Family & Consumer Sciences Success Stories

This webpage highlights just a few of the many recent powerful testimonials and stories demonstrating how Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) transforms schools, strengthens families, and enriches communities, with countless more available in showcasing its lasting impact in Texas.

Student Testimonials & Stories

Texas High School Culinary Teams Shine at National ProStart Invitational

Madison Urruita is a 17 year old senior. She says, “The big dream is owning a restaurant, and like making chains out of it and stuff like that. Like make it either like a mom and pop shop or a fancy sort of restaurant. I can’t really decide yet.” Link

Bridging Classroom Learning with Real-World Experience: SHS Culinary Students Intern with District Nutrition Staff

In a unique initiative, culinary students from Springtown High School (SHS) are gaining invaluable real-world experience by interning with the Child Nutrition Staff in Springtown ISD. The impact of this collaboration is not only visible in the growth of the program but also in the excitement it generates among the students at Springtown Middle School (SMS) and Springtown Intermediate School (SIS), where the SHS interns are actively involved. Link

Frisco ISD Students Taught Financial Literacy From Young Age

At every step in their educational journey, students are learning fiscal responsibility and how to use these skills in the real world. Link

High School Students Learn Financial Literacy at Amarillo Seminar

In February 2025, approximately 75 high school students in Amarillo participated in the "Future Forward" seminar, focusing on essential life skills such as managing student loans and avoiding financial pitfalls. Link

Texas High School's Child Development Associate (CDA) Program

Texas High School expanded its Career and Technical Education (CTE) department to include a Child Development Associate (CDA) program. This initiative allows students to earn a nationally recognized credential in early childhood education. The program requires students to complete 480 volunteer hours, providing hands-on experience with children. According to Maurice Oldham, the Child Development teacher, these volunteer hours enable students to apply classroom instruction in real-world settings, enhancing their practical skills. Link

Texas Tech and Former High School Fashion Design Student Featured at New York Fashion Week

Jillian Heckett is a junior at Texas Tech University, majoring in apparel design and manufacturing. She says that her passion for design started before she even had a sewing machine.

“My passion for design began when I was around like four or five. If anyone knew me when I was that little I was always going around telling people I was going to be a fashion designer,” Heckett said. She says she started out sketching princess dresses, then became fascinated with bridal gowns, and finally started her passion for ‘ready-to-wear’ designs. Link

Vandegrift High School's Fashion Design Internships

At Vandegrift High School, FCS teachers facilitated opportunities for students to engage in internships and real-world experiences. One student interned with the University of Texas fashion design department, while another participated in Austin Fashion Week, enriching their educational journey and professional development. Link

University High School's Culinary Students Meal Prep for a Cause

University High School Culinary Arts students have served over 17,000 meals to those in need with The Salvation Army in their five-year partnership. Link

Culinary Program Teaches Next Generation of Chefs and Restaurant Staff

A Heart for Hospitality

This first-generation student navigated hardship to gain a mentor and earn his degree. Diners of Aspen Creek Grill in Lubbock can't miss Allen Bruce Taylor Jr.

Those who know him best call him a “big personality.” He is not only tall but friendly and personable as he serves food and beverages. It helps that he genuinely loves his role. In more ways than one, the hospitality industry feels like home to him. Link

Chief Architect Interior Design Student Wins Gold Medal in National Competition

Hallie O'Higgins, a senior at Boerne-Champion High School in Boerne, Texas, earned a gold medal in a national interior design competition organized by the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Introduced to Chief Architect software during her sophomore year, Hallie discovered a passion for architecture and design, stating, "Once I began using the software, I discovered a love for architecture. Designing functional floor plans and decorating multiple spaces became so enjoyable with Chief Architect software." Link

Runway Ready: Fashion Design Students Attend Austin Fashion Week

“I just said, ‘Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.’ I’m going to Austin Fashion Week.”

