Programming

Ohio Career Technical Content Standards Revision

As part of the revision process for the Hospitality & Tourism and Family and Consumer Sciences Technical Content Standards, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Office of Career-Technical Education is seeking stakeholder feedback on the current standards. The Hospitality & Tourism and Family and Consumer Sciences Technical Public comment survey will be open from February 1 – March 31, 2026. Thank you in advance for your participation on behalf of Ohio’s students!

• Hospitality & Tourism Public Comment Survey
• Family and Consumer Sciences Public Comment Survey

If you have additional questions, please contact Christie Jackson or Jason Cobb. 

FCCLA

2026 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: March 7, 2026: Lorain County Community College CulinaryRegion1@ohiofccla.org

Regional Career Development Events

• Region 3: March 7, 2026, Licking Valley High School Region3CDE@ohiofccla.org

Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference

Date: April 16-17, 2026

Location: Ohio Expo Center – Kasich Hall - 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211

Conference at a Glance

Registration Opens: March 11, 2026

Registration Closes: March 27, 2026

State Culinary Career Development Events: Friday, April 10, 2026

Location: Lorain County Community College – 1005 Abbe Rd N, Elyria, OH 44035

State Leadership Conference Payments

Check or Credit Card*

• *3.5% Credit Card Processing Fee
• Make checks payable to: Ohio FCCLA, 25 S. Front Street, MS 611, Columbus, Ohio 43215-4183
• When the registration is submitted, the registration becomes final. 
• On-site registration will be available.

Registration Rates: 

• Affiliated Chapter Member: $50

• Non-Affiliated Chapter Member: $55

• Adviser(s): $25

• Parents and Guests: $25

• Administrators: Free

Additional Registration Items (Not available after March 27, 2026): 

• Baking and Pastry: $50 per entry
• Culinary Arts: $50 per entry
• ACF Certified Fundamentals Cook: $35 per student
• ACF Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook: $35 per student 
• Grilled Cheese Challenge: $15 per entry (Contest Limit – 15 entries)
• Chili Cookoff: $15 per entry (Contest Limit – 24 entries)
• Skill Demonstration Events: $15 per entry
• Culinary Food Art
• Interior Design Sketch
• Lesson Plan Development and Modifications
• #TeachFCS
• Pilot STAR Event: AI for Impact: $15 per entry
• Level 2 and Level 3 Only
• Top 2 participants per level with qualify for the National Leadership Conference
• Ohio FCCLA T-Shirt (same t-shirt as the 2025 Fall Leadership Training): 
• Extra Small – 3XL – $15 per shirt
• 4XL – $16 per shirt 
• Ohio FCCLA Trading Pins: $30 for 20 trading pins
• Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Ohio Stadium Tour: $15 per person

New for 2026: Ohio FCCLA will not be selling Parking Passes

Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds parking is in a transition of a new operational system, starting in April 2026. Attendees will simply drive in the gate. The system will record their license plate number. They will be given a QR code at the gate by our cashiers. They will need to scan the QR code with their phone and pay for their parking through the app. If attendees do not pay, they will receive a non-payment violation notice in the mail. 

On Site Registration ONLY: March 28, 2026 – April 17, 2026

Cash, Check, or Credit Card*

*3.5% Credit Card Processing Fee

On Site Registration Costs:

• Affiliated Chapter Member: $50
• Non-Affiliated Chapter Member: $55
• Adviser(s): $30
• Parents and Guests: $25
• Administrators: Free

ACF Certification Opportunity at the 2026 State Leadership Conference

Students competing in the Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry at the 2026 Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference or have the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification from the American Culinary Federation (ACF). This certification add-on can be selected during SLC registration and provides a pathway to earn either the Certified Fundamental Cook (CFC) or Certified Fundamental Pastry Cook (CFPC) credential.

Ohio FCCLA will provide ACF with the full list of registered students. All students will receive access to the exam on Thursday, April 16, 2026, and must complete it within the designated window at the Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference. The Ohio FCCLA State Staff will serve as the proctor for the student’s written exam.

Career Development Event Information

Career Development Events: April 16, 2026 – Kasich Hall, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• All State Qualifiers must register for State Leadership Conference
• Registration Required Questions: Participant question - Will you attend the 2026 National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. if you qualify?
• Advisers are the Subject Matter Experts: Please check the Career Development Events you are willing to evaluate.

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.  

Individual and Chapter Awards: (Recipients must be present to receive the award)

• Early Childhood Education Signing Day
• FCCLA/Life Smarts Knowledge Bowl Championship Qualifier
• Go For the RED Award – Ohio
• National FCCLA Fall Challenge Test Winners
• National Online STAR Events Qualifiers
• National Programs Award
• New Chapter Award
• Ohio FACTS Initiative
• Ohio Families First Initiative
• Ohio FCCLA Endowment Scholarship
• Outstanding Chapter Award
• Power of One
• Say Yes to FCS
• Service Hours Award
• State Degree
• State Outreach Award
• State Project Award

Miscellaneous:

No Food items prepared by anyone other than Schmidt’s Catering is permitted to be served alongside out catered events. 

