At the GDI we
understand that a positive summer institute experience can be a financial burden
on many families especially in our current economic climate. Because of that we
want to do everything we can to help students afford attendance. Below is a list
of financial aid and scholarships available to prospective GDI students.
Please note that the deadline for to apply for
scholarship is June 1st.
1. Early Bird Discount - Apply before January 1st and receive a 10%
discount off the total cost of your program.
2. Merit Based
Scholarship: Awarded because of a students previous
success and achievement in academic debate. To qualify for these scholarships a student must submit the
following along with application for admission:
a) A completed
merit
based scholarship form
b) At least 1 letter
of recommendation from a coach or former lab leader.
3. Need Based
Scholarship: Awarded based on a students demonstrated
financial need. To qualify for these scholarships a student must submit
the following along with application for admission:
a) A completed
need
based financial scholarship form
b) a letter
from the students parent or legal guardians explaining the circumstances surrounding the request
for need based aid. Suggested but not
required: Documentation of
financial hardship (tax returns, medical expenses, letter from parents
explaining circumstances, etc.)
c) At least 1 letter
of recommendation from a coach.
4. Alumni Awards:
Returning GDI alum are automatically receive awards based on the program you
enrolled in. The alumni scholarship are as follows:
5
Week Programs - $250 scholarship
4
Week Programs - $200 scholarship
2 Week Programs -
$100 scholarship
This award will be reflected on your invoice. No
additional materials are needed to receive this award.
5. Group Discounts - We offer a 5% discount off the total cost of a
students program if their school sends 5 or more students to GDI.
6. UDL Scholarships -
Coaches or administrators should contact us
directly at
gdistaff@gmail.com to inquire about the availability of
scholarships for students enrolled at UDL participating schools.
7. The Jessica Hockensmith Scholarship. This
scholarship is presented in memory of GDI Scholars alumni
Jessica Hockensmith. This is a full scholarship presented to the
top speaker in the open division of our high school tournament.
NOTE:
Scholarship applications MUST
accompany the students application for admission and
deposit. You will be notified of any financial aid award in your
orientation materials. Please note that we do not award "full rides". Our
need and merit based scholarships average around $50 per week of your program
(so, for example, the average need based scholarship in the 5 week program
is $250). This amount varies depending on the circumstances of your request as well as the length of
your program.
DEADLINE: We have extended our deadline. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is
May 15th.