About this project

This project-fundraiser is to help re-establish the high school speech and debate team at Ballard High School. Our goal is simple, we want to qualify at least 2 people to State in our first year. The ability to attend summer debate institutes at local colleges is a critical step in Ballard's re-emergence into the debate world.

This summer we hope to send 5 or 6 students to debate institutes around Washington state, including the Gonzaga Debate Institute, the Women's Debate Institute at Fort Worden state park, and Tahoma high school's weekend workshop.

Our goal is to be able to provide at least a $100 scholarship to each of the six founding members of Ballard's debate team.

Why only a $300 pledge goal, then? Kickstarter is an all or nothing funding process. You pledge your donation, however, it is not deducted or made available to the project, in this case, Ballard debate students, unless you meet and beat your pledge goal. In order to make certain that students receive some kind of financial aid this summer, I have set our pledge goal at half the total we would like to achieve. There are no rules about going over the pledge goal.

How do I know the funds will reach the students?
Aside from my personal guarantee, we will also send you a group photograph, thank you notes and each student that receives funds will write a personal anecdote about their debate camp experience.

My name is Christopher McCool and I am the debate coach at Ballard. I spent the last 5 years coaching policy debate for Mercer Island High School. Mercer Island is now one of a very few elite schools that qualified students to the 2010 Tournament of Champions in policy debate, lincoln-douglas debate, and public forum debate. This year, less than 5 schools accomplished this feat.

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Project By

Christopher McCool

Seattle, WA

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I am a freelance photojournalist and fine art photographer who focuses as much as possible on local needs, in particular, things to do with youth and education. I'm particularly drawn to projects that are education based and provide access to empowering spaces that most don't think about.

This year I am splitting my time three ways. Photography, advanced policy debate coach for Mercer Island high school and Debate Coach/Director for Ballard High School.

1. cgrantmccool.com