Get Personalized Coaching
for National History Day 2026
Join our yearlong coaching program to get seasoned insight, expert guidance, and encouragement for every step of your NHD journe
What Is History Happens Coaching?
Our coaching program is designed for middle and high school students competing in National History Day. Whether you’re brand new or aiming for Nationals, we offer a supportive path through the entire NHD process—from selecting a theme-connected topic to final contest prep.
We’ve helped students win local, state, and national honors. Through a mix of live sessions, expert feedback, and real-world resources, this program is built to support students, teachers, and families.
What is included in the program?
- Bi-monthly livestream coaching sessions (recorded if you can’t attend)
- Personalized feedback on your topic, thesis, and project planning
- Worksheets and checklists to stay on track
- Contest prep, judging tips, and submission reviews
- Encouragement and prodding all year long
- Bonus support through emails and one on one access
Who Are the Coaches?
Craig, Lesley, Macy, and Max Mateer. We are parents and longtime NHD coaches who created the History Happens nonprofit to help students thrive in National History Day. We’ve helped students at every level – producing multiple state and national champions, and we believe that confidence, clarity, and support can change the whole NHD experience.
We also host the History Happens podcast and offer free tools to help students succeed through our website and blog.
Our program is flexible, supportive, and produces student success —all the way from topic selection to contest day
Choose the Coaching Plan that works for you
One on One Coaching.
Classroom Coaching
One Time Donation
Donation Plan
Donate What You Can
Get Access For Your Whole Classroom
Get full access to the entire 2026 coaching program with a one-time payment.
Click DONATE to sign up or pay for the whole year.
Want to spread out your payments and still get full access – just $10 a month for 10 months.
Click DONATE to sign up or pay for the monthly plan.
Or choose the amount that works best for your family, and join the full coaching program with no limits.
Click DONATE to sign up or pay a little or a lot.
Want to get access for your entire Classroom – just $30 a month (10 mo.) gets your class access for the year.
Click DONATE to sign up one or more of your classrooms.
Be sure to include your name and email address so we can thank you and get started.
What is included in our coaching?
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is for middle and high school students participating in National History Day (NHD)—whether it’s your first time or you’re aiming for state or nationals. Parents are encouraged to join the livestreams and participate in all coaching sessions.
Perfect! That’s exactly what we’re here for. We’ll help you brainstorm a theme-connected topic, walk you through the process, and support you step by step all the way to contest day.
We have bi-monthly livestreams and one on one sessions as needed. You’ll also be invited to submit drafts for review and can contact us between sessions if you have questions or need help.
All livestreams are recorded and shared privately with coaching families. We also send a recap email with takeaways and handouts, so you won’t miss a thing.
Yes! We offer three pricing options so families can choose what works best for them:
- One-time payment of $100
- Monthly plan: $10/month for 10 months
- Classroom plan: $30/month for 10 months
- Pay What You Can
All participants receive the same support, no matter how they pay.
We want every family to feel confident and supported. If you’re not satisfied with the program within the first 30 days, contact us and we’ll review refund options with you.
Yes. While we recommend starting in the fall to get the most from the program, you can join any time through February and still benefit from our guidance and support.
Still have questions? Contact us at askhistoryhappens@gmail.com