That was the moment when Audrey Lee ‘25, a third-year fashion design student, found out that she and her handmade design had accomplished one of the most important moments in her fashion career: an invitation to Austin Fashion Week on April 20. The biggest fashion show in Texas, Austin Fashion Week draws designers and models from around the country to the capital city for five days of runway shows. Link

North Texas Students Designing for the Homeless

Fashion design students in North Texas undertook a project to create garments specifically for the homeless community. Starting from scratch, these students designed clothing that addressed the unique needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, demonstrating empathy and practical application of their skills. Link

Educator Testimonials & Stories

MHS Teacher Receives Recognition as Employee of the Year

A dedicated FCS teacher at Muleshoe High School, McCamish was honored as Employee of the Year at the Muleshoe Chamber Banquet. With 27 years in education, she has been instrumental in teaching students essential life skills such as cooking, sewing, and cleaning, preparing them for life beyond graduation. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom, as she actively involves students in community activities and sponsors organizations like the Family Career Community Leaders of America and the Texas Association of Future Educators. Link

The Effects of a Digital Wellness Curriculum Intervention in Family and Consumer Sciences Secondary Classrooms, Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education, 41(1), August 2024. Link

SFA Hospitality Students Volunteer at Project RAICES Community Events

Taught by Dr. Gina Fe Causin, associate professor of hospitality administration, the School of Human Sciences’ course “Meetings, Events, Expositions and Technology” had 16 students who participated in the event. The course aims to introduce students to the roles and organizations that work in the meetings, events, expositions and technology industry. Link

FCS Teacher wins Teacher of the Year, Talks road to Education, Career

A culinary arts instructor at AmTech Career Academy, Obenhaus received the 2023 Hospitality Educators Association of Texas (HEAT) Teacher of the Year award. Her journey from obtaining a GED to earning a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Texas Tech University exemplifies her dedication. With extensive experience in the restaurant industry, she brings real-world insights to her students, emphasizing teamwork, hard work, and the satisfaction of serving others. Under her guidance, students have achieved numerous successes in culinary competitions, reflecting high industry standards and practical learning. Link

Family and Consumer Sciences Education Alumna Shares Her Passion for Teaching with Future Educators

For the past thirteen years of her teaching career, 2007 Family and Consumer Sciences Education alumna Lindsey Metz has shared her passion for family and consumer sciences with her students both in and out of the classroom.

In her current role as an education and training instructor and Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) advisor at Hollenstein Career and Technology Center at Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD, Lindsey teaches upper-level education and training pathway courses.

"I help students to build portfolios displaying their professional growth as they move through the program," Lindsey said. "I love working in my current role because I believe that there is no greater opportunity to positively influence the lives of others than to help inspire and support future educators, who will in turn make a difference in the lives of their students someday." Link

Alpine Independent School District (ISD) Early Childhood Partnerships

Alpine ISD invites private child care centers and private schools to collaborate in enhancing early childhood education opportunities. These public-private partnerships aim to expand access, provide customized support, and enhance the quality of early learning environments. Benefits include funding opportunities, shared resources, and professional development for staff. Link

SAISD Learning Center

The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) operates the SAISD Learning Center, which provides childcare services to children aged six weeks to three years old. This center is licensed through the State of Texas and participates in the Texas Rising Star program, ensuring high-quality care and early childhood education. While the center primarily serves children of school-age parents enrolled in the district, it also offers opportunities for high school students enrolled in child development courses to engage in practical learning experiences. These students assist in the childcare center, applying theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. Link

Cy-Fair, Conroe ISD Students Make Sleeping Bags Fit for an Astronaut

In space, bigger isn't always better when it comes to a good night's sleep. On the International Space Station, about 250 miles above the Earth's surface, some American astronauts are too tall for their Russian-made sleeping bags. It's a daily inconvenience resulting from the fact that Russians tend to send shorter astronauts into space. The Americans are squeezing into sleeping bags that run a bit too snug.

So NASA's making a change - and they're using the work of Houston-area teenagers to help.

New sleeping bag liners manufactured by students and recent alumni from the Cy-Fair and Conroe Independent School districts will arrive at the International Space Station next month, the result of a unique collaboration between NASA and local high schools. The liners are slightly larger than the Russian products, allowing American astronauts additional wiggle room at night.

The lack of gravity in space makes a bed obsolete, so astronauts use a sleeping bag with a sheet-like liner for sleep. Students from the two districts will complete 96 of the liners. Six are in space already, a new batch will blast off next month and others will get used in training and educational settings.

"It didn't really hit me until I saw that NASA logo on it, even though I've been working on these all summer," said Emily Fernandez, a 2017 Cypress Woods High School graduate who is working on the project.

The liners are the product of HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware), a governmental program that employs high school-age students to manufacture space-related hardware.

Students get hands-on experience crafting real-world products while NASA gets cost-effective labor and an opportunity to connect with the next generation of engineers, researchers and labor.