Ohio FCCLA Dues

The Ohio FCCLA Board of Directors has moved to maintain membership dues for the 2026-2027 school year, which will be presented for voting delegate approval during the 2026 Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference. By maintaining dues, this ensures the continued growth and sustainability of Ohio FCCLA programs and opportunities for our members.

Maintain the dues structure as follows:

• Basic – Regular Affiliation (Individual Membership): $8.00 (state) + $9.00 (national) = $17.00 per member and per adviser
• Basic – 100% Middle Level Affiliation: $560 (state) + $250 (national) = $810 per chapter (plus Adviser $17.00 membership)
• Package – Up to 25 Members: $200 (state) + $395 (national) = $595 per chapter (plus Adviser $17.00 membership)
• Package – Unlimited Members: $688 (state) + $775 (national) = $1,463 per chapter (plus Adviser $17.00 membership)

We encourage all advisers to share this information with their chapters and ensure that delegates are prepared to discuss and vote on this during the State Leadership Conference. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to Christie Jackson, Ohio FCCLA State Adviser or Alyssa Bregel, Ohio FCCLA Board of Directors Chair. 

Voting Delegates

Each Chapter in good standing (paid affiliation) will be granted the following number of Voting Delegates: 

• 1 delegate when chapter is approved and pays affiliation 
• 1 additional delegate for the first 12 affiliated members 
• 1 additional delegate for 25 affiliated members 
• 1 additional delegate for 50 affiliated members 
• 1 additional delegate for 100 affiliated members 
• 1 additional delegate for 200 affiliated members 

The Number of delegates per chapter can be found on the Ohio FCCLA website - State Leadership Conference after March 9, 2026.

State Leadership Conference Dress Code Policy

The FCCLA official dress is worn for all Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference activities. The Dress Code is a mandatory attire for general sessions, exhibits, workshops, Career Development Events recognition and competition:  

• FCCLA red blazer  
• Professional white or black shirt  
• Neckwear options can include the neckwear from the official emblematic supplier, black or red tie, black or red bow tie, single strand of pearls, red, black, and/or white scarf, or no neckwear  
• Black bottoms (slacks, skirt, sheath dress)  
• Shoes (black preferred)  
• Jeans, t‐shirts, athletic wear are NOT acceptable  
• The official culinary uniform is acceptable for the Career Development Event Recognition Session only

State Competitors Culinary Uniform Dress  

• White Chef Coat with FCCLA emblem  
• White Chef Hat with FCCLA emblem  
• White Chef Apron with FCCLA emblem  
• Industry Pants  
• Closed-toe, low heel kitchen shoes with non-slip sole

We Help Two

Change your socks, Change a life!

We are excited to be partnering with We Help Two at the Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference again this year to help raise funds for Water for Africa! There are so many new styles to choose from including Ohio FCCLA socks. Please stop by the socks store and pick up a pair or two and make twice the difference!  

National FCCLA STAR Events - Leadership Update

An update has been made to the Leadership Rubric. National FCCLA recently discovered a point calculation discrepancy for the Levels 2, 3, and 4 rubrics. The total points for each rubric are 94; however, the criteria points added up to only 93. The missing point was in the Leadership Profile and the Employability Skills Checklist. This section was listed as worth five (5) points, but should have been worth six (6) points. This point calculation update happened before Ohio FCCLA started Regional Career Development Events on February 7, 2026.

National FCCLA STAR Events - Fashion Design Update

The description paragraph on page one (1) of the Fashion Design STAR Event Guidelines has been updated to clarify that the collection sample must be constructed by the participant, while the pattern used to create the sample may be original or commercially purchased. This update aligns the event description with the existing specifications and rubric. 

Career Development Events Resources

2025-2026 Career Development Events Handbook

2026 Career Development Events Region Location Change Request

Program Event Release and Liability Consent Form

2026 Career Development Events Request for Accommodations

Career Development Events Evaluators

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.  

Placement Ranking for FCCLA Competitive Events 

At this time, FCCLA no longer displays full placement rankings for Competitive Events to ensure the experience remains fair, meaningful, and focused on learning rather than comparison. In past years, extended rankings led to unintended outcomes, including student discouragement when low numerical placements were visible despite strong performance. Full rankings also offered limited instructional value and, in some cases, created confusion due to score distributions varying by test and level. Additionally, full placement visibility at the National Leadership Conference resulted in conflicting reports being accessed on-site, causing confusion for advisers, students, and staff. 

For these reasons, FCCLA now recognizes only the top three students in each test and level for Challenge Testing, and the Top 3 and Top 10 in other Competitive Events at NLC. This approach promotes clarity, reduces unnecessary comparison, and keeps the focus on achievement, learning, and mastery rather than rank. If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Spavone. 

