From time to time, you may be asked questions specific to Home Economics Careers and Technology Education and FHA-HERO. This document has been prepared to give you guidance and suggested tools in order to answer those questions. While we know that this document does not answer all questions, we hope that it answers the most commonly asked questions. In addition, these questions and answers may assist you in developing materials to promote your programs.

What is Home Economics Careers and Technology Education?
Home Economics Careers and Technology is the umbrella term for two programs that focus on preparing students with the skills for living and for earning a living. Taught in California middle and senior high schools, as well as the ROCP, career-related subject matter is integrated with academic content to prepare students for post-secondary education, entry-level employment and professional careers. It is supported by a dynamic collaboration between teachers, administrators, parents, and business and industry, as well as by federal and state legislation.

What instructional programs are included under Home Economics Careers and Technology Education?
There are two specific programs: Consumer and Family Studies and Home Economics Related Occupations. Consumer and Family Studies equips students with essential skills for living through instruction in eight [seven] content areas: child development and guidance; consumer education; family living and parenting education; fashion, textiles and apparel; food and nutrition; housing and furnishings; individual and family health; [and leadership development]. Home Economics Related Occupations (often referred to as HERO) prepares students with skills for earning a living in eight industry-related career paths: child development and education; consumer services; family and human services; fashion design, manufacturing and merchandising; food science, dietetics, and nutrition; hospitality, tourism, and recreation; and interior design, furnishings, and maintenance.

Why was the name of home economics for secondary programs in California changed to Home Economics Careers and Technology?
In the early part of the 20th century, home economics education focused on preparing students for home and family living. However, since 1971, there has been an expanded focus in preparing students for careers related to home economics in addition to preparing students for personal and family life management. In addition, parents and the business/industry community are demanding that students exit high school with more specific knowledge and skills for advanced education, as well as for careers. To reflect the change in program emphasis, meet the demands of society, and to retain a program identity, focus groups were convened to develop a name for California secondary home economics education programs that would accurately describe the focus. After much consideration, it was recommended that the name be changed to Home Economics Careers and Technology. This name not only reflects the dual programs offered in California, but also suggests the importance of technology and career development in today’s programs.

What kinds of careers can students who take Home Economics Careers and Technology programs enter?
There are a variety of career opportunities related to the career paths in Home Economics Careers and Technology. Many students enter successful and high paying careers in some of California’s major industries like Paramount's Great America, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hilton Hotels and Bongo Jeans. These same major industries reflect the highest and most rapid projected growth into the new century. Many students go on to profitable careers in the hospitality industry which employs nearly one-in-twelve workers in the United States. Others have gone on to be executives in fashion design, manufacturing and merchandising, or to management positions in restaurants, hotels, and lodging establishments. While others have become successful teachers, school administrators, and pre-school owners. In fact, Home Economics Careers and Technology Programs offer the most diverse career opportunities for students pursuing high demand technical and professional level positions.

Are Home Economics Classes still taught?
Over 300,000 secondary students were enrolled in Home Economics Careers and Technology Programs last year. A unique feature of this program is the direct link between the application of science, technology, career, and life management skills that prepare students for careers as well as for managing work and family roles. A vital segment of the educational system, Home Economics Careers and Technology Education integrates academic and career skills, concepts and principles, in the context of work, family, and personal responsibilities. Home Economics Careers and Technology Education is recommended for all students for effective living and learning.

Is food and nutrition still a part of the curriculum?
Yes, students have multiple opportunities to learn the knowledge and skills for safe food preparation and optimal health. Secondary students want to learn how to plan and prepare nutritious and attractive meals and snacks for family and friends. In addition, these food preparation skills are directly transferable to careers in food service and hospitality and food science, dietetics, and nutrition. There are many career opportunities available right here in California for food technology, food processing, advertising, as well as restaurants, hotels, and theme parks.

I want my son or daughter to be encouraged to go to college. It seems difficult for the students to find time in the school schedule for Home Economics Careers and Technology courses!

Home Economics Careers and Technology courses are based on strong academic foundations and industry-validated standards. With careful planning, students can take at least three courses to complete a HECT career pathway in high school. In addition, students may earn college credits for advanced level HECT courses. It’s an excellent way for students to develop high level knowledge, technical competence and get a head start on their career. Moreover, students will graduate from high school with the skills needed for entry-level jobs that can be useful in financing education at a community college or a four-year university.

I would like for my son or daughter to be challenged in their courses. This seems like an easy "A."
Home Economics Careers and Technology courses are far from an easy "A." Students must apply technical reading and writing, math, science, art, and social studies skills in the context of life management and careers. Students are evaluated on performance, competence, and acquired skills related to standards established with the help of community members, post-secondary educators, and business and industry. Yes, there’s fun involved --- the fun of using skills from many subjects, including Home Economics Careers and Technology in context.

Home Economics Careers and Technology offers multiple opportunities for college-bound students. Students can get a head start on preparing for careers by enrolling in a career pathway program composed of a series of courses especially designed to prepare for entering the workforce and post-secondary education. These programs include courses that receive credit at community colleges. Many programs also collaborate with four-year colleges and universities to ensure that students are well prepared to enter a HECT-related major. Home Economics Careers and Technology students who complete a career pathway program graduate with the skills necessary to finance and continue their education while employed in a HECT-related entry-level position.

Isn’t Home Economics Careers and Technology just for girls?
Today’s Home Economics Careers and Technology programs meet the needs of both young men and women. Both men and women need to know how to manage and balance all aspects of their personal, family, and career life. Home Economics Careers and Technology-related careers include both men and women. The opportunities in the classroom on campuses, and in the world of careers are not considered a man or woman’s world. In fact, young men comprise approximately 37% of enrollments in California.

Most high schools have clubs on campus, what is the club for Home Economics Careers and Technology?
Actually, students do have an organization but it’s not referred to as a club. FHA-HERO is the co-curricular vocational student organization that offers leadership, citizenship and career development opportunities for Home Economics Careers and Technology students. Examples of these opportunities include serving as chapter, regional, state and national officers; working on community service activities; and competing in one of twenty competitive recognition events based on the Home Economics careers and technology program knowledge and skills. FHA-HERO extends the subject-matter content from the classroom into an advisor-guided, student-led organization that further develops members’ skills through individual and group activities.

FHA, isn’t that Future Homemakers of America, I thought they just changed their name because it didn’t fit today’s need ... why haven’t you?
Since 1975, California has used the name FHA-HERO. (Or the California Association hasn’t used the name Future Homemakers of America since 1975.) FHA-HERO for the California Association still accurately describes the mission of the organization and is recognized by a variety of audiences (i.e. parents, former-members, administrators, and business and industry) for its rich tradition of providing quality leadership and career development activities for its members. California members recently voted overwhelmingly to continue using the name because it reflects the strong pre-professional and career component central to the Association’s goals.

If the California Association is just referred to as FHA-HERO, how can I explain the organization?
Explaining the organization using the acronym is easy! In explaining FHA-HERO, we simply state that it is an organization for young men and women enrolled in Home Economics Careers and Technology programs that develops strong leaders for families, communities and careers. Then we explain the types of activities that chapters conduct.

Like many other organizations and businesses who have gone to using initials for their name, it will take a period of time for everyone to make the transition. However, like KFC, DECA, IBM and others, the public becomes aware of what the name symbolizes.