Host School Bid

Gallaudet University’s Youth Programs is pleased to invite schools and programs serving deaf and hard of hearing students to apply to host a Regional Academic Bowl. Since the inception of the Academic Bowl by Gallaudet University in 1996, the number of participating teams in the Regional competition has grown two-fold and Gallaudet University is responding to the number of schools/programs wishing to host the Regional Academic Bowl with information outlining what is expected of a host school/program. Please note that the host team is automatically entered into the competition. Host teams will have their registration fees waived but are still expected to complete registration by the deadline. Preferences will be given to schools that have not hosted the Academic Bowl previously. For additional information, please read the criteria below to ensure your school/program has the capacity to host a regional competition.

Criteria for Hosting

Space

• Four large rooms to accommodate preliminary matches. We prefer to use an auditorium and/or a gymnasium as one of the competition rooms, and it has to be big enough to host the Third Place Match and the Championship Match.
• Hospitality room for players, coaches, and parents/families
• Hospitality room for volunteers
• Small meeting room for Gallaudet University’s Youth Programs team
• Space for sponsors’ exhibits, scoreboard, etc

Lodging

• Dorm space OR nearby hotel space with the capacity to host 120 people

People Power

• On-site technical staff to assist with the set-up of the competition and troubleshoot any technical issues throughout the competition weekend
• On-site interpreter staff
• A large number of volunteers to be the door monitors, moderators, PowerPoint operators, and proctors for the competition.

Equipment (can be borrowed or brought from Gallaudet if necessary)

• Laptops
• Elmos
• LCD Video Projectors
• Long Tables
• Screens (center, side, or TV)
• Power Strips
• Extension Cords
• WiFi Access

Transportation

• Provide transportation to and from public transportation sites (airports, train stations, bus stations, etc.)
• Provide transportation to and from the hotel/school if hotels are needed
• Provide transportation to and from planned Social Outing event

We are accepting bids from deaf schools and mainstream programs as potential host schools for 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. If your school is interested in bidding to become a host school, please submit your bid here. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Youth Programs Coordinator, Casey Johnson-Pasqua.