ActiveAtlas Opportunity Score 55/100
NC-SPEECH-DEBATE-2026-27North CarolinaNorth Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)School or School DistrictK-12 Education
North Carolina 2026-27 Competitive Speech and Debate Grant Program
North Carolina public school units with high schools serving grades 9-12 may apply for competitive speech and debate grants. $250,000 is available statewide, with up to $10,000 per participating high school team. Applications are due September 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.
Funding$250,000 statewide; up to $10,000 per participating high school team.
DeadlineSeptember 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET
Last verifiedAugust 30, 2026
Required next actionReview the NCDPI Guidance and Planning Document, identify participating high school teams, confirm required Tarheel Forensic League and National Speech and Debate Association participation, prepare the PSU-level application and budget, and submit by September 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.
Broad Eligibility
Any North Carolina public school unit (PSU) that includes a high school serving students in grades 9-12 may apply. The PSU submits one application on behalf of participating high schools.
Atlas Analysis
Verified active statewide school grant. Funds support coach stipends, league or competition fees, and travel for speech and debate teams. Direct N9+/healthcare fit is low, but the program is a legitimate open school grant and belongs in Atlas under the unified school-grant scope. Atlas grant-service value is strongest for PSUs serving economically disadvantaged students or seeking to expand access.
Source verificationOfficial government source · www.dpi.nc.govAtlas last verified this record August 30, 2026. Always use the funder's current application materials, amendments and portal instructions as the controlling source.View source and application materials ↗