Programming

Spring Stock Market Game

The Alpaugh Family Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati will be hosting the spring session of the Stock Market Game from February 3 – April 11, 2025. The Stock Market Game program is an online market simulation that allows students to manage a virtual stock portfolio with real-time data and compete against other teams and schools regionally.

Interested educators can visit the Alpaugh Family Economics Center’s website to learn more about the program and view the registration details.

Ohio Personal Finance Challenge

The Ohio Personal Finance Challenge, sponsored by the Alpaugh Family Economics Center, is an opportunity for high school students to demonstrate their knowledge of personal finance by competing with other students across the state in an online competition. There is no cost for educators or students to participate. 

Educators can register teams of three to four students before the competition begins on February 5, 2025. The winning team from Ohio will be invited to attend the National Personal Finance Challenge, held in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 1-2, 2025.

Kids Feeding Kids Fellowship Opportunity

The Kids Feeding Kids Fellowship (KFKids) offers high school teachers an opportunity to create meaningful change by addressing food insecurity, sustainability, and family mealtime through innovative classroom projects. Fellows will join a select, national cohort of educators committed to fostering community-driven solutions while advancing their professional growth. The one-year Fellowship, running from July 2025 to July 2026, includes mentorship, hands-on training, and deliverables designed to amplify the impact of the KFKids program. Watch this 16 minute YouTube or review application details here.

Contact AAFCS member, Diane Mora, Education Director, Kids Feeding Kids for additional questions.

Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is hosting a new, student-centered Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase that encourages student interest in nutrition and culinary arts career pathways through the hands-on experience of developing and cooking an original school lunch recipe. Student competition recipes will highlight the sourcing and consumption of fresh and local foods by incorporating Ohio Harvest of the Month fruits and vegetables.

Under the guidance of an adult supervisor, each student team will develop an original lunch entrée that features at least one Harvest of the Month item and includes a nutrient and cost analysis of their recipe. The analysis should demonstrate that the recipe can be replicated and served in cafeterias across the state.

A Department panel will review submitted recipes. The five top-scoring teams will receive a reimbursement stipend of up to $500 to standardize, perfect, and taste-test their recipes and then participate in a live cooking competition at Columbus State Community College on May 9, 2025.

Teams of students in grades 6-12 from schools participating in the National School Lunch Program may apply. The application deadline is February 5, 2025.

For more entry details, visit the Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase webpage or contact Farm to School Education Specialist Rebecca Naab.

Beef in the Classroom

Beef in the Classroom funds (up to $200) are provided to Family and Consumer Sciences teachers of foods/nutrition or related courses, specifically teaching a unit on beef, in the state of Ohio.

This program will help educators reinforce lessons about lean beef selection, storage, preparation, nutrition and food safety. 

The Ohio Beef Council has created Beef in the Classroom Resource Guide. Whether you are teaching new students the basics of cooking or introducing more advanced culinary techniques, this guide has you covered.

For more details regarding Ohio Beef Council Classroom Resources, contact

Anna Gest, MS, RDN, LD, Manager of Nutrition Education Programs or call 614-873-6736.

WebXam Test Security Rulebook

The start of field and post-testing is a great time to review policies and procedures. Be sure to familiarize yourself and any new teachers in your school with the WebXam Test Security Rulebook. Teachers and administrators who access the WebXam website to administrate or deliver tests are required to agree to the WebXam User Agreement, which includes acceptance of the revised Test Security Rulebook. Users will be prompted to confirm acceptance of these policies the first time they access each school year.

WebXam Calendar 2024-2025 

Winter Pretesting: 1/2/2025 – 1/31/2025 

Field Testing: 10/14/2024 – 4/18/2025

Post-testing: 10/14/2024 – 5/30/2025

WebXam Assessment Recommendation 

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs must administer EoC tests to students in grades 9-12. These valid and reliable tests are a tool that can be used for continuous improvement of courses offered. Because these courses are not classified as workforce development, the tests are not used in calculating the state technical skill attainment indicator of performance (2S1). However, the test will be utilized in the annual review of FCS programs. FCS test data will be collected in the EMIS Assessment Window.

