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." (Lindsay et al.) 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.
Note: classes offered change and are rarely completely public, so only a few public programs relating to family and consumer sciences will be listed.
Culinary Arts - South Aiken High School
Culinary arts immerses students in professional kitchen practices, food safety, nutrition, and hospitality management. Students taking these classes will develop foundational and advanced culinary skills while earning industry-recognized credentials.
Offered Classes at South Aiken Include:
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Introduction to Culinary Arts Management
South Carolina Class Standards (160 KB PDF 1/27/25) -
Culinary Arts Management 1
South Carolina Class Standards(123 KB PDF 1/21/25) -
Culinary Arts Management 2
South Carolina Class Standards (142 KB PDF 1/27/25)
Program Highlights Include:
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Hands-on culinary labs aligned to South Carolina standards
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Industry certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Manager
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Catering and event management experiences
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Participation in regional, state, and national competitions
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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.
Fundamentals of Human Resources - South Aiken
Students in this class will learn the core principles and practices of managing human capital, in a organization. Typical classroom theory will be combined with real-world HR scenarios, allowing students to understand how HR professionals operate and support a business's success.
Class Standards:
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Standards (77 KB PDF 8/14/17)
Class Highlights Include:
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An overview of usual HR functions such as the recruitment, selection, training/ employee development, and compensating employees
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Introduction to employment law, workplace ethics, and employee relations as a HR manager.
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Collaborative course work that trains students in teamwork, communication, and professionalism.
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Practice of typical work like record keeping, performance evaluations, and interviews.
This class will teach essential HR skills, allowing them to be valuable human capital in any business, nonprofit, or government organization. By understanding how people are effectively managed within an organization, students are better prepared for entry-level positions and for continued study in business, management, or HR programs at the post-secondary level.
Entrepreneurship - South Aiken High School
Taking an entrepreneurship class empowers students to turn their ideas into action. Students will learn how to develop business plans, manage finances, market products, and evaluate risks—all skills essential for success in any career field.
Class Standards:
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South Carolina Standards (217 KB pdf 1/1/24)
Class Highlights Include:
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Development of a complete Business plan and understanding of Business Pitches
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Students will learn marketing, branding, and customer service strategies
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Students learn how to partner with local businesses and organizations/individuals in their communities.
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Preparation for managing and operating a small business
By combining creativity with critical thinking, students can learn how to adapt, innovate, and lead in South Carolina’s evolving economy.
Barbering and Cosmetology - ACPSD Career Center
This program teaches students the essential skills and knowledge needed to work professionally in the beauty industry, including hair care, cosmetology fundamentals, and the preparation required to gain a state liscence in Cosmetology. This course will combine hands on practice with classroom theory so students will be able to excel in any professional cosmetology position.
Course Standards:
South Carolina Standards (150 KB PDF)
Program Highlights Include:
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Training in hair cutting, styling, shampooing, and chemical applications.
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Professional instruction on skin care, basic esthetics, and nail artistry.
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An emphasis on health, safety, sanitation, and professional client interactions.
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Eligibility to sit for the South Carolina Cosmetology License once complete with the program
Students graduating from this 2-year program will have the training and real-world experience required to begin careers as licensed professionals or entrepreneurs. With incredible employability in salons, barbershops, or related beauty services in South Carolina.