Job Postings

Avon Lake City School

Ravenna City Schools

FCCLA

2026-2027 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!

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 Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., to: ohiofccla@education.ohio.gov. 

Executive Council Interviews Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Location: Clear Fork High School, 987 OH-97, Bellville, Ohio 44813

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Optional Executive Council Candidate Training

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

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 6, 2026

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, 2026 

State Degree Interviews 

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Location: Clear Fork High School, 987 OH-97, Bellville, Ohio 44813

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

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, 2026

Outstanding Chapter Award Guidelines 

Presentation Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Location: Clear Fork High School, 987 OH-97, Bellville, Ohio 44813

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference Webinar

The Ohio FCCLA State Staff will host an online informational webinar on Tuesday, March 10 at 3:30 PM, to provide advisers with important details regarding the upcoming State Leadership Conference. This session will offer a comprehensive overview of the conference schedule at a glance, highlight key information about Career Development Events, and provide step-by-step guidance for completing the conference registration process. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain clarity on conference expectations, timelines, and procedures to ensure a successful and well-prepared experience at the State Leadership Conference.

Webinar Registration

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, 2026

2026 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 16, 2026. 

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, 2026 and the chosen singer will be informed by March 31, 2026. The selected member (or members) must be registered for the 2026 Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference. 

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, 2026

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, 2026 

The winner will be recognized at the 2026 Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference and the 2026 National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C..

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 2, 2026 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.

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, 2026

Ohio FCCLA Endowment Scholarship Application

The Ohio FCCLA Endowment is proud to award nine (9) $500 scholarships each year to help graduating senior FCCLA members take the next step toward their future. Whether pursuing college, technical training, career readiness or another post-secondary pathway, these scholarships recognize members who have demonstrated leadership, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in their families, careers, and communities. Invest in your future—apply and let Ohio FCCLA Endowment help you move forward.

Application Deadline: March 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Scholarship Application

Ohio FCCLA Endowment Alumni Scholarship Application

The Ohio FCCLA Endowment is proud to award one (1) $500 scholarships each year to help Alumni FCCLA member, who have been awarded an Endowment Scholarship in the past to continue working towards their future goals. Whether pursuing college, technical training, career pathway or another post-secondary pathway, this scholarship recognize alumni who have demonstrated leadership, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in their families, careers, and communities. Invest in your future—apply and let Ohio FCCLA Endowment help you move forward.



Application Deadline: March 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Scholarship 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) 

What Counts as Service Hours in the FCCLA Portal

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, 2025, to March 1, 2026. The Ohio FCCLA Service Hour tracking deadline is March 15, 2026.

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 13, 2026.

Career Compass for Health and Human Services Spring Signing Day

The Career Compass for Health and Human Services Spring Signing Day is Thursday, April 16, 2026, 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, 2026. 

Questions? Please contact workforcedevelopment@occrra.org

Additional Information

Professional Development

Ohio Association of Family & Consumer Sciences

The 2026 Ohio Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (OAFCS) Annual Conference offers high quality professional development to equip and empower Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and students with:

• Educational Tools and Resources
• Leadership, Advocacy and Collaboration
• Research and Scholarship
• Trends and Technology

Dates: March 19-20, 2026

Location: Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Dr., Columbus, OH 43210  

Early Bird Rate - Register by Feb. 14, 2026

• OAFCS Members: $170
• Non Members: $200
• Students: $25*
• *Phi U student members are free!

Registration after Feb. 14, 2026

• OAFCS Members: $195
• Non members: $225
• Students: $50*  
• *Phi U student members are free!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shannon Heffernan, OAFCS President Elect

2026 Theme: Passport to Well-Being: Money, Mindsets, and Meals

Get ready to embark on a full‑day journey exploring the landscapes of financial wellness, healthy habits, and global food perspectives — all wrapped in a fun, travel‑inspired experience. Think of it as stamping your passport with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and classroom-ready resources.

Itinerary

Date: April 28, 2026

Location: Special Grounds Coffee, Wauseon

Theme: Passport to Well-Being: Money, Mindsets, and Meals

Cost:

• $60 – Teachers & Other Professionals
• $30 – College Students & Student Teachers

OATFACS Summer Conference

OATFACS is riding the wave into Summer 2026, and the Conference Planning Committee is busy crafting an island-inspired Luau Conference you won’t want to miss!

OATFACS is looking for passionate presenters ready to share their expertise, spark excitement, and help our Family and Consumer Sciences, Hospitality & Tourism, and Education & Training communities grow. If you’re interested in hosting a concurrent session, fill out this form.

Save the Date: July 26–28, 2026

The Ohioan Conference Center (Nationwide)

Get ready for sunshine vibes, professional learning, and a luau-level good time!

Additional information can be found at: https://www.oatfacs.org/summer-conference 

Questions: contact Alaina Tharp