Retake Policy 

WebXam end-of-course assessments may be retaken in the same school year by any Career-Technical Education (CTE) student currently enrolled or previously enrolled in a course with a testing requirement. Students should be provided an opportunity to retest after allowing for additional instruction time. This enhances opportunities for students to demonstrate technical skills attainment for the purpose of graduation and report cards. The policy for WebXam same-year retakes includes: 

• Students may take an end-of-course test no more than twice per academic school year (each school year begins July 1 and ends June 30) 
• A retake must be scheduled at least 30 days after the original assessment was performed 
• Field tests may not be retaken due to the length of the tests and earlier closing of the field test window

WebXam Teacher Reviews

The purpose of the WebXam review workshops is to allow Career-Technical Education instructors a formal opportunity to review and comment on WebXam operational test forms. The workshop reviews should also be viewed as a tool the instructors can use to drive future instruction. The review workshops will be held onsite at CETE or, as a second option, hosted offsite at a local district through special arrangements. Individuals participating in the reviews will be required to sign a nondisclosure agreement that includes policy stating that sharing of any information attained during the review is strictly prohibited. The cost per teacher is $60. 

• February 13, 2025
• March 14, 2025

FCCLA

Career Compass for Health and Human Services Spring Signing Day

The Career Compass for Health and Human Services Spring Signing Day is Thursday, April 24, 2025, during session one at the Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference. Students from all over the State of Ohio will commit to either Early Childhood Higher Education by working toward a degree or Early Childhood Employment upon graduation. Students must register through their OCCRRA Profile. The deadline is April 1, 2025. 

The CDA Assessment Fee Scholarship is available to students who receive their CDA. Students will need to upload their official CDA and high school diploma to their OPR profile to receive a $500.00 incentive. To be eligible for the $500.00 incentive, students must receive their CDA’s using the TEACH Assessment scholarship rather than having the $425.00 payment provided by their school district. Students must apply online for their CDA’s at www.cdacouncil.org. They will need to include their customer ID# on their CDA assessment application.

Ohio FACTS Initiative

Ohio FCCLA and the Ohio Department of Public Safety are partnering to offer up to 100 Ohio FCCLA chapters a $1,250 stipend each to conduct a FACTS project in their community. Chapters interested in receiving the stipend must complete this application. In additions, each of these 100 chapters will have the opportunity to order $250 in traffic safety supplies for their project through FCCLA.

Applicants should create a complete, well-thought-out plan of action to determine how your chapter will use the stipend. It is recommended that the FCCLA Planning Process be used to assist your chapter in the application process. Project topics must include one of the following topics: Speed, Impaired Driving, Distracted Driving, and Seat Belts, to impact the traffic safety of their school or community.  

All stipend recipients are expected to:

• Use the funds to conduct a FACTS project in their school or community, if there are remaining funds, the chapter can use them in a way that will most benefit the chapter. 
• Complete a FACTS program award application about their project by the March 3, 2025, deadline.

The top ten (10) chapters with the most outstanding final projects will be awarded up to $1,000 in travel reimbursements to attend the Ohio State Leadership Conference and present a workshop.

NEW: The top (1) Chapter will receive up to $3,500 in travel reimbursements to attend the 2025 National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, and present a workshop.  

Ohio Families First Core Initiative

Ohio FCCLA and the United Services for Effective Parenting (USEP - Ohio) are partnering to offer 50 Ohio FCCLA chapters a $250 stipend each to conduct a Families First project in their community. Chapters who are interested in receiving the stipend must complete the application in the FCCLA Portal.

Applicants should create a complete, well-thought-out plan of action to determine how your chapter will use the stipend. It is recommended that the FCCLA Planning Process be used as a tool to assist your chapter in the application process.

Ohio FCCLA Chapters (50) approved to participate in the initiative will also earn access to the "One Small Visit" video and lesson plans to enhance their Families First projects.

