Grants and Awards
Through a combination of competitive awards, special recognitions, and grant opportunities, the Championship honors both performance in the courtroom and the values that define the mock trial community: professionalism, civility, and commitment.
Justice Franchini Golden Gavel Award
The Justice Franchini Golden Gavel Award is one of the highest honors presented in connection with the National Championship. This award recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the mock trial program, demonstrating a sustained commitment to advancing mock trial education, supporting students and educators, and strengthening the national mock trial community. Learn More
Larry Bakko Professionalism and Civility Award
The Larry Bakko Professionalism and Civility Award honors the team that best exemplifies the values of respect, integrity, and professionalism throughout the National Championship. Selected through peer evaluation, this award recognizes how teams conduct themselves both inside and outside the courtroom, reinforcing the importance of ethical advocacy, respect for opponents and judges, and professionalism in all interactions. This award reflects the belief that how teams compete is just as important as the outcome. Learn More
NHSMTC Innovation Grants
Each year, the National High School Mock Trial Championship, in partnership with the IADC Foundation, offers Innovation Grants to support state mock trial programs in expanding access, strengthening competition quality, and developing new initiatives.
Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded to projects that promote growth, equity, and innovation, such as outreach to underrepresented schools, training programs, technology improvements, and new team development. Learn more and apply