NHSBBQA - How Schools Participate

How Schools Participate

A Clear, School-Safe Path to Participation

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) partners with schools through a structured educational participation process designed to protect students, preserve local control, and ensure consistent national standards.

Schools do not “join a brand.”
They are approved to operate an educational program within a nationally governed framework.

Step 1: School Interest & Administrative Awareness

Participation begins when a school or district expresses interest in offering an NHSBBQA®-aligned program.

At this stage:

• Administrators review program goals and structure

• The program is evaluated for educational fit

• District and campus policies are respected

There is no obligation created by initial interest.

Step 2: Program Alignment Review

Before permission is granted, NHSBBQA® confirms that the proposed program:

• Serves an educational purpose

• Is supervised by approved educators or adult leaders

• Uses age-appropriate activities and equipment

• Aligns with school, district, and state requirements

This review ensures programs are school-appropriate and student-safe.

Step 3: Educational License & Approval

Once approved, the school receives authorization to participate through an educational license.

This approval allows the school to:

• Operate approved NHSBBQA® programs

• Use nationally recognized NHSBBQA® branding for educational purposes

• Access curriculum resources and program guidance

Authorization is conditional on ongoing compliance with national standards.

Step 4: Program Operation at the School Level

After approval, programs are operated locally by the school.

Schools retain full authority over:

• Curriculum and instructional delivery

• Staffing and adult supervision

• Budgeting and funding decisions

• Student participation and eligibility

NHSBBQA® does not manage schools or direct daily operations.

Step 5: Ongoing Standards & Oversight

Participation continues as long as programs:

• Follow published safety and supervision standards

• Remain educational and non-commercial

• Use NHSBBQA® branding as approved

• Comply with district and state policies

NHSBBQA® maintains national oversight to ensure consistency and integrity across all participating schools.

What Participation Is — and Is Not

Participation IS:

• Educational

• School-led

• Non-exclusive

• Compatible with CTE and public funding

Participation IS NOT:

• A franchise

• A business opportunity

• A transfer of trademark ownership

• A commercial or for-profit program

A Simple Explanation for Administrators

“Our school is approved to operate an NHSBBQA® educational program under national standards while maintaining full local control.”

Questions from Schools or Districts?

We welcome administrative and legal review and are happy to provide onboarding materials, compliance documentation, and district-specific information.

Principal@HSBBQ.org

The National High School BBQ Association® exists to educate first, inspire second, and compete last.
We are not building cooks—we are building students, leaders, and communities through fire, food, and purpose.

© National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®)

All rights reserved.