How many states were affiliated when FHA first started?

When the Future Homemakers of America (FHA) first started, it was officially organized in 1945 with the affiliation of 36 states. This is historically significant as it marked the beginning of a national organization that aimed to prepare students for family and community leadership roles. Over the years, the organization expanded significantly, leading to the eventual incorporation of all 50 states. However, at the inception, the number was specifically 36, reflecting the early growth and interest in vocational training in homemaking and related fields among American youth. The initial affiliation laid the groundwork for what would become a larger movement in family and consumer sciences education.