As students transition from middle to high school, FACS plays a powerful role in building confidence, belonging, and life-readiness skills. This session explores strategies for creating a strong academic and social-emotional foundation in high school FACS programs while strengthening alignment with middle school coursework. Participants will examine how to build a supportive, culturally responsive environment and explore how intentional collaboration between middle and high school FACS programs can boost engagement, close transition gaps, and reinforce success skills like communication, responsibility, organization, and self-management. Attendees will leave with strategies for aligned instruction, OER-based resources, and hands-on learning experiences that bridge grade levels—designed for FACS teachers and instructional leaders, strengthening the pathway.