Future Homemakers of America (FHA)

Redirect to: Family, Career and Community Leaders of America

The Future Homemakers of America, Inc. (EIN: Not found in sources for FHA use; EIN for FCCLA is 53-0178290) was a predecessor to the current organization known as Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Here is a historical overview:

Founding and Early Years

Future Homemakers of America was founded on June 11, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, as a national organization for high school students interested in home economics. The organization began with 42 state associations, 2,487 chapters, and 92,516 members, supported by a loan from the American Home Economics Association[1][2]. Edna P. Amidon was a significant leader in its founding[1].

Mergers and Expansion

In 1965, FHA merged with New Homemakers of America, a separate organization for African American students in segregated southern states, following the passage of the Civil Rights Act[2]. This merger symbolized an effort to end racial segregation within the organization. By 1966, FHA's membership peaked at 607,175[1][2].

Evolution and Name Change

The organization became known as FHA-HERO when it incorporated Home Economics Related Occupations (HERO) chapters in 1971, reflecting its expanding focus on career development in addition to family and personal life[4][5]. In 1999, the organization underwent a name change to Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) to better reflect its broadened mission towards career preparation and community leadership[2][5].

Today, the successor organization, FCCLA, continues to focus on personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation through family and consumer sciences education[2].