Many people feel that scholastic memberships are successful primarily because of
the lower dues charged to them. While this is a factor, I think this answer is
far too simplistic. Youth dues have been around for some time, yet the
scholastic success is fairly recent. Certainly dues are a factor, but there are
other considerations which are very important. If we better understand these
considerations, we may be able to apply some of the ideas to other groups as
well either directly, or indirectly (by replicating the idea.)

Here are some key factors:

Scholastic programs have resources. They have buildings in which to run chess
club. They have people (often paid) to run them. They often have funds from a
PTO or school to purchase equipment.

Scholastic programs ADVERTISE for players. Usually this is not direct
advertising, but in scholastics TEAM PLAY IS KEY. Friends, parents, instructors
will recruit other players to be on the team to assist the team.

Scholastic programs have created a STATUS to being on the chess team. Parents
and kids now think it is cool, especially at the K-6 level. Note that it is
much less cool at the 9-12 level. (I often hear from HS students just how
UNCOOL adult chess tournaments are, and that they don't like to associate with
many of the adult players.)

All of these factors are key, and historically I think have been more important
than the dues rate.

I've been thinking about these factors recently in respect to high school
players and adults, and in respect to increasing scholastic retention. Also,
recently I've visited a number of colleges, and that has created a few ideas
also. As I have a chance to think these through a little more, I'll post some
of my ideas.

Kevin L. Bachler