Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops – Congressional Debate/Student Congress/Model Congress
Congressional Debate models the lawmaking process in a democratic society. Our unique workshop exposes students to key skills and attitudes needed in both competitive Congressional Debate/Student Congress, as well as Model Congress.
Our focus is fostering students’ sustained growth and improvement, not just preparing for the next competition. This happens in an innovative, fun, and safe atmosphere that encourages students to reach beyond their potential. Respected and experienced classroom teachers employ layer-in skills methodically to ensure mastery, complemented by reflective learning, and personal goal setting. This is augmented with extensive use of technology, including video capture of practice speeches, as well as individualized attention and personal development. We convey knowledge, build skills, and foster a disposition that emphasizes leadership over mere competitiveness.
Location(s)
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Remote
Schedule
- Session 1 (online): June 29th - July 11th, 2025
- Session 2 (in-person): July 13th - July 25th, 2025)
Cost/Compensation
- Residential tuition: $4,049
- Commuter tuition: $2,949
- Online tuition: $1,499
Eligibility Requirements
- Standard Track: students going into the 9th or 10th grade with 0-2 years of experience in Congress, or who have experience in other forms of debate, but not in Congress.
- Advanced Track: 10th, 11th, or 12th grade with experience who have demonstrated considerable or consistent success in competition, and are looking to stand out with deeper content, stronger delivery, and more memorability each round
- Rising 9th graders must attend as commuter students.
Deadline
- Rolling until the program is full
Application or Entry Requirements
- Complete an online registration form
- For in-person programs, proof of Covid-19 vaccination must be provided at the time of registration
- Additional forms will be provided, based on program
Notifications of Decisions
- Admission is automatic once the application is complete. Admission is first-come, first-serve until we run out of space.
Financial Aid Details
- Financial aid is available; the application can be found here
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
Harvard Debate Council was founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest intercollegiate policy debate programs in the nation. Generations of debaters have honed their intellectual and rhetorical skills at Harvard, and have gone on to careers of success, service, and national and international prominence. The Harvard debate team is a perennial national champion, participating in local events like the annual Beanpot Debates in Boston and recently in a series of debates hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency on the efficacy of federal and state environmental regulations. In addition to regular tournament competition, Harvard Debate is committed to the promotion of debate as an important part of civic and political discourse. Debate demands thorough research, investigative acuity, and a broad base of understanding to make invaluable contributions to personal and professional successes.
