Connections are a great way to jumpstart any career, and the NKBA has made the journey for rising K&B pros much easier through several student-centric programs. Student membership and NKBA student chapters, made possible through generous grants from the Sub-Zero Group Inc., provide opportunities for networking and volunteer initiatives and a connection to NKBA’s 71 professional chapters across North America. They also enhance traditional paths of learning.
NKBA Student Chapters
NKBA student chapters provide a hub where students can grow professionally and personally, strengthen their foundational knowledge and learn to make industry connections that will be invaluable throughout their career journeys. Student chapters facilitate relevant programs, such as inviting guest speakers, coordinating field trips, social events and other extracurricular activities. Moreover, these chapters collaborate with professional chapters in their area, helping students network, find mentors and discover more about real-life K&B businesses beyond the classroom as they learn the benefits and advantages of professional membership in NKBA.
Student chapters are eligible to receive a $500 annual grant to support event planning, including at least one event each year in collaboration with their local professional chapter. Student chapters can be established at NKBA-affiliated schools across the U.S. and Canada. Students at these schools may apply to start a Student Chapter at nkba.org/student-chapter-application.
Student Membership
Recognizing that promoting education and nurturing future generations of K&B designers, remodelers, marketers and innovators is the key to the long-term health and continued strength of the industry, NKBA proudly supports students in their pursuit of education in design and related fields. Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove also generously underwrite the student membership program.
Students from any post-secondary school are eligible to join the program free of charge. Membership includes discounts on educational resources, access to scholarships, eligibility to enter the NKBA Student Design Competition, free webinars on relevant industry topics, access to exclusive NKBA research, a free expo pass for KBIS and automatic membership in a local NKBA chapter. Prospective student members must provide proof of enrollment in a related program, but they are not required to attend an NKBA-affiliated school for membership.
Affiliated Schools
NKBA is a key player in supporting the industry through its Affiliated Schools Program. With the association’s assistance, these schools have helped thousands of students prepare for fulfilling careers in design and remodeling, qualify for scholarships and gain access to the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines, NKBA Specialty Badge programs content and other exclusive opportunities. Educators at these schools also benefit from free NKBA membership, discounts on KBIS registration and access to the NKBA Knowledge Base, research and more.
To learn more about NKBA Student Programs, visit here.
