About Jeff Kindig and NSCA’s eXcellence in Business Operations Experience (XBO)
Jeff Kindig was a part of the NSCA family -- former director of workforce development and a creative force behind Ignite. Throughout his career, Jeff demonstrated selflessness and generosity. He was passionate about the talented young students and professionals he sought to bring into the industry through the Ignite program that he helped pioneer.


XBO Experience and Next Gen Purpose
Educating people about our industry and helping them get their foot in the door is only one piece of the talent challenge that Jeff was tackling. Too many companies in our industry face a leadership gap. The eXcellence in Business Operations (XBO) Experience, featuring NSCA Next Gen Academy training content, is designed to break down barriers that prevent young professionals from stepping into leadership roles. Integration professionals who aspire to be next-generation leaders and rising stars within their companies should attend XBO.

About the NSCA Education Foundation
The mission of the NSCA Education Foundation is to advance educational opportunities by providing scholarships and supporting education and research to assist existing professionals and those pursuing careers within the commercial electronic systems integration industry. The foundation is committed to the growth of the industry by providing access to the best education and latest techniques available. The NSCA Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, promotes and engages current and future electronic systems integrators in educational experiences to enhance the growth, professionalism and business skills needed.

Thank you for applying for the Jeff M. Kindig Future Leaders Scholarship through the NSCA Education Foundation. The XBO Experience will bring a new focus to ongoing and emerging trends, as well as educate newer professionals about the industry’s best practices and most proven methods. Powered by NSCA’s Next Gen Academy curriculum with support from NSCA’s tried-and-true business insights, XBO is the perfect way to prepare new leaders for the generational shift underway now.
Application Process:
  • The application must be filled out completely to be considered for an award. All incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed, no exceptions for late or incomplete applications.
  • Include letter(s) of recommendation(s) via email on company letterhead.
  • All applications AND letter(s) of recommendation must be received by no later than AUGUST 15TH!
Requirements:
  • Currently employed by an industry-recognized commercial electronic systems integration company.
  • Must be recommended by the owner or president of the company.
  • Must provide letters of recommendation. These letters must be emailed to Laura Janssen at ljanssen@nsca.org after the application is submitted. The application is NOT COMPLETE until these letters have been received.
  • If the recommendation is from the owner of the company, only one letter is required. If NOT from the owner, two letters must be provided: one from the current manager or supervisor and the other from a colleague.
  • XBO Experience is designed for integration professionals who are on a course toward leadership but not yet in a leadership position. The application should demonstrate the candidates upward career trajectory.
Selection Process:

Awards will be given on a competitive basis to qualified applicants. A judging panel composed of the NSCA Education Foundation Board will select award recipients based upon the following: presentation of application, work experience, and strength of letters of recommendation. Applications and supporting documentation become property of the NCSA Education Foundation and will not be returned to the applicant.

Award Procedures:
  • Applicants will be notified of their award status no later than August 29, 2025.
  • Awards are distributed once an acknowledgment has been received, from the recipient.
  • Awards will cover the registration fee to attend NSCA’s 2025 XBO event in Austin, TX from October 28-29, 2025.
  • Travel and accommodations expenses will be the responsibility of the award winner.

Send completed application and supporting documents by email to Laura Janssen or by mail to:

NSCA Education Foundation
3950 Rive Ridge Dr. NE, Suite B
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Attn: Laura Janssen
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