What is Middle School BBQ (MSBBQ)?

Middle School BBQ (MSBBQ) is a school-based, teacher-led learning experience using live-fire cooking and barbecue program designed for students ages 8–13. It introduces young learners to barbecue, grilling, and food sport through structured instruction, teamwork, and hands-on experience—while maintaining the same rules, expectations, and safety standards used at the high school level.

MSBBQ is intentionally designed to operate on school district property, under school supervision, and within district-approved safety and instructional guidelines. It is not a recreational club or weekend activity—it is an educational program built for schools.

MSBBQ serves as the entry point into a broader Career and Technical Education (CTE) and STEM-aligned pathway, connecting students early to real-world skills, career awareness, and future opportunities.

How Middle School BBQ (MSBBQ) Works

Middle School BBQ students:

• Follow the same rules and competition standards as High School BBQ (HSBBQ) students

• Learn proper fire safety, food handling, and teamwork from day one

• Develop foundational skills in cooking, preparation, timing, and presentation

• Participate in contests and showcases hosted exclusively on school district property

• Learn in an environment focused on growth, education, and skill development—not pressure

In many states, MSBBQ teams may compete alongside High School BBQ (HSBBQ) teams for practice, mentorship, and experience—especially during early program growth. As participation expands, Middle School BBQ programs will host their own MSBBQ-specific contests, tailored to age groups while maintaining consistent rules and expectations.

This approach ensures continuity, consistency, and a clear progression for students as programs scale.

What Makes MSBBQ Different From High School BBQ (HSBBQ)?

While MSBBQ and HSBBQ share the same rules, standards, and safety expectations, they differ in focus and developmental purpose.

Middle School BBQ (MSBBQ)

• Ages: 8–13

• Focus: Introduction, fundamentals, and confidence-building

• Purpose: Exposure to skills, teamwork, and career pathways

• Role: Entry point into the CTE and STEM pipeline

• Outcome: Prepared, motivated students ready for HSBBQ

• NOTE: Middle School students can compete on High School BBQ teams especially in smaller or rural schools to create mentorship, opportunities, leadership development, and Middle School to High School scaffold and learning framework to improve outcomes. It is also helpful for marketing classes and feeding CTSO's and future members and leaders.

High School BBQ (HSBBQ)

• Ages: 14–18

• Focus: Advanced skills, leadership, and mastery

• Purpose: Career readiness, credentials, and postsecondary pathways

• Role: Capstone CTE experience

• Outcome: Workforce- and college-ready students

Together, MSBBQ and HSBBQ form a continuous, school-based pathway rather than two separate programs.

Middle School BBQ (MSBBQ) and High School BBQ (HSBBQ) is sometime referred to as Kids Que, Kids Q, or Junior Pitmasters but these are informal competitions and NOT focused on formal education or learning but more recreational and entertainment. 

MSBBQ as a CTE & STEM Pathway

Middle School BBQ (MSBBQ) is more than cooking—it is a gateway to careers and skills.

Through MSBBQ, students are introduced to:

• Culinary arts and food science

• Fire safety and applied chemistry

• Agriculture and meat science

• Math, measurement, and timing

• Team leadership and communication

• Entrepreneurship and problem-solving

By connecting hands-on learning with academic concepts, MSBBQ helps students see how classroom knowledge applies to real careers—long before they reach high school.

MSBBQ is intentionally aligned with CTE and STEM principles, ensuring students transition seamlessly into High School BBQ (HSBBQ) programs and beyond.

Why Schools Choose Middle School BBQ (MSBBQ)

Schools choose MSBBQ because it:

• Uses education-first language and structure

• Operates on school district property

• Aligns with existing CTE and STEM goals

• Provides safe, supervised live-fire instruction

• Builds a clear pathway from middle school to high school

• Prepares students for future academic and career success

Middle School BBQ isn’t about creating “junior pit masters or Kids Que.”
It’s about developing students. Not entertainment — education.

From Middle School BBQ to High School BBQ, students don’t just learn how to cook —
they learn how to lead, work, and succeed.

This is education first.
This is Career & Technical Education in action.