Apply to Become a State High School BBQ Association®

Build CTE. Grow Leaders. Ignite a Statewide Movement.

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) licenses one official State High School BBQ Association® per state to expand education-first, teacher-led, student-safe CTE programming through barbecue and live-fire learning.

If you’re interested in leading the official state organization in your state, this page explains the requirements and how to apply.

What Is a State High School BBQ Association®?

A State High School BBQ Association® is a licensed division of NHSBBQA® authorized to:

• Support schools and educators statewide

• Expand CTE-aligned programming

• Host sanctioned educational events (optional)

• Coordinate volunteers, judges, and partners

• Maintain safety, governance, and brand standards

State Associations are licensed—not franchised—and operate under national governance.

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for leaders with an education-first mindset and the capacity to serve schools responsibly.

Ideal applicants include:

• CTE educators and district-aligned leaders

• Education-focused nonprofits

• Industry partners aligned with public education

• Community coalitions supporting student programs

You do not need to be “the biggest BBQ group.”
You do need to be the right governance partner for schools.

Non-Negotiable Requirements

To be considered for licensure, applicants must commit to:

1) Education First

CTE alignment is the mission. Competition is optional and secondary.

2) Teacher-Led, School-Approved Structure

Programs must prioritize school policy, teacher leadership, and student safety.

3) Safety & Student Protection

You must implement NHSBBQA® safety standards including live-fire protocols and background check requirements.

4) Brand & Naming Compliance

You must follow NHSBBQA® trademark and brand guidelines and operate under approved naming conventions.

5) One State, One Official Association

NHSBBQA® licenses one official State Association per state to ensure clarity for schools and sponsors.

What You Receive If Approved

Licensed State Associations may receive:

• Official authorization to operate as the NHSBBQA® state division

• Access to governance templates, safety policies, and curriculum frameworks

• Support for school onboarding and program growth

• Eligibility to sanction educational events and state-level programming

• National alignment for sponsors and partnerships

Licenses are issued with annual review and renewal.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

A State Association leader is expected to:

• Build a statewide school outreach plan

• Support teacher onboarding and training

• Recruit and manage judges/volunteers

• Maintain compliance documentation

• Uphold safety standards at all events

• Protect NHSBBQA® brand and mission

This is a serious leadership role that impacts schools and students statewide.

Application Process

Step 1 — Submit the Application

Complete the State Association Interest Application.

Step 2 — Review & Interview

NHSBBQA® will review your submission and schedule an alignment call.

Step 3 — Provisional Alignment

Qualified applicants may enter a provisional period to validate readiness.

Step 4 — License Agreement

Final approval is granted through the State Association License Agreement.

Apply Now

Button: Start State Association Application

Download State Association Application (PDF)

• “Submit Completed Application” (email upload or form upload)

Completed applications must include the signed Certification & Affirmation page and may be submitted electronically to NHSBBQA® for review.

Already Unsure If Your State Is Official?

Visit: Are We Official?

• National Organization: www.HSBBQ.org

• Programs & Participation: Visit your official state association page

National High School BBQ Association®
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