HUNCH has partnered with about 90 schools in 25 states. The agency provides the materials, equipment, training and safety protocols - as well as $10 per hour for the students. Recent projects include cargo bags, a storage locker and a galley table, all of which have been used on the International Space Station.

The products all undergo rigorous review to ensure quality, as students learned last month during a "fit test" at the Johnson Space Center. The smallest stain or slightly askew stitch gets noticed by NASA, said Mekayla Hughes, a soon-to-be junior at Cypress Ridge High School.

"The hardest thing is to be careful because if you snip a hole in there or something, the whole bag can be rejected and you have to restart," Hughes said.

At Cy-Fair ISD, the sleeping-bag liner project has been organized through teacher Maureen Thomas' fashion design class. Thomas said her students have learned how to sew, read a computer-assisted design layout and execute a long-term project, among other skills. Thomas said her students have completed two prior NASA HUNCH projects - modeling and making a cargo bag and a zero-gravity trash can - and received plaudits from agency officials.

"At first they just wanted to see how they were going to work and what quality we would produce," Thomas said. "But they said they were amazed at the quality and thought that they fit beautifully." Link

SFA’s Cooking Matters program completes ninth year teaching about healthy meals on a budget | SFANACOGDOCHES, Texas –– For nine years, Stephen F. Austin State University’s Cooking Matters program has transformed the way families in Nacogdoches think about food, health and budgeting. The six-week community nutrition initiative wrapped up its latest season this week, equipping a new group of participants with practical skills to prepare nutritious, affordable meals.

Within the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas WIC program gets help from Texas State University

Texas State University professors are working with the state’s WIC program to develop a chatbot that would provide 24/7 communication capabilities for the program’s clients. Link

We Can Do More: COVID-19's Spotlight on the Lack of Financial Literacy, Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 115(1), March 2023. Link

Policy Brief: The Silent Threat of Reassigned FCS Courses "...the critical role of certified Family and Consumer Science (FCS) teachers in secondary education [...], emphasizing the negative impacts of assigning FCS courses to non-certified or alternatively-certified teachers," TAFCS Research Journal 10(1), 2023. Link

Garland ISD District Chef Serving up Gourmet Meals that 'Wow' Students

In middle school, kids can find inspiration in all sorts of places -- the gym, science, even in the cafeteria lunch tray. Chef Jenkins said that most days, kids are served a typical school lunch. But, a couple of times a year, he partners with the district’s food suppliers in an effort to create gourmet meals from everyday ingredients. Link

College of Human Sciences Alumna Uses Her Passion to Inspire High School Students in the Classroom

Kristi Swinnea received her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design in 1990 and her master’s degree in Home Economics, now referred to as Family and Consumer Sciences Education, in 1992 from Texas Tech University. Swinnea currently works as a Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FCSE) high school teacher.

In her role Swinnea works with students in many different areas and life skills. The knowledge learned in Family and Consumer Sciences Education courses not only teaches students about educational material but also has personal life benefits. She said she loves getting to teach students about a variety of interests. Link

Local AgriLife Extension Agent recognized with Vice Chancellor's Award

A Hale County AgriLife Extension Agent and FCS Educator, Clawson was honored with the 2024 Vice Chancellor Award in Excellence for her work in family and community health programs. Her initiatives include child passenger safety, where she became a certified technician in 2022, leading to the distribution of 235 new car seats and training 335 families in proper installation. Link

Amanda Lucero on Connecting Personal Finance and Social Emotional Learning

A Family and Consumer Sciences teacher in Mission, Texas, Lucero initiated an elective personal finance course at Sharyland High School. Her innovative approach connects personal finance education with social-emotional learning, making the subject matter more relatable and impactful for her students. Link

Del Valle High School's Culinary Program Alumni: Jessica's Journey

Jessica, a former student of Del Valle High School's culinary and hospitality program, returned to the district as a student teacher. Reflecting on her experience, she highlighted the program's impact: "Meeting Ms. Jenkins and joining hospitality taught me about caring for and serving people. It's not just about being served but also about serving everybody else." Link

Employer Testimonials & Stories

Texas High School Culinary Teams Shine at the National ProStart Invitational

After winning the Texas ProStart competition in March 2023, Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy and Ben Barber Innovation Academy teams advanced onto Nationals for their chance to represent the Texas ProStart program and share in a pool of scholarships worth over $200,000 towards furthering the culinary education of the competitors. The event is hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Link

