Join the nATIONAL hIGH sCHOOL BBQ ASSOCIATION A ND YOUR STATE HSBBQ ASSOCIATION TO COMPETE IN THE high school bbq league.

The National High School BBQ Association (NHSBBQA) is America’s first BBQ league for students. We empower Junior Pitmasters (a.k.a - students) through live-fire cooking, competitions, curriculum, and Career and Technical Education (CTE). Come Eat Our Homework!"

Introduction: BBQ Is More Than Just a Meal—It's a Movement

At the National High School BBQ Association (NHSBBQA), we believe barbecue is more than a delicious tradition—it’s a powerful educational tool. Whether you’re a school administrator, teacher, parent, or student, building a High School BBQ Team transforms classrooms, connects communities, and inspires futures.

So, why should YOUR school fire up the smoker? Here are the Top 10 Reasons Every School Needs a BBQ Team — and why BBQ belongs in education.

1. Project-Based Learning That Tastes Like Success

BBQ teams bring Project BASTE Learning (Barbecue, Grilling, And Smoker-Based Teaching Experiences) to life. Students don’t just read about skills—they practice them. From prepping ribs to plating brisket, students learn through hands-on, real-world experiences.

2. Career & Technical Education (CTE) in Action

Barbecue intersects with Culinary Arts, Agriculture, Food & Meat Science, Hospitality, Business, and Ag Mechanics. Through competitions and curriculum, students explore real CTE pathways while earning certifications, confidence, and career-readiness.

3. Engages All Learners—From Grill to Gradebook

Whether a student dreams of becoming a chef, welder, entrepreneur, or simply wants to belong or learn how to cook, BBQ teams are inclusive. From recipe design to pitmastering, marketing to mechanics—there’s a role for everyone.

4. Competitions That Ignite School Pride

Teams compete in regional, State,l and national events like THE SLAB: High School BBQ National Championship, earning trophies and bragging rights while representing their schools on a national stage

5. Connects Classrooms to Communities

BBQ brings people together. Schools can showcase teams at football games, parades, local festivals, and cookoffs, creating strong school-community bonds while fundraising and celebrating student talent just like other sports teams, we call it FOOD SPORT..

6. Promotes Leadership & Soft Skills

Team members gain more than cooking —they learn teamwork, leadership, communication, and time management. Students also engage in public speaking, budgeting, and marketing.

7. Turns Passion into Purpose

Students who might otherwise feel disconnected find new meaning and motivation through BBQ. From Junior Pitmasters to future chefs, the grill becomes a gateway to self-confidence and lifelong goals.

8. Teaches Food Safety, Math & Science

Yes, BBQ involves formulas! Students learn meat temperatures, cooking ratios, science of smoke, and culinary math, applying academics in a real-world, flavor-filled way.

9. Creates Pathways Beyond Graduation

Through BBQ, students gain access to scholarships, college vocational  programs, apprenticeships, and potential careers in foodservice, hospitality, agriculture, welding, and entrepreneurship.

10. Fuels American Tradition & Youth Culture

Barbecue is an iconic American tradition. By passing the flame to the next generation, we’re preserving culture while inspiring a new wave of pitmasters, servant leaders, community cooks,  and purpose-driven youth.

Ready to Start a High School or Middle School BBQ Team at Your School?

Whether you're a teacher ready to lead, a parent ready to support, or a student ready to compete, we’re here to help you start strong. Download our free guide:

️ Join the Movement — Come Eat Our Homework™