How to Request an Educational Fee Waiver Letter
Eligibility
Fee waivers requests must be submitted to the Outer Banks Group Fee Manager directly by the school at least one month in advance of the scheduled visit. The park does not accept fee waiver requests from commercial tour operators. To successfully apply for an Educational Fee Waiver Letter:
1) Applicants must prove they are a bona fide educational or scientific institution by submitting one of the following types of documentation with their request for an Educational Fee Waiver Letter: a) a statement of accreditation or recognition as an educational institution from a qualified national, regional, state, or local authority for the applicant's location, or b) a statement confirming educational or scientific tax-exemption, from the IRS or the applicant's national, state, or local tax authority.
2. Applications must also submit a written statement regarding the purpose of the visit and the relationship of the educational value of the visit to the students. This statement should be submitted on school letterhead and include the date and time of the visit. There must be a direct relationship between the visit and facility use. The use of any facilities, such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, for which a fee waiver is requested must relate directly to the scientific or educational purposes of the visit and may not be primarily for recreational purposes.
Chaperones
Since fee waivers are only for educational purposes, the following criteria will be used in determining an appropriate number of chaperones eligible for fee waiver. The number of allowable chaperones is based on the age and grade level of the students. The ratio of eligible chaperones to students is 1:5 for elementary school, 1:8 for middle school; 1:12 for high school, and 1:20 for college students. Fee waivers apply only to students and the appropriate number chaperones per the above formulas. Any additional chaperones are required to pay the per person charge, if applicable.
Please mail requests, and supporting required documents, at least one month in advance to:
Fee Manager
National Park Service Outer Banks Group
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
If you have any questions, please contact the Fee Manager at (252) 473-2111.
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