Financial Aid

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Email applications and inquiries to: npdl.board+financialaid@gmail.com

Letter from Brier buchalter

Hello Parli Community

My name is Brier Buchalter I am the current president of the NPDL.
Flat out, debate is insanely expensive.  Many students struggle to meet the costs to participate in a national debate league.  I believe the time has come to face the inevitable: All debate is systemically inequitable, and without an organization providing countermeasures these issues will continue to be exacerbated with time.  

I NEVER could have afforded what many of the young debaters have to pay to take part in debate.  In my youth my entire family struggled with housing, recovering from national disasters, facing the challenges of the legal system, mental illness, and a constant strain of never ending bills that we struggled to afford and the anxiety it induces.

To that end I am very sensitive tol stigma that can be associated with receiving help.  This should not be the case.  We all, ALL need help sometime.

In that spirit I would like to proudly introduce our newest program.  

Financial Aid for the Parli community!

This is a needs based program; meaning there is no test of skill or ability to qualify.  Individuals can apply on behalf of themselves or program directors/teachers/coaches can apply on behalf of their team.

We aim to make this a simple process and a “one stop shop.”  Once approved:

  • All you need to do is sign up for a tournament and let us know you have done so

  • We will reach out to the tournament on your behalf to do the BEST WE CAN TO HELP MINIMIZE COST. 

Some of the options we will try and help with are: fee waivers, lower judging requirements, providing debate tools/clothing, technical needs, coaching assistance and help with logistics/travel.

If you need help with curricular/instructional material or supplies let us know.

We will do our best to maintain a strong network of tournament directors to help in this process. Although we cannot always guarantee aid, we aim to do all that we can. 

For schools and organizations we can provide lessons, debate drills, organizational aid, help with team entry costs, aid in logistics and help finding an affordable/volunteer coach and information on low cost/free debate tournaments and activities.

Although we cannot guarantee all of the above, all of the time, we will try our best!

All you need to do is send an email, explaining as much as you like of your situation.  

In your application, if there are specific areas you would like help with please indicate so.  You may also simply apply for financial aid and later let us know when you need a hand.

Although NONE OF THE FOLLOWING IS EXPLICITLY REQUIRED the following are EXAMPLES OF WHAT YOU MIGHT PROVIDE:

  • Information on the area you live in to establish challenges when attending out of area tournaments.  

  • Financial information on your family.

  • Membership in a historically underserved group within the debate community.

  • Situation of hardship that could make it harder to cover the costs of participation.

  • Unique challenges you have faced

  • Or any other factors you would like to share with us to help us provide service.

Remember you are free to provide as much or little information as you like.  We may follow up and ask if we have specific questions that would help the aid process.

Once again, you don’t need to be a champion debater, or even win a single debate round to qualify!  We are here to support one another!  All we ask is one day, you help another up when you get the chance!

For your assurance and to respect your privacy we want you to know that:

  • WE WILL NOT KEEP ANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION OR PERSONAL DETAILS YOU PROVIDE! 

  • WE WILL ONLY KEEP YOUR STATUS AS A FINANCIAL AID RECIPIENT.  

  • WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO DELETE ANY INFORMATION/EMAILS AFTER THE APPROVAL PROCESS.  

You will be notified of your approval status promptly.  Typically in a few days, but potentially up to a few weeks depending on the season.