Omni Hotels Partners with High School to Expose Students to Hospitality Careers

A partnership with Dallas-based Omni Corporation is making a big difference for some students at Richardson High School. NBC 5 education reporter Wayne Carter reports the students are set up for a career they may not have considered. Link

Howdy Hospitality Summer Camp Offers Insights on Hotel Careers

Through an immersive two-night, three-day hotel summer camp, the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association, in collaboration with the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism, is increasing awareness of hotel industry careers among high school students. Link

Financial Literacy: Building Wealth Lesson Alignments with TEKS

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas's Building Wealth resources for FCS teachers' classroom align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards. These resources also align with the National Standards for Personal Financial Education. Link

First ‘Bank of the Kid’: Shaping a Financially Literate Generation

The Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) established SMART Branches within high schools, operated entirely by students. After completing intensive training, these student employees manage real banking services for their peers, gaining practical financial experience. Students who complete a year of employment receive $1,000 in scholarship money. Link

Valley Students Hear from Industry Experts at University of Texas Rio Grande (UTRGV) Valley Hospitality and Tourism Management Conference

More than 200 Valley students attended “Aloha Adventure,” a conference hosted by UTRGV Hospitality and Tourism Management in collaboration with the Region One Education Service Center, held Oct. 17 at the Region One ESC Conference Center in Edinburg. Students were able to learn about careers in the hospitality field and meet with experts. Link

Arlington ISD Hospitality Career Awareness Days Recap

Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA) Education Foundation staff partnered with Arlington ISD, Arlington Texas Live!, Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County, Gaylord Texan Resort & Spa, the Hotel Association of Tarrant County, Tarrant County College, and Travel and Sports Legacy Foundation in an Arlington ISD Career Awareness Day program to raise area high school students’ awareness of the many exciting hospitality and tourism occupations. Link

Financial Literacy Summit

The Texas Bankers Foundation, in collaboration with the Texas Jump$tart Coalition, invites you to attend the 2024 Texas Financial Literacy Summit. Celebrating its 18th year, the Summit will feature top-notch speakers to discuss practical financial education initiatives, business literacy programs, and successful community bank partnerships that are making a difference in our Texas communities.

The program is designed to help bankers and teachers exchange ideas, share award-winning financial education success stories, and bring home new resources and tools to enrich the bank’s financial education outreach to local schools and small businesses. Link

Youth Summer Internship Program by Family Service

In San Antonio, Family Service offers a summer internship program providing paid, part-time internships for middle and high school students. Participants are placed with various organizations, including those in the child care sector, allowing them to explore career opportunities and build relevant skills. Link

Circle CDA Training Program by the Children's Learning Institute

The Children's Learning Institute at UTHealth Houston offers the Circle CDA Training Program, providing high-quality professional development for early childhood educators. While primarily aimed at current educators, this program also supports high school students seeking the CDA credential, offering resources and guidance to integrate CDA training into high school CTE programs. Link

NASA Needs A Sewing Workforce

The world of textiles is complex and often misunderstood. Textiles cross industry sectors. They can be found everywhere from apparel and home furnishings to automotive garages and in space with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration — yes, NASA. In fact, the connections between textiles and space exploration are extensive.

NASA is a government agency responsible for science and technology related to air and space. This includes textile use in alternative living environments and the astronauts’ clothing while working in space. Recently, the technical knowledge and skills related to textiles gained the attention of Florence Gold, implementation project manager for NASA HUNCH. “There was always a need for sewn products from the very beginning of space flight,” she said. “From the time of the Apollo missions to the present, NASA has engaged people with meticulous sewing skills.” Link

IIDA's 'Design Your World' Education Program

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) launched the "Design Your World" education program aimed at high school students. This initiative introduces students to the world of commercial interior design through hands-on learning, design history, group projects, and exposure to various careers within the industry. While the program's initial launch was in Chicago, it serves as a model that could inspire similar collaborations in Texas, providing high school students with foundational knowledge and experience in interior design. Link

Culinary High School Students Show Off Their Best at La Gran Tamalada at Market Square

It's a celebration of family tradition and a chance for high school culinary students to show off their tamal-making skills. La Gran Tamalada is happening this weekend downtown at Market Square. Six high school culinary teams are competing this year. Link

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