Member Awards - American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences

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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.

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.

Centennial Scholars Research Grant was created in honor of the Association’s 100th anniversary. The fund that supports the Centennial Scholars Research Grant was established in 2008, thanks to challenge grants given by AAFCS Past Presidents Peggy Meszaros and Sharon Nickols.

Stimulating new and needed research advances the application of family and consumer sciences concepts and the study of the profession itself. In order for members to carry out the mission of AAFCS, a scientific basis for practice is critical; thus, the AAFCS Centennial Scholars Research Grant was created to fund research, which will be shared with AAFCS members and used to promote the AAFCS mission.

The Chalkley‐Fenn Public Policy Visiting Scholar was established in 1990 to honor Gladys Branegan Chalkley, president and treasurer of AAFCS from 1940‐1942. Dr. Chalkley founded the Montana Affiliate of AAFCS, as well as the state’s dietetic association and its chapter of the American Association of University Women. The scholarship is also funded by a gift from the estate of Geraldine G. Fenn, a South Dakota native who was an Extension 4‐H Specialist in Montana. After retirement, Fenn spearheaded the development of the Montana 4‐H Foundation for Montana and served as a youth advocate at the state and national levels. Today, it is supported by donations from AAFCS members who believe in public policy and the utility of civic engagement. It is awarded in even-numbered years, depending on the availability of funds.