Apply to Become a Strategic Partner | National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®)

 Apply to Become a Strategic Partner

• Apply to Become a Strategic Partner

  The National High School BBQ Association (NHSBBQA®) partners with a select group of education-first, mission-aligned organizations that support student pathways from school to post-secondary education, careers, and industry.

  Partnerships with NHSBBQA® are purpose-driven, standards-based, and earned through alignment—not purchased through sponsorship placement.

  Who This Application Is For

  This application is intended for organizations that support one or more of the following:

  • Post-secondary education or training pathways

  • Workforce development and career readiness

  • Industry credentialing or certification

  • Safety, compliance, or educator professional development

  • Student recognition, scholarships, or advancement

  If your organization serves as a destination beyond school-based learning, you may be eligible for partnership consideration.

  Partnership Philosophy

  NHSBBQA® partnerships are built on three principles:

  1. Students First
     Every partnership must protect and advance student learning, safety, and opportunity.

  2. Education Before Promotion
     Partnerships exist to extend learning—not to market products, brands, or events to students.

  3. Clarity of Role
     NHSBBQA® remains the sole educational sanctioning authority. Partners serve defined, complementary roles within the ecosystem.

  Partnership Titles & Categories

  Applicants may be considered for partnership titles such as:

  • Official Post-Secondary Showcase Partner

  • Official College or Workforce Pathway Partner

  • Official Student Credentialing Partner

  • Official Safety & Compliance Education Partner

  • Official Student Advancement or Scholarship Partner

  • Founding or Legacy Partner - The School Board Of Barbecue (invitation only).

  • Hall of Flame (Legacy invitation only after 10 years)

  Final partnership titles are determined by NHSBBQA® based on alignment, scope, and role.

  Application & Review Process

  All partnership applications follow a structured review process:

  Step 1 — Eligibility Screening

  Applicants confirm organizational mission, scope, and alignment with NHSBBQA® values.

  Step 2 — Alignment Review

  NHSBBQA® reviews how the organization supports student pathways and educational outcomes.

  Step 3 — Ethics & Conflict Disclosure

  Applicants disclose affiliations that may present conflicts of interest.

  Step 4 — Determination

  Applicants are either:

  • Approved and invited to proceed

  • Approved with conditions

  • Deferred for future consideration

  • Declined due to misalignment

  Partnership approval is not guaranteed.

  Important Notes Before Applying

  • Partnership does not confer sanctioning or governance authority

  • Partnership does not imply endorsement of products or services

  • Partnership titles may not be transferred or sublicensed

  • Misrepresentation of partnership status is prohibited

  NHSBBQA® reserves the right to revise, suspend, or revoke partnerships if standards are not maintained.

  Apply Now

  Organizations that believe they align with the NHSBBQA® mission are invited to apply.

  Begin Partner Application

  (You will be asked to select a partnership category, provide organizational details, and complete an alignment questionnaire.)

  What Happens After You Apply

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis

  • Qualified applicants may be contacted for clarification or follow-up

  • Approved partners receive formal title confirmation and onboarding materials

  Please allow time for review. NHSBBQA® values quality over volume in all partnerships.

  NHSBBQA® partnerships are selective, mission-driven, and governed by eligibility and ethics standards. Partnership does not imply sanctioning authority or endorsement.