Member Awards

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The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) was established by the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) Foundation in 1979 as a living tribute to members of AHEA (now AAFCS) to recognize superior achievements in family and consumer sciences, outstanding contributions to the family and consumer sciences profession, and sustained association leadership at both state and national levels. A list of prior recipients may be found here.

Sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox Publisher, the AAFCS National Teacher of the Year Award was established in 1974 to recognize exemplary teachers who utilize cutting-edge methods, techniques and activities to provide stimulus and visibility to family and consumer sciences in elementary and secondary education.
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The Leader Award was introduced as a part of the Association's 75th Anniversary observance in 1984 when it was established to identify and honor family and consumer sciences professionals who have made significant contributions to the field through their involvement with AAFCS.

Anyone chosen to receive the Leader Award will receive a commemorative token which will be presented at the AAFCS Annual Conference. The recipient's name and photo will be reported in AAFCS print and online communications.

The New Achiever Award was introduced as a part of the Association’s 75th Anniversary observance in 1984 when it was established to identify and honor emerging family and consumer sciences professionals who have exhibited the potential to make significant contributions to the field through their involvement with AAFCS.

Anyone chosen to receive the New Achiever Award will receive a commemorative token which will be presented at the AAFCS Annual Conference. The recipient's name and photo will be reported in AAFCS print and online communications.

The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) awards graduate fellowships to individuals who have exhibited the potential to make contributions to the family and consumer sciences profession.  Individuals who receive a graduate fellowship will receive financial support for the study of family and consumer sciences and a commemorative certificate.  The name of the recipient(s) will be reported in the AAFCS Annual Conference Program Book.  Also, recipients of some fellowships will receive support toward one year of AAFCS membership and participation in the AAFCS Annual Conference, where the fellowship award will be presented. 

The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) awards undergraduate scholarships to individuals who have exhibited the potential to make contributions to the family and consumer sciences profession.  Individuals who receive an undergraduate scholarship will receive financial support for the study of family and consumer sciences and a commemorative certificate.  The name of the recipient will be reported in AAFCS print and online communications. Recipients of the scholarship will receive support toward one year of AAFCS membership and participation in the AAFCS Annual Conference, where the scholarship award will be presented.