Congratulations! You have qualified for the State tournament next month. In order to participate, you must pay the $105 entrance fee and any travel fees including flight, hotel, and meal expenses during the duration of the trip out of your own pocket. 

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s the reality,” says Miriam Davison, a 2024 state finalist for the History Day State competition on April 20th. 

After qualifying (and paying for entrance) at the regional History Day competition in March, nine separate projects consisting of 16 individual students attended the state competition in Sacramento, paying for their flight and other entrance accommodations. 

For many high schoolers, one of the ways to distinguish themselves from colleges would be to participate in academic competitions–and do well in them. But when these academic contests implement entrance or participation fees, it can pose some challenges, especially to those who cannot afford them. 

Although it is possible to receive funding for these contests from the school administration, the process is lengthy. 

Furthermore, as the general economic situation continues to threaten and has demonstrated inflation in these costs, these fees are becoming more of a hindrance every year. For instance, the History Day regional competition entrance fee has almost doubled this year compared to last year from $35 to $65. 

Junior Hanna Kim expressed, “I am frustrated that I put in all of this hard work and then have to pay registration, travel, and other costs when I am going to represent the school, and they are not reciprocating that amount of dedication and support.”

Other academic competitions such as the USA Biology Olympiad, with an entrance fee of $96 per student, get pre-funded for by the school. At the same time, the decision of academic contest funding can be attributed to several different factors, one being the overall number of students that are participating in the competition itself. 

Another factor to consider would be the overall convenience of the club as a whole. 

Eno Thompson-Tribe, also a 2024 State finalist and one of the vice presidents of History Day mentioned, “Logistically, paying out of pocket is the most convenient for many of our members and our club as a whole. However, if anybody needs assistance financially to fund their competition, we are always able to request funding from the Friends of the HGM.”

While help from the FHGM is available to those who need it, other academic competitions that are not HGM-based will likely need to find other means of funding. Furthermore, 

“Funding–or money, especially from the FHGM–is not infinite,” says Davison. 

But for what it’s worth, Ynez Park, first-time History Day participant and 2024 State finalist says, “While paying out of pocket can be annoying, it’s a sacrifice I have to make by being a part of a small, student-run club.”

For those who are seeking financial support, it is best to reach out to a teacher or administrator who can forward you to the funding committee, or even assist with getting reimbursement for these fees.