It is one of the largest career and technology student organizations in the United States.  The organization encourages personal growth and leadership development in teens through family and consumer sciences.

Any student, through the twelfth grade, who is taking or has taken a course of family and consumer sciences can become a member.

Each year over 200,000 students join over 10,000 chapters in 53 state associations, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Students may participate in various projects related to the family, careers, and community involvement.

FCCLA is the only student-lead organization with the family as its central focus.