This spring, a sea of red packed a convention center in Baraboo, as nearly 900 students attended the Wisconsin Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) annual State Leadership Conference. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly attended the event to express her support of the career and technical student organization and the critical role it plays in developing the whole student.
As the student leadership organization connected to Family and Consumer Sciences, FCCLA gives students opportunities to apply skills they learn in class—ranging from nutrition, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, hospitality, and more—to service projects and competitions. In doing so, students are developing essential skills like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and more. As the DPI engages educators, employers, and communities in developing Wisconsin’s Portrait of a Graduate, these are some of the same durable skills they say are essential for student success after high school.
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Dr. Underly was able to start the day by bringing greetings to the 120-plus evaluator, room consultants, and Family and Consumer Sciences educators in the room.
She continued the day by meeting student members who were competing in Fashion Construction events and showing their designs in the second annual Wisconsin FCCLA Fashion Show.
Dr. Underly was able to connect with the Wisconsin FCCLA state officers and learn about the Wisconsin FCCLA Statewide Community Service Project, where chapters raised more than $5,300, which they donated to Paul’s Party to help support para-athletes across the state of Wisconsin. Dr. Underly concluded her visit by meeting with four student competitors at the Competitive Event Showcase. Each student explained their FCCLA competition, how it has positively impacted them and shared their success at the state and national level.
With 99 chapters bringing incredible energy from across the state, this year’s State Leadership Conference was truly one for the books. The conference included 889 attendees and 205 advisers, 767 STAR Event competitors, 17 Knowledge Bowl teams, 30 Fashion Show participants, and a brand-new STAR Event Showcase. On top of that, 21 RedTalks, 28 breakout sessions, and a record number of ambassadors, content creators, and state officer candidates made this conference absolutely unforgettable.
Wisconsin FCCLA continues to grow. This year, the organization expanded to 115 affiliated chapters, 2,181 members, and 136 advisers—a 4.7% increase in membership compared to last year.
The organization also continues to make a big impact in communities. Through a year-long partnership with Paul’s Party, chapters across Wisconsin came together to make a real difference. Members showed up in a big way during the conference, raising more than $5,000 in the Pocket Change Playoffs and spreading kindness in the Community Connections Room. That generosity is truly inspiring. A huge thank you to all of the chapters who participated and donated to support Paul’s Party.
Dr. Underly is pictured with Dodgeville High School Senior Addy Hoyer, who was recently selected as a 2026 FCCLA Member of the Year Award National Finalist—one of only five chosen from more than 260,000 members nationwide.
Thank you to all FCCLA students and advisers for bringing your best energy, leadership, and heart to the State Leadership Conference. You are the reason Wisconsin FCCLA continues to grow and shine.
