FCCLA, which stands for Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, is a national organization for youth that focuses on leadership. Students in the FCCLA program have the opportunity to travel to Galveston for competitions and have the opportunity to advance to state in Dallas. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the organization, and the Bryan High branch plans to make the most of it through connecting with the community even more.
“We’re going to do a big project with the community and invite anyone who had been in FCCLA or FHA, which was the original name of the organization,” FCCLA sponsor Maria Besa said. “We’re planning a big celebration in the community.”
The organization allows students to take ownership of their community by giving back through projects.
“FCCLA gives students the opportunity to grow as individuals, to be a leader, to be an organizer, and to participate in all different types of activities,” Besa said. “We work with the schools in Bryan and in the community where we offer service projects so that kids in the area can participate.”
Though students focus on giving back to the community, they are able to benefit from the organization as well.
“FCCLA is a good national organization that students can earn scholarships for college,” Besa said. “It looks really good on their transcript, and they have a lot of fun doing the extra activities throughout the school year.”
Learning a sense of empathy and understanding are two of the key components of what FCCLA is all about.
“We try to make the world a better place by doing different services projects,” freshman Maria Sanchez said. “It’s a great way to get involved with the community and has taught me to care more about others.”
Students have been able to use the opportunities within FCCLA to expand their viewpoints and learn a little bit more about themselves.
“FCCLA means a lot to me,” junior Ciomara Cruz said. “I get to be myself more and get out of my shell. I’ve met a lot of people at competitions which has been my favorite part.”
The organization focuses on leadership skills and relationships and is run in a way that any student can benefit from being a part of it.
“FCCLA has taught me to be a better student and give to people,” Ciomara said. “I encourage anyone to get involved because it’s a lot of fun.”
