NHSBBQA Education Foundation - Scholarships and Awards

BBQ Education Foundation

Supporting Students Through Education, Craft, and Opportunity

The NHSBBQA Education Foundation provides scholarships and educational awards to support students engaged in barbecue, live-fire cooking, culinary arts, agriculture, and Career & Technical Education (CTE).

Our scholarships and awards are designed to remove financial barriers, recognize educational achievement, and support students as they pursue academic growth, workforce readiness, and career pathways.

All awards are administered in accordance with IRS regulations and nonprofit best practices to ensure fairness, transparency, and educational purpose.

What We Offer

Educational Scholarships

Scholarships support students pursuing:

• Postsecondary education

• Industry certifications and credentials

• Approved training programs and coursework

• Educational travel and learning experiences

Scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both.

Educational Awards & Recognition

Educational awards recognize students for:

• Skill development and craftsmanship

• Leadership and teamwork

• Commitment to learning and personal growth

• Excellence in project-based education

These awards are intended to support continued learning and are not cash prizes or competition payouts.

Who Is Eligible

Scholarships and awards are available to:

• Middle school and high school students

• Students participating in school-based or educational programs aligned with the Foundation’s mission

• Students demonstrating commitment to education, leadership, and skill development

Eligibility criteria and award availability may vary by program and funding source.

How Awards Are Determined

All scholarship and award recipients are selected using objective, nondiscriminatory criteria, which may include:

• Educational achievement and effort

• Demonstrated skill development

• Leadership and character

• Community involvement

• Financial need (when applicable)

Selections are reviewed and approved by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee under the oversight of the Board of Directors.

Use of Scholarship & Award Funds

Scholarship and award funds may be used only for approved educational purposes, including:

• Tuition and educational fees

• Instructional supplies and equipment

• Certification and testing costs

• Approved educational travel and training

Funds may not be used for personal expenses or non-educational purposes.

All recipients must agree to the Foundation’s Award Acceptance and Disbursement policies prior to receiving funds.

Application Process

The Foundation offers scheduled application cycles throughout the year, depending on available funding.

Applicants may be required to submit:

• A completed application

• Short essays or personal statements

• Letters of recommendation

• Academic or project documentation

Apply for a Scholarship
View Current Award Opportunities

Our Commitment to Fairness & Integrity

The NHSBBQA BBQ Education Foundation is committed to:

• Equity in access to educational opportunities

• Transparency in selection and funding

• Responsible stewardship of charitable donations

• Compliance with all IRS and nonprofit regulations

No award provides ownership, influence, or competitive advantage in NHSBBQA® competitions.

Relationship to NHSBBQA®

The BBQ Education Foundation is a separate legal entity from the National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®).

While NHSBBQA® operates educational programming, leagues, and competitions, all scholarships and educational awards are administered solely by the Foundation.

Investing in Education. Empowering Students. Building Futures.

If you are a student, educator, donor, or sponsor, we invite you to support educational opportunity through the NHSBBQA BBQ Education Foundation.

Support Scholarships & Awards

Want to make an impact?
Your charitable support helps students access education, training, and opportunity.

Donate to the BBQ Education Foundation
Learn About Our Purpose

NHSBBQA Education Foundation
is the public-facing name of the BBQ Education Foundation,
a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN - 41-2464833 dedicated to advancing
youth culinary education, live-fire learning, and career pathways
through the National High School BBQ Association® ecosystem.

Legal Notice
The NHSBBQA BBQ Education Foundation is a separate legal entity from the National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®).
Donations made on this page support the Foundation’s charitable mission and are not payments to NHSBBQA®.