All stipend recipients are expected to:

• Use the funds to conduct a Families First project in their school or community; if there are remaining funds, the chapter can use them to most benefit the chapter. 
• Complete a Families First program award application about their project by the deadline on March 3, 2025.

The top three Ohio chapters with the best projects will be awarded an additional $100 cash prize. 

Ohio Families First: Childhood Education Safety Initiative

The Childhood Education Safety Initiative empowers Ohio FCCLA Chapters to take action in keeping children safe through innovative projects that address vital safety topics. The first 20 approved chapters will receive a $100 stipend to develop projects centered on the Families First Unit 4: Safety – Keeping Children Safe, utilizing powerful resources like "Buckle Up with Brutus" and "Ollie Otter." 

Applicants should create a complete, well-thought-out plan of action to determine how your chapter will use the stipend. It is recommended that the FCCLA Planning Process be used as a tool to assist your chapter in the application process.

All stipend recipients are expected to:

• Use the funds to conduct a Families First project focusing on Unit 4: Safety – Keeping Children Safe in their school or community; if there are remaining funds, the chapter can use them to the greatest benefit of the chapter. 
• Complete a Families First program award application about their project by the deadline on March 3, 2025.

The top three Ohio chapters with the best projects will be awarded an additional $100 cash prize.  

Ohio FCCLA Honorary Member Award

Ohio Family, Career and Community Leaders of America honors those professionals who give continued support to the state organization. Nominees model the mission statement by promoting personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences Education. 

Nominee: A current or past FCCLA adviser, state adviser, state administrator, local school administrator, post-secondary educator, FCCLA alumni and business/industry partners. 

Criteria: 

A candidate should have contributed to the state association in one or more of the following ways: 

1.Helped to promote the goals of FCCLA statewide through:

• Outstanding and continuing services that contribute to the achievement of Ohio FCCLA goals
• An effective public relations program that has helped promote Ohio FCCLA on a state level
• Outstanding assistance that has helped develop or carry out FCCLA projects on a state level

2.Rendered service to Family and Consumer Sciences and FCCLA that has implications such as: 

• Developed materials that promoted the Ohio FCCLA organization
• Developed materials and plans for helping teachers and prospective teachers to make FCCLA an integral part of Family and Consumer Sciences on a state and/or national level
• Recognition on the local, state or national level that has helped gain prestige for or promoted the FCCLA programs
• Supported Family and Consumer Sciences Education programs involving Ohio FCCLA

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025 

Spirit of Advising Award  

Ohio Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Spirit of Advising Award recognizes one adviser who consistently demonstrates excellence in modeling FCCLA character and integrity to ensure the success of their students within the classroom and their career. Their dedication and support of Family and Consumer Sciences Education, youth leadership and the FCCLA organization allows FCCLA to be the Ultimate Leadership Experience. 

Spirit of Advising Award qualifications: 

• Believes in the mission of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America 
• Supports and works with students to ensure student success 
• Provides learning experiences 
• Encourages positive character development 
• Dedicates time and energy to nurturing student leaders 
• Serves as a current FCCLA adviser 

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025 

The winner will be recognized at the 2025 Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference and the 2025 National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.

National Program Awards

FCCLA offers eight peer-to-peer educational programs to help students develop real-world skills for life within Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. Each National Program is designed to be integrated into the FCS classroom to help reinforce lessons with opportunities for hands-on practice. These programs also give chapters a way to achieve the Ultimate Leadership Experience. 

If your chapter completes one or more of FCCLA National Programs, chapter members can submit the National Program Award Application by March 3, 2025 to possibly earn cash awards at the state and national level along with stage recognition at the state level. Applications can be found in the National FCCLA portal under Program Awards. All Ohio FACTS Initiative recipients must complete the FACTS National Program Award Application.

Service Hours 

Service hours are tracked in the FCCLA Student Portal under My FCCLA Journey – My Service. Members will include Service Date, Event Name, Number of Hours, and Details.  

