Education's newest leaders: WMU launches Michigan's first collegiate FCCLA chapter

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A new registered student organization aimed at enhancing family and consumer sciences has arrived on campus as Western Michigan University launches a collegiate chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). A national career and technical student organization for students in family and consumer sciences (FCS) education in public and private schools, FCCLA at WMU makes history as the first collegiate chapter in Michigan.

"It has been a long process applying to be a collegiate FCCLA chapter, but I couldn't be more ecstatic," says Arianna Esparra, president and founding member of FCCLA at WMU. "Being the first in the state to have a college chapter and to have it at my school is incredible!"

A majority of FCCLA chapters exist in high schools and middle schools, however, collegiate chapters expand activities and opportunities for members to develop in post-secondary family and consumer sciences. Involvement in FCCLA at WMU offers students the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life in an advanced setting. 

"There are going to be activities similar to high school FCCLA, but we're also planning to have advanced levels of professional development, community service and networking for members to have careers lined upon graduation," says Esparra. "The chapter is also going to be involved in the planning and execution of the fall leadership conference that Western has hosted since 2023."

FCCLA at WMU will be advised by Emily Anthony, faculty specialist I of family and consumer sciences, and Tayler Mercil, manager of recruitment and outreach in the College of Education and Human Development. Anthony is an experienced educator and most recently a family and consumer sciences teacher at Portage Northern High School for 12 years. Mercil has worked closely with Michigan FCCLA organization, helping bring their leadership conference to WMU each fall. Together, both advisers have experience and are excited to expand FCCLA to the collegiate level.

"It is going to be great bridge between high school and college for a lot of students," says Mercil. "Being able to continue doing something they love and join an immediate network of like-minded people will make the transition so much easier. Their experience will also make a huge impact on the chapter's success on campus and hopefully in competition against other universities."

Competitive events

Aligning with professional development, members of FCCLA participate in Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) events at regional, state and national competitions, that employ their skills and knowledge of family and consumer sciences education. With more than 50 events to select from, they foster essential skills in character, thinking, communication, and public speaking.  

"In these events, you're picking real-world issues involving families, careers, or your community and researching it. Then, you create and carry out a project that pushes for positive change," explains Niko Whitney, founding member of FCCLA at WMU. "It is very similar to organizations like DECA, Future Farmers of America and 4-H, where their members showcase their knowledge on topics related to the club.

"We're also looking forward to being mentors for high school students as they prepare for competition. Speaking from my own personal experience, it makes a huge difference being able to bounce ideas and receive feedback from FCCLA alumni."

Get connected

To learn more about FCCLA at WMU, current and incoming students can email @email.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.