Welcome To South Aiken High School FCCLA!
The Basics of Family and Consumer Science Programs
What is a FCS Program?
FCS stands for Family Consumer Science(s), and it is in simple terms Human or Social Sciences. FCS classes tend to teach technical skills and usually fall under Career and Technical, or CTE, pathways in most schools. With programs that cover FCS content tend to teach teamwork and leadership skills while also dealing with the public. Alongside the more specialty skills of the career field, students will usually gain industry specific certifications and build resumes or portfolios that can be used for college or their future employment.
To learn more, please visit the Official Association Webpage on this topic.
Why are FCS Programs important for future Careers?
FCS programs go beyond just the classroom, teaching students real trade and people skills that directly align with the expectations found in college and the workplace.
Students in FCS programs, or learning FCS content by participating in FCCLA develop leadership, teamwork and professional education skills. FCS programs are frequently connected to local businesses and career centers. Allowing students to apprentice, job shadow, or learn under more specialized professionals in order to build their future resume
and tools while still young.
This first-hand learning assists students in getting the tools needed to become employed in their careers. With a team led by the American Institutes for research finding "Those who [took] CTE courses in high school are more likely than those who did not take CTE courses to be employed after high school." (To be cited) and with results like this plus most schools in South Carolina offering a FCS specific CTE program, students can be prepared for the next stage of their life early and safe through these classes.
What are FCCLA's Family and Consumer Science Career Clusters?
FCCLA connects Family and Consumer Sciences to real world career fields. With a explicit focus on the FCS fields shown above. The aim is to let students explore and build skills in these fields that can be taken into college or future jobs. While also giving the opportunity to explore and determine through first-hand experience how a particular cluster might suit them.
For Further information about FCCLA's career clusters, visit the official site for more.
Aiken County FCS Programs
Aiken County's CTE/FCS programs integrate Family and Consumer Science (FCS) standards through it's career-focused instruction. Ensuring that every graduating student is not only job-ready but also equipped to become future business owners, innovators, and leaders within their future industry.
So please take a look at what we have to offer locally with our local affiliated Career and Technology Center, and the classes offered by South Aiken.
Culinary Arts: From Classroom to Career
The Culinary Arts pathway immerses students in professional kitchen practices, food safety, nutrition, and hospitality management. Students develop foundational and advanced culinary skills while earning industry-recognized credentials that provide a competitive advantage after graduation.
Program Highlights Include:
-
Hands-on culinary labs aligned to South Carolina standards
-
Industry certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Manager
-
Catering and event management experiences
-
Participation in regional, state, and national competitions
-
Career exploration in hospitality, food science, nutrition, and restaurant management
Students graduate with marketable skills, professional experience, and a clear understanding of career pathways within South Carolina’s growing hospitality and tourism industry.
Entrepreneurship: Building Future Business Leaders
The Entrepreneurship pathway empowers students to turn ideas into action. Students learn how to develop business plans, manage finances, market products, and evaluate risk—skills essential for success in any career field.
Entrepreneurship Learning Experiences Include:
-
Business plan development and financial literacy
-
Marketing, branding, and customer service strategies
-
Real-world fundraising and school-based enterprises
-
Collaboration with community partners and local businesses
-
Career preparation in management, sales, and small business ownership
By combining creativity with critical thinking, students learn how to adapt, innovate, and lead in South Carolina’s evolving economy.