Individual Service Digital Certificates Levels:  

• Bronze Level (up to 20 service hours) 
• Silver Level (21 to 75 service hours) 
• Gold Level (76 - 100 service hours) 
• Platinum Level (100+ service hours and on-stage recognition at State Leadership Conference) 

The top three chapters and the top three members will be announced at the State Leadership Conference.

Service-Learning hours are tracked from March 15, 2024, to March 1, 2025. The Ohio FCCLA Service Hour tracking deadline is March 15, 2025.

FCCLA

National FCCLA: Updates to STAR Events Guidelines for Food Innovations and Personal Finance

There are new updates to the STAR Events guidelines for both Food Innovations and Personal Finance.

Food Innovations:

• Clarity in Language: Updated guidelines now clearly specify that participants are required to develop one nutritional drink as part of their project.
• Total Sugar Limit: The previous limit of "10% added sugar" has been replaced with a guideline of "10% total sugar."

Personal Finance:

• Budget Worksheet Update: The worksheet has been adjusted to allow sufficient space for participants to include their three supporting SMART goals.
• Removed the duplicated "expenses" section under added income.
• Please note that this change will result in the Budget Worksheet becoming a 2-page document.
• Portfolio Page Limit Adjustments: Due to the updated Budget Worksheet, we are adjusting the page limit guidelines for the portfolio - The page limit for [specific section/entire portfolio] has been updated to accommodate this change.

Regional Career Development Events  

Advisers are the Subject Matter Experts: The Office of Career-Technical Education and Ohio FCCLA State Office have the expectation that advisers will help facilitate Career Development Event competitions in the role of Subject Matter Experts at the regional, state, and national levels. Ohio FCCLA State Staff members are key in identifying qualified evaluators, room consultants, and event volunteers. Because Career Development Events operate on a limited budget, unpaid volunteers are essential. Chapters are responsible for providing one evaluator and/or room consultant for every three event participants.  

Ohio FCCLA Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governing body of Ohio Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Association. The Board receives and acts upon the recommendations of State Staff relative to programming and financial matters.  

Eligibility: Adviser candidates 

• Currently serving as an affiliated chapter adviser
• Must have served as an affiliated chapter adviser for two years
• Attend Fall Leadership Training and State Leadership Conference 

Position: The open position begins in the fall of 2025 and is a three-year term, the open position 

• Family and Consumer Sciences: 1 position
• Hospitality and Tourism: 1 position
• Career-Technical Education Administrator: 1 position

Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 28, 2025

FCCLA State Advisory and Career Development Events Committee Position 

Ohio Family, Career and Community Leaders of America ask affiliated advisers to serve in a leadership role to continuously improve Ohio FCCLA programming and Career Development Events. 

Career Development Events Committee:

Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America Association assumes the leadership role:

• Developing and continuously improving industry relevant Career Development Events. 
• State Career Development Events should reflect the application of technical knowledge and skills relevant to industry demands. 
• Career Development Events are intended to be an extension of the classroom and laboratory instruction. 
• In addition, it is appropriate for the state organization to develop Career Development Events that simulate instruction in emerging areas that reflect both current and future local, state, national and global workforce needs.

State Advisory Committee: 

Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America Advisory Committee assumes the leadership role:

• Evaluating structured student programming through feedback from the membership
• Facilitating cooperation and communication between the state advisory committee and membership
• Assist in the development and re-design of the Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America Association structured programming that have been identified as needing restructured
• Assist the developing necessary knowledge and skills as well as performance levels of Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America members through participation in Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America programs

Eligibility 

• Currently serving as an affiliated chapter adviser
• Must have served as an affiliated chapter adviser for two years
• Attend Fall Leadership Training, Regional Career Development Events and State Leadership Conference

Positions available: Serve a three-year term from June 1, 2025 through May 30, 2028

Career Development Events Committee

• Education and Training (1)

State Advisory Committee

• Education and Training (1)
• Family and Consumer Sciences (1)
• Hospitality and Tourism (1) 

