Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Family and Consumer Sciences Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 7 of 7

Full-Text Articles in Family and Consumer Sciences

Strengthening Communities With Extension's People Empowering People Program, Stacey F. Stearns, Faye Griffiths-Smith Oct 2026

Strengthening Communities With Extension's People Empowering People Program, Stacey F. Stearns, Faye Griffiths-Smith

Journal of Extension

Programs that encourage personal growth, community connections, and civic engagement are even more essential as digital technology and virtual platforms disconnect residents from communities. The University of Connecticut People Empowering People (UConn PEP) program is one option. It strengthens individuals and communities through a 10-week facilitated program, hosted by the community, and taught by UConn-trained facilitators. UConn PEP has expanded to other states, was translated to Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese, and three other countries expressed interest in offering the PEP curriculum. Programs such as this are an area for continuous expansion as Extension adapts to the changing needs of audiences.


Empowering Generations: The Role Of Family And Consumer Sciences In Advancing Financial Literacy And Resilience, Stephen Molchan Sep 2026

Empowering Generations: The Role Of Family And Consumer Sciences In Advancing Financial Literacy And Resilience, Stephen Molchan

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

In this article, I explore the critical role of family and consumer sciences (FCS) in advancing financial literacy and resilience across generations. By addressing systemic financial challenges and integrating financial education into its curriculum, FCS empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions and build secure futures. The article highlights strategies such as early intervention, culturally relevant programs, and community outreach, emphasizing how FCS equips individuals with practical skills in budgeting, saving, debt management, and risk assessment. I discuss the importance of advocacy for financial inclusion and consumer protection as a means to create equitable opportunities for financial well-being, underscoring …


Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Is Stem, Gina Peek, Kimberly Williams, Kelly Wardlaw, Susan Routh Nov 2025

Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Is Stem, Gina Peek, Kimberly Williams, Kelly Wardlaw, Susan Routh

Journal of Extension

Family and consumer sciences (FCS) has a foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We developed a simple framework with three criteria to identify and evaluate family and consumer sciences Extension STEM resources. Results indicate that STEM resources are more readily available in certain family and consumer sciences content areas. This simple framework can be applied to other Extension program areas to strengthen and articulate STEM concepts.


Self-Efficacy And Stem Education: A Study Of Family And Consumer Science Teachers In Pennsylvania, Charlene Smith, Philip A. Reed Jan 2025

Self-Efficacy And Stem Education: A Study Of Family And Consumer Science Teachers In Pennsylvania, Charlene Smith, Philip A. Reed

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has become widely promoted. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) uses science to improve home life while reinforcing technology, engineering, and mathematics principles. However, FCS is not usually recognized as a STEM subject. The purpose of this study was to determine what factors may affect FCS teachers’ level of self-efficacy in teaching STEM to provide supports that improve teaching practices. This quantitative study surveyed secondary FCS teachers in Pennsylvania using the T‐STEM Survey for Elementary Teachers. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive …


The Birds And The Bees: Teaching Parents How To Educate Their Children About Sex, Tonya Pell, Courtney Aldrich Nov 2024

The Birds And The Bees: Teaching Parents How To Educate Their Children About Sex, Tonya Pell, Courtney Aldrich

Journal of Extension

Parent educators at Michigan State University Extension have had great success with their Extension Extras Parenting Hour series which began in 2020. The series is organized every quarter, meets weekly, and changes topics every week. The 90 minute class covers a range of parenting topics from positive discipline, talking to children about race, early literacy, and now, due to a need being identified and addressed, how to educate children about sex and sexuality. This new topic to the series has received positive feedback from participants and has led to community organizations asking for similar classes and support from the team.


Fad Diets: Professional Development Needs Among Nutrition Agents In Select Southern States, Abigail P. Mcalister, Vicky L. Green, Simone Camel, Mary C. Fontenot, Janet F. Pope May 2022

Fad Diets: Professional Development Needs Among Nutrition Agents In Select Southern States, Abigail P. Mcalister, Vicky L. Green, Simone Camel, Mary C. Fontenot, Janet F. Pope

Journal of Extension

Because FCS agents teach communities about dietary guidelines, it is important that they are aware of the latest nutrition research. This study assessed FCS agents’ knowledge of popular fad diets (low-carbohydrate, intermittent fasting, detoxes and cleanses) and their potential adverse effects, and its relationship among location, certifications, years of experience, professional association memberships, and education. Agents in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi were emailed a survey. RDN, DTR, and CHES certifications had significant associations (p = 0.03) with knowledge of adverse effects of fad diets. Agents who hold these credentials may have more knowledge about adverse effects of fad diets.


Cultivating Intrinsic Motivation In The Family And Consumer Science Classroom, Jordan Meland Oct 2020

Cultivating Intrinsic Motivation In The Family And Consumer Science Classroom, Jordan Meland

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to examine the effects of intrinsic motivation strategies in the Family and Consumer Science classroom. Data was collected that examined pretest and posttest results of high school students in grades 9-12. The data gathered determined that there was a positive effect of the implemented intrinsic motivation strategies on the learners in General Foods, but it is unclear which strategy is more efficient than the others. Research shows that students struggle to stay motivated in middle school and high school. Creating opportunities for students to build intrinsic motivation may increase quality of work. …