The Home Baking Association is excited to announce a transformative collaboration with the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) to revolutionize baking education and foster the next generation of skilled bakers. This partnership is set to create a dynamic community of certified baking educators and establish a school-to-industry pipeline to meet the increasing demand for talented professionals in the baking industry.

What This Partnership Brings in 2025

This innovative collaboration will introduce several key initiatives designed to support students, educators, and the baking industry:

–National Baking Certifications Together, HBA and AAFCS are developing national assessments and industry-recognized credentials to validate the baking knowledge, skills, and abilities of students and educators. These certifications will open doors to new career opportunities and elevate the standards of baking education nationwide.

–Expert Panel Collaboration A panel of subject-matter experts will convene in February to define the scope of these certifications, identify essential competencies, and create comprehensive assessment materials. Pilot testing is scheduled for the summer, with the official launch of the credentials planned for fall 2025.

-Enhanced Career Pathways By building a school-to-industry pipeline, this initiative will provide young bakers with the tools and resources they need to transition seamlessly into professional roles, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for the baking industry.

These developments are an important milestone in baking education. “The creation of a national assessment and certification promotes and documents the knowledge and skills developed in classes and in school, co-curricular and extracurricular activities and programs associated with home baking and AAFCS and its staff looks forward to working with the Home Baking Association as we develop these important assessments,” shared Karin Athanas, AAFCS Executive Director.

This partnership is more than an opportunity—it’s a commitment to enriching lives through baking education and setting a new standard for excellence in the field. As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re committed to keeping you informed and engaged. Visit HomeBaking.org regularly for updates, new resources, and announcements about this groundbreaking initiative. Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities to get involved.

Let’s make 2025 a year of innovation, inspiration, and incredible baking achievements. Thank you for being part of our community and for your dedication to spreading the joy of baking.

Learn more about American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
and view an official press release at AAFCS.org!