Application

Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 28, 2025

2025-2026 Executive Council Candidate

Executive Council Members are equipped with skills for life as members take responsibility in planning and implementing state and regional programming and events. Any affiliated member who is enthusiastic, innovative, futuristic, active, committed and passionate for FCCLA, we have an opportunity for you. Being an Executive Council member is a fantastic opportunity to learn, make new friends, strengthen your communication, travel and leadership skills. Elevate your ultimate leadership experience and enhance your leadership skills by running for a Regional or State Executive Council position! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to any Regional or State Executive Council member. You can find their contact information here. 

For more information in regards to the Executive Council Candidate application and guidelines, please visit the Ohio FCCLA Website.

Application, letters of recommendation, scanned PDF containing original signatures, and headshot must be emailed by March 26, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., to: ohiofccla@education.ohio.gov. 

Executive Council Interviews Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Location: Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center, 6805 Bobcat Way, Dublin, Ohio 43016

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Optional Executive Council Candidate Training

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025

Location: 2550 Corporate Exchange Dr., Columbus, OH 43231, Basement Meeting Room

Time: 10:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Registration: $20 per person, includes lunch

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025

Online STAR Events Registration

Online STAR Events registration is currently open. Chapter Advisers must register and submit project contents by February 1, 2025. Instructions on how to register for Online STAR Events can be found on the FCCLA Website.

FCCLA Week

Mark your calendars now for FCCLA Week, February 10-14, 2025! Prepare for a fun-filled week of celebrating FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences education through participating in chapter activities, engaging in daily social media challenges, and getting involved in each day’s featured theme. 

Monday is "FCCLA Member Monday"

Launch FCCLA week by showcasing your chapter members and what FCCLA means to you!

Tuesday is "FCCLA Day of Service"

Serving your community with leadership skills and a stellar attitude is the foundation of FCCLA. Share who your influences are and how you’ve influenced others through your acts of service.

Wednesday is "FCS Educator Day"

Celebrate Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Educator Day by thanking the educators in your life and showing appreciation for everything they taught you and your chapter.

Thursday is "Alumni Day"

Share with others how FCCLA (or FHA/HERO) has allowed you to sharpen your skills for your future careers as well as your independent adult life.

Friday is "FCCLA Spirit Day"

Get ready to show off your FCCLA spirit! Rock the red and fill your day with red clothing, signs, food, decorations, and more!

Ohio FCCLA Year in Review Slideshow

Ohio FCCLA chapters may submit up to 10 pictures to Socialmedia@ohiofccla.org for the Ohio FCCLA Year in Review Slideshow. The deadline to email pictures is Friday, March 28, 2025.

State Degree

The State Degree is the highest honor a member can earn. All State Degree criteria can be found on the Ohio FCCLA website.   

Registration Deadline: March 15, 2025 

State Degree Interviews 

Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Location: Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center, 6805 Bobcat Way, Dublin, Ohio 43016

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Ohio Only Competitive Events Guideline 

The Ohio Only Career Development Events Guideline can be found in the FCCLA Portal under the Resource Tab. Using the Resource Type select the dropdown to State Resources: 

• Curriculum Unit Development 
• Language and Literacy 
• Lesson Presentation 
• Observation and Assessment
• Education and Training Lesson Plan Template 
• Baking and Pastry Regional Recipes
• Culinary Arts Regional Recipes
• Garde Manger
• Product Development

2025 Ohio FCCLA Regional Career Development Events Registration Change 

Please complete this form to substitute a competitor, remove a team member, add a team member, or cancel an entire Career Development Event. The form will reflect name changes three days prior to the competition event. Day of name changes must be reported to the Tally Room the morning of the event.

Evidence of Project Summary Form Reminder 

Competition season is among us, and as a reminder, the Project Summary Form must be filled out on the student portal, and it cannot be completed through the adviser portal. Participants should log in using their username (membership ID, not email) and password. If a student is uncertain about their password, the adviser can reset it by selecting the "Update Student Password" black button on the member's tab. 

