NHSBBQA® — CTSO-Neutral Position Paper

National High School BBQ Association®

Collaboration With Clarity. Education Without Confusion.

The entity "organization", "National High School BBQ Association", "national youth BBQ education body" (NHSBBQA®) is committed to working alongside Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), trade associations, industry partners, and educational nonprofits to expand opportunities for students.

This position paper explains how NHSBBQA® collaborates within the broader CTE ecosystem without creating confusion around governance, authority, or educational pathways.

Shared Commitment to Student Success

NHSBBQA® shares common goals with CTSOs and industry partners, including:

• Career exploration and workforce readiness

• Hands-on, project-based learning

• Leadership and employability skill development

• Industry engagement and mentorship

• Student safety, professionalism, and accountability

Educational barbecue and live fire cooking naturally complement pathways in culinary arts, agriculture, food science, hospitality, business, and skilled trades.

Complementary — Not Competitive

NHSBBQA® programs are designed to complement, not replace, existing CTSOs or trade-association programs.

Participation in NHSBBQA®:

• Does not require CTSO membership

• Does not compete for CTSO enrollment

• Does not substitute for CTSO governance, credentials, or recognition

Likewise, participation in CTSO or industry programs does not create national governance, sanctioning authority, or succession rights over NHSBBQA® programs unless expressly defined in writing.

Governance & Role Clarity

To protect schools, educators, and students, NHSBBQA® maintains clear institutional boundaries:

• NHSBBQA® provides national governance and sanctioning for its programs

• CTSOs and trade organizations retain their own missions, oversight, and credentials

• Any collaboration is defined through transparent, written agreements

No partnership, endorsement, or shared participation implies control, succession, or exclusive authority.

Protecting Schools & Educators

Clear role definition allows schools to:

• Participate in multiple programs without conflict

• Offer diverse educational opportunities to students

• Make informed decisions based on governance and outcomes

• Avoid misrepresentation or implied exclusivity

NHSBBQA® believes that clarity reduces risk and empowers educators to build programs that best serve their students.

A Collaborative, Forward-Looking Approach

NHSBBQA® welcomes collaboration with CTSOs, trade associations, and national partners who share a commitment to:

• Education-first programming

• Transparency and ethical governance

• Respect for institutional roles

• Long-term sustainability for schools and students

Educational innovation thrives when organizations work together with mutual respect, defined roles, and shared purpose.

Our Commitment

NHSBBQA® exists to strengthen the educational ecosystem—not to divide it.

By maintaining independence while encouraging collaboration, we help ensure that students, educators, and schools benefit from choice, clarity, and trust.

For questions regarding partnerships, governance boundaries, or collaboration opportunities, please contact the National High School BBQ Association®. Principal@HSBBQ.org.