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Rob Decker Senior Front-End Lead Follow
March 4, 2025

How We Use Starter Kits Education and Beyond

At Chapter Three, we help educational institutions adapt to the evolving digital landscape. One of the most effective ways we do this is by leveraging Drupal starter kits to build scalable, future-proof websites.

A great example of this approach is our work with California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Extended Education, where we used a starter kit to integrate a Next.js frontend with a robust Drupal backend.

What Are Drupal Starter Kits?

Starter kits are pre-configured site foundations that include:

  • A modern content structure designed for education sites
  • Pre-installed modules for scalability
  • Integration-ready APIs for Next.js and other front-end technologies

Unlike a standard Drupal installation, starter kits give educational institutions a head start with best practices baked in.

Why Starter Kits Are Game-Changers for Extended Education

Rapid Deployment & Scalability

  • Universities offering extended education programs need fast, flexible solutions to create course listings, manage faculty profiles, and process enrollments.
  • Our starter kits enable CSUB and similar institutions to launch digital platforms in weeks rather than months.

Next.js Frontend for a Modern User Experience

  • Many institutions are shifting to headless CMS solutions, where Drupal serves as the backend while a Next.js frontend delivers a faster, more dynamic experience.
  • Our starter kit optimizes Drupal’s API for seamless Next.js integration, improving page speed, SEO, and accessibility.

Flexible Content Management for Non-Technical Users

  • Universities often struggle with complex content management systems that require IT support for every update.
  • Our starter kits provide intuitive tools that allow administrators, faculty, and marketing teams to update content easily.

Built-In Accessibility & Compliance

  • Extended education websites must be WCAG 2.1 compliant to ensure all users—including those with disabilities—can access educational resources.
  • Our starter kit automates accessibility checks and pre-configures best practices.

Long-Term Maintainability & Future-Proofing

  • Our starter kits are designed for Drupal’s latest version, meaning CSUB’s extended education site won’t become outdated anytime soon.
  • The API-driven approach allows for seamless integrations with Learning Management Systems (LMS), Student Information Systems (SIS), and other campus technology.

Looking to modernize your education website? Let’s chat about how a Drupal starter kit can help!