Once logged in, participants should navigate to Surveys Applications > Competitive Events > Online Project Summary Form. After completing the form, they will receive a confirmation email for their project. In case they do not receive the email, the adviser can obtain a copy of the confirmation in the adviser portal by going to Surveys Applications > Competitive Events > Show Student Survey Applications > Locate and download the student's submission PDF.

2025 Ohio FCCLA Regional Career Development Events

Please reach out to the following Regional Career Development Events Coordinators with specific host site questions. 

Culinary Regional Career Development Events (Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts, Garde Manger, and Product Development):

• Region 1: February 8, 2025: Lorain County Community College CulinaryC@ohiofccla.org
• Region 2: February 22, 2025: Cuyahoga Community College (Hospitality Management Center of Excellence at Public Square, Cleveland) CulinaryB@ohiofccla.org
• Region 3 and Region 4: February 22, 2025: Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Midwest Culinary Institute CulinaryA@ohiofccla.org

Regional Career Development Events

• Region 1: March 8, 2025, Lorain County JVS Region1CDE@ohiofccla.org
• Region 2: March 1, 2025, Jefferson County Career Center Region2CDE@ohiofccla.org
• Region 3: March 15, 2025, Mid-East Career and Technology Centers, Zanesville Campus Region3CDE@ohiofccla.org
• Region 4: March 15, 2025, Upper Valley Career Center Region4CDE@ohiofccla.org

Career Development Events Resources

2024-2025 Career Development Events Handbook

2025 Career Development Events Region Location Change Request 

Program Event Release and Liability Consent Form

2025 Career Development Events Request for Accommodations

Chef Works

Whether your schools wish to make a bulk order or have us set up their own unique ordering portal, Chef Works has a dedicated team that will find a solution that best fits their needs. Culinary Education Apparel

How to order:

Email: Schools@chefworks.com

Visit our website -https://www.chefworks.com/culinaryeducation

For more detail regarding Chef Works, contact Karen Frost, Inside Sales Manager

Outstanding Chapter Award

The Ohio FCCLA Outstanding Chapter Award is presented by a team (up to three members) and awarded to chapters who develop and implement a well-balanced program of work that is strategically aligned with state and national Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) programming. 

Registration Deadline: March 15, 2025

Outstanding Chapter Award Guidelines 

Presentation Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Location: Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center, 6805 Bobcat Way, Dublin, Ohio 43016

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Say Yes to FCS Signing  

There is a huge demand for Family and Consumer Sciences educators in secondary schools, extension, and higher education. Ohio FCCLA has joined the national initiative to build strong leadership for the future of Family and Consumer Sciences. We want to celebrate as you to "Say Yes to FCS"!  

Registration Deadline: March 15, 2025

2024 State Leadership Conference National Anthem

The Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference is seeking a talented member (or small group) to sign the National Anthem for the Opening Session on Thursday, April 24, 2025. 

Applications must include: 

• Audio Recording of all of the entire National Anthem sung acapella 
• Include your name and chapter name at the start of the recording  

Applications must be received by March 15, 2025 and the chosen singer will be informed by March 31, 2025. The selected member (or members) must be registered for the 2025 Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference. 

State Project/State Outreach Project Award Application

Ohio Family, Career and Community Leaders of America offer chapters an opportunity to highlight a chapter project utilizing the selected State Projects/State Outreach Projects. By submitting a State Project/State Outreach Project Award Application, you give your chapter the chance to be recognized on stage at the State leadership Conference and receive a top three plaque. 

Project Criteria: 

1. Projects must be implemented between March 1 of previous academic year through March 1 of current academic year 
2. Application must reflect the work of the members 
3. Photos are required 
4. All projects become the property of Ohio FCCLA which reserves the right to publish names, pictures and quotes in state materials and social media sites 

All completed award applications will be recognized on stage at State Leadership Conference and the top three chapters will receive plaques. 

Application Deadline: Saturday, March 15, 2025