Nurturing the next generation of design and remodeling pros is the only way to keep the industry thriving — and to ensure that homeowners of the future will have access to outstanding design in functional, sound and smart kitchens and baths.
NKBA has been instrumental in promoting education at the post-high-school level — whether at a college, university, trade school or technical institute — for years. The association has helped these institutions prepare thousands of students for careers in the kitchen and bath industry, and set them on the path to certification in kitchen and bath design. This extensive outreach program is evolving with the industry, and the organization will provide a new and enhanced process to better serve the needs of students, educators, schools — and ultimately, the industry’s long-term health.
The new NKBA Affiliated Schools program, which will replace the Accredited and Supported schools programs, will continue to promote the highest standards of education in these disciplines, to bring out the best in aspiring young professionals. The program will phase in over the next 18 months, with some elements available immediately. Schools and students are able to sign up for the program here.
These schools will have access to an official Web presence, including a profile page for the school on the NKBA Web site plus the NKBA Affiliated School logo for their own Web site; access to an online community tailored to educators with discussion forums, lesson plan repositories, best-practice guides, curriculum and other resources, as well as an online forum to network with other educators who are preparing students for careers in design and related fields. They’ll also be able to utilize an internship portal, attend educator-focused in-person forums and virtual meetings, and have access to mentoring by experienced program coordinators.
Financial benefits to participating schools include free NKBA membership for the school and its educators; discounts on NKBA Professional Knowledge publications; professional review of two student drawing samples annually at no charge, and discounts for KBIS.
Students at affiliated schools reap big benefits, too. They get free NKBA student membership, a free KBIS Expo pass, access to online internship and mentorship matching centers, professional coaching webinars and other online programs. Student members are also eligible to enter the NKBA Student Design Competition and other contests, they’ll have a Web page to build their student profile and begin showcasing their work, they’ll receive discounts on NKBA Professional Knowledge publications and student-version design software, and may apply for student chapter funding.
As an expanded element, NKBA will be reaching out to students and faculty at vocational-technical schools, as well as traditional high schools, as part of the organization’s drive to bolster training in the skilled trades as an alternative to a classic college education.
The NKBA Affiliated Schools program will continue to be an important resource for students and educators alike, and is the premier way to keep the school curriculum up-to-date and relevant for the future of the industry. For more information, visit NKBA.org.
