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. 

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. 

2026 Recipients - Jewell L. Taylor National Graduate Fellowship

Beverly Froud, CFCS, Arkansas

Beverly Froud, CFCS, AR, teaches in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at Harding University. She is a career educator, having served as an agent for the UADA Cooperative Extension Service, a high school teacher, an elementary principal, and a mentor for novice teachers in open enrollment public charter schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Harding University and a master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Central Arkansas and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science at Mississippi State University. Beverly is an advocate for FCS and FCS Education at every level and believes strongly in the ability of Family and Consumer Sciences to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities through the application of research and scientific knowledge. She lives in Arkansas with her husband, Chad, and their three children. 

Cody Mooneyhan, Kentucky

Cody Mooneyhan, KY, passion for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) began in 1998, inspired by the encouragement of her own teachers. For 16 years, she has served as a dedicated FCS educator in Kentucky, building strong programs and guiding numerous FCCLA regional and state officers. She has judged national events, presented professional workshops, and mentored both student teachers and new educators through initiatives such as the Kentucky FCS Mentorship Program and the Kentucky New Teacher Institute. Mooneyhan’s leadership includes 13 years of service on the Regional KATFCS Board, roles as KACTE Representative, and her current position as President of NATFCS. She is pursuing an Ed.D. at Murray State University with research focused on the impact of industry certifications on student success, with the long-term goal of expanding FCS mentorship at the national level. 

Samantha Martin, CFCS-HNFS, Texas

Samantha Martin, CFCS-HNFS, TX, a Jersey native now residing in Texas, is a first-generation college graduate who never expected to pursue higher education. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, she joined Teach for America and began teaching in Houston, Texas. Samantha found her professional home in AAFCS, which led her to earn a master’s degree and pursue a Ph.D. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education at Texas Tech University. With over ten years of teaching experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings, she has predominantly served students in Title I schools. Samantha has also worked as a Multilingual Specialist, supporting educators with effective strategies for emergent bilingual learners. Her passion for Culinary Arts inspires her to create hands-on learning experiences for high school students as a teacher and FCCLA advisor. Samantha believes education can transform lives, and she has dedicated her career to creating meaningful learning experiences. 

Miranda Bright, Nebraska

Miranda Bright, NE, is a doctoral student at Doane University. Her research focuses on the lived experiences of Family and Consumer Sciences teachers involved in FCS-related professional associations and how this involvement influences their commitment to the profession. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Child, Youth and Family Studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and an Education Specialist degree from Doane University. Miranda grew up and lives in Nebraska and has a strong passion for 4-H and helping others. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Frank, her son, Cyrus, and their corgis, Luna and Magus. She previously served with Nebraska Extension as a 4-H Graduate Assistant and Program Associate. She has taught Family and Consumer Sciences at the elementary through high school levels and advised FCCLA. Miranda currently serves as a Human Sciences and Education Career Field Specialist at the Nebraska Department of Education. 

2026 Recipient - Raitt Graduate Fellowship

Katie Newcomb, Ohio

Katie Newcomb, OH, is a married mother of two from Conneaut, Ohio. Originally, she grew up in Fairview Park, Ohio. After high school, she attended Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, where she majored in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 2006. After graduation, she was hired as the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and department chair at Conneaut High School in Conneaut, Ohio. After completing her resident educator requirements, she began her Master of Education degree through Ashland University. She graduated with her master's degree in 2008. She continued teaching at Conneaut High School until 2022. She is the current Ohio Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (OAFCS) Secretary and employed at Youngstown State University as a university supervisor and part-time member. She chose to pursue her Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education because of her new role in post-secondary education. Her goal is to help YSU reinvigorate its Family and Consumer Sciences Education major.