Alexandria, VA. – March 26, 2025 - The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Chalkley-Fenn Public Policy Scholar Grant.
The Chalkley‐Fenn Public Policy Scholar Grant 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 grant 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 development of the Montana 4‐H Foundation for Montana and served as a youth advocate at state and national levels. Today, funding is supported by donations from AAFCS members who believe in public policy and the utility of civic engagement.
The project selected for funding in 2025 is “Empowering Students in Legislative Advocacy for Family and Consumer Sciences.” The project director is Glenda Lindsey, Professor of Practice in Family and Consumer Sciences, from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. At the affiliate and local levels, she has been an active member of the Maryland Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (MAFCS). Dr. Lindsey has presented public policy issues relevant to the profession, such as food insecurity, child development policies, and the impact of legislation on FCS education and practice. Her leadership in public policy, including her role as Advocacy Coordinator for the Maryland affiliate, has allowed her to bridge the gap between policy and practice, empowering professionals and students to take an active role in legislative processes. Dr. Lindsey’s proposed project begins July 1 and is designed to engage students and alumni in the public policy process to:
Dr. Lindsey will be recognized at the 2025 Annual Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, and will share the results of her funded project at the 2026 Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Our new grantmaking program, FCS Forward, supports scientific inquiry, validates and advances the FCS Body of Knowledge, and addresses important societal challenges in Family and Consumer Sciences. The AAFCS Grantmaking Program funds projects focused on research, innovation, effectiveness and recruitment. Specifically, the Chalkley-Fenn Scholar Grant advances the strategic public policy work of AAFCS and builds on the learning interests and capacity of the grantee..” - Karin Athanas, AAFCS Executive Director
The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, founded in 1909, is the only professional association dedicated to Family and Consumer Sciences students and professionals who represent multiple practice settings and content areas. For 114 years, AAFCS has focused its mission on providing leadership and support for professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making more informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. Through research, experiential education, and technology, our members help people develop the essential knowledge and skills to lead better lives, be work and career ready, build strong families, and make meaningful contributions to our communities.
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Family and consumer sciences or FCS is the field of study focused on the science and the art of living and working well in our complex world. The field represents many areas, including human development, personal and family finance, housing and interior design, food science, nutrition, and wellness, textiles and apparel, and consumer issues.