Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) provides the bridge needed by all students to deal with major societal issues such as work-and-family, health care, child and elder care, family and community violence and crime, global economics and politics, and technology usage. FCS Education is a catalyst to bring these issues into action-oriented, skill-building educational programs. The North Carolina FCS Education program provides a platform for students to transition into adult life by gaining a strong foundation of the knowledge and skills needed for successfully living and working in a diverse, global society.

Students develop personal effectiveness and industry-relevant technical skills as they explore and pursue career pathways aligned to the FCS Body of Knowledge and Family and Consumer Sciences National Standards 3.0.

Core areas of the FCS discipline include:

• Human Development
• Personal and Family Finance
• Housing and Interior Design
• Food Science, Nutrition, and Wellness
• Textiles and Apparel
• Consumer Services

Students may pursue career pathways in:

• Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
• Architecture and Construction
• Arts, AV Technology and Communication
• Education and Training
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Human Services
• Manufacturing

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is an integral component of a quality FCS Education program. FCCLA provides teacher-developed and student-tested project based learning strategies and materials that shift the responsibility for achieving CTE and FCS program outcomes to students. Through intra-curricular chapter programs and projects, students further their understanding of FCS standards.