofessionalrecognition,andsupportscontinuing educationandgrowth:
CFCS (Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences)
CFCS-HDFS (Certified in Human Development and Family Studies)
CFCS-HNFS (Certified in Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science)
CPFFE (Certified Personal and Family Finance Educator)
CNWE (Certified Nutrition and Wellness Educator)
AI Academy Series and Microcredential
New professional development series focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact on FCS. Upon completion of the series, users are able to earn a Microcredential.
Memorandum of Understanding
Signed with the Home Baking Association for a NEW Credential
The AAFCS and Home Baking Association are collaborating to develop new AAFCS credentials in baking.
Pilot Testing
The AAFCS Credentialing Department launched pilot testing for three professional assessments: Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Composite Examination, Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Concentration Examination, and Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science (HNFS) Concentration Examination.
Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences (JFCS)
Our new journal submission system, Scholastica, is a user-friendly platform designed to streamline the submission, review, and publishing process With its intuitive interface, automated workflows, and integrated peer review management, Scholastica enhances communication between authors, editors, and reviewers, making the entire process faster and more efficient for academic journals
Family & Consumer Sciences Research Journal (FCSRJ)
The Family & Consumer Sciences Research Journal has recently received several key metrics that assess the journal's impact and reputation within the academic and research communities:
0.36 0.7 1.7
JOURNAL CITATION INDICATOR FIRST JOURNAL IMPACT FACTOR™
Research Journal Awards
CITESCORE
Emerging Scholar: Haeok Liz Kim
International Hotel Management Department, Kyungdong University, Bongpo, Gosung, Gangwondo, South Korea
Outstanding Paper: “Fashionable protection gear: Understanding mask wearing practices through protection motivation theory” written by Su Kyoung An, Pimpawan Kumphai, Hae Jin Gam, Dong Donald Lee
Higher Education & Accreditation
Council for Accreditation Re-accredited
FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (GA) UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MARTIN (TN)
Assembly of Higher Education
33
INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS OF
THE ASSEMBLY OF HIGHER
EDUCATION
AL, AR, CA, GA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX, WI, WY
(Based on Undergraduate Degrees Conferred Annually)
CODE WORK
Why are we doing this? CIP
AAFCS and LEAD FCS
Education collaborated to review and develop recommended changes to CIP Code 19 (Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences). The joint initiative included an ad-hoc review committee and a content advisory committee of subject-matter experts. The ad-hoc review committee met regularly in the Fall of 2024 to develop recommened revisions to the code titles and descriptors to greater reflect relevant and emerging content with FCS. The official recommendations for changes to CIP Code 19 were submitted electronically on November 15 to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Conferences & Events
Conference | Minneapolis, Minnesota | June 5-10, 2024
The AAFCS Annual Conference, hosted in Minneapolis, Minnesota, brought together professionals, pre-professionals, emeritus members, and nonmembers from around the globe. As the only professional association representing individuals across various Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) practice settings and content areas, AAFCS is proud to create a unique platform for collaboration. The Annual Conference serves as a vital space to advance AAFCS’s mission elevating the profession by inspiring research, leadership, and service that empower individuals, families, and communities. It is a time for connection, learning, and advancing the impact of FCS in society.
2024 Award & Grant Recipients
Honoring the Award and Grant Conference Attendees at the 2024 Conference
Front Row (L-R): Joanne Cavis, CFCS-Retired
Back Row (L-R): Donna Graham, Emily Larson, CFCS, Emily Pike, Kathryn Carroll, CFCS, CPFFE, Jaqueline Holland, CFCS-HDFS, Lois Lewis, CFCS, CPFFE
All 2024 AAFCS Award and Grant Recipients
Distinguished Service Award: Lois Lewis, CFCS, CPFFE & Joanne Cavis, CFCS-Retired
Teacher of the Year: Nicole Heflin, CNWE
Teacher of the Year
Merit Finalist: Sara Consdorf & Emily Larson, CFCS
New Achiever: Kathryn Carroll, CFCS, CPFFE
Leader: Donna Graham & Jacqueline Holland, CFCS-HDFS
Jewell L Taylor Fellowship: Emily Brill, CFCS
Myrna Crabtree Fellowship: Virginia Parker, CFCS
Jewell L Taylor Scholarship: Emily Pike
Centennial Scholars Research Grant: Jeong-Ju Yoo & Mickey Langlais
Betsy Norum Stipend: Marissa Cheslock
Conferences & Events
Leadership Summit | Kansas City, Missouri | Sept. 20-23, 2024
The AAFCS Leadership Summit, rebranded from the Fall Leadership Workshop, marked an exciting new chapter by expanding its focus beyond just affiliate leaders. Held in Kansas City, Missouri, this event invited professionals, pre-professionals, emeritus members, and non-members from around the world to come together for an engaging and dynamic experience. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the field, engage in meaningful discussions, and learn best practices to enhance their work and leadership skills. The summit provided a platform to expand professional networks, earn Professional Development Units, and explore the vibrant culture of Kansas City. Above all, it fostered an environment of fun and collaboration, making it a must-attend event for anyone looking to grow within the family and consumer sciences community.
The Year In Review
TheAAFCSStaffhavebeenbusyattendingandpresentingatvariousconferences andeventsthroughoutthecountry!AAFCSworkstoelevatetheprofessionby connectingwithindividuals,communities,andorganizationsatavarietyofevents
Convening:
We are thrilled to celebrate Lori's incredible 15 years of dedicated service to the AAFCS! Over the years, Lori has been an invaluable member of our organization, consistently making lasting positive impacts. From her early days as a Student Unit Officer in college to her current roles as Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Core Competency, Lori's journey reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and leadership. We are so grateful for her continued contributions and are excited to wish her a Happy Workiversary! Here's to many more years of success and impact ahead!
Celebrating Lori Myers, CFCS, Ph.D.! AAFCS Staff
Karin Athanas, Helen Fuqua, Nina Garcia, Maya Herr, Courtney Manno, Lori Myers, CFCS, Dawn Schulz, Toni Wiese, Kristi Wilson
Thank you for your continued support of AAFCS. Your involvement is invaluable in helping us achieve our mission and make a positive impact in the field.
