Graduate Fellowships

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. 

2026 Award Application Information

Applications Open: November 03, 2025

Applications Due: January 12, 2026

Guidelines

Application

Submit Application

Jewell L. Taylor National Graduate Fellowship

The Taylor Fellowship was established through a generous bequest from Jewell L. Taylor, a dedicated family and consumer sciences professional for more than 50 years.  She held positions as a county home demonstration agent and utility home economist, continuing her interest in AAFCS until her death.  A $5,000 fellowship and up to $1,000 of support for one year of AAFCS membership and participation in the AAFCS Annual Conference will be awarded to a qualified graduate students pursuing a degree in family and consumer sciences.

Raitt National Graduate Fellowship

The Raitt Fellowship was established through funds from Elsie M. Raitt who wanted to honor her sister, Effie I. Raitt. Effie was the Director of Home Economics at the University of Washington from 1912 to 1945. A $5,000 fellowship will be awarded to a qualified graduate student specializing in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences at a fully accredited college or university. 

Myrna Crabtree National Graduate Fellowship

The Myrna Crabtree Fellowship was established through a generous bequest from Dr. Myrna P. Crabtree who taught classes in human development and held workshops to help teachers meet the needs of the local population. This fellowship is awarded to a graduate student for up to $1,500 of support for one year of AAFCS membership and participation in the AAFCS Annual Conference and for $350 toward an AAFCS Certification. 

Jewell L. Taylor National Graduate Fellowship - 2025 Recipient

Kimberly Mitchell - Alabama

Kimberly Mitchell is a small-town girl whose parents were foundry worker and a stay-at-home mom. Honest hardworking people who raised four children who were given a strong work ethic and a heart for others. The first in her family to attend college, Kim worked hard to complete her bachelor's degree at Jacksonville State University and master's at the University of Alabama. She returned to JSU to gain her certification in Education Administration. Kim has 28 years of experience in Education. After many years as a FCS teacher on the secondary level she made the jump into higher education. She is currently the CTE Specialist and Program Chair for Family & Consumer Sciences and Business Marketing Education (undergraduate and graduate levels) at Jacksonville State University. She also serves as the FCS Student Unit Sponsor, coordinates FCS Days on campus, Co-Leader of STEAM Camp, and developed the first Post-Secondary FCCLA Chapter in Alabama.