FCCLA was established in 1945 and now has more than 10 million youth. It is the only school organization having the family as its central focus. This career and technical club provides opportunities for students participating at local, state, and national levels. Former members can become members of Alumni & Associates. Endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, FCCLA is an important part of family and consumer science. The FCCLA National membership is over 220,000 young men and women, with roughly 7,000 local chapters and 53 state associations. FCCLA is primarily funded by student membership fees. Other funds are raised by the members, foundations, and corporations.

The Mission of FCCLA is : To Promote personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and vocational preparation.

The Purposes of FCCLA are:
to provide opportunities for personal development and preparation for adult life;
to strengthen the function of the family as a basic unit of society;
to encourage democracy through cooperative action in the home and community;
to encourage individual and group involvement in helping achieve global cooperation and harmony;
to promote greater understanding between youth and adults;
to provide opportunities for making decisions and for assuming responsibilities;
to prepare for the multiple rolles of men and women in today's society;
to promote family and consumer sciences and related occupations.

Teen Times is the official magazine for FCCLA. It is published quarterly throughout the school year.

FCCLA Colors are red and white. Red represents strength. White is a symbol of sincerity. These colors are meat to remind members of FCCLA to have courageand determination to succeed.

The FCCLA Flower is the red rose. Since the red rose has always been considered a flower of beauty, it is meant to represent FCCLA's searchfor beauty in everyday living.