The Policy Debate format is the oldest and most distinguished format practiced in the United States. Students debate in-depth on one topic for the entire year and become experts in the subject matter.
In addition to our two-week novice sessions (Session 1 is online; Session 2 is in-person), we are happy to announce the addition of a four-week lab for sophomores and a a four-week lab for juniors. These labs will be designed to cater to the very best and students in their second and third year of debate from both UDLs and school teams from around the country. We are seeking passionate and eager young students to come learn from some of the best policy coaches in the country!
We will offer a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to debate and research the upcoming year’s topic along with perennial debate arguments. Each lab will focus on the three pillars of research, argumentation, and persuasion. Students will conduct their research using the Harvard Libraries, the largest private library in the world; will learn to construct strategic, compelling arguments; and will practice speaking with clarity, conviction, and passion.
Location(s)
- Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Remote
Schedule
- Novice Lab Session:
- Session 1 (online): June 28 - July 10, 2026
- Session 2 (in-person): July 12 - July 24, 2026
- Sophomore & Junior Lab Sessions:
- June 28 - July 24, 2026
Cost/Compensation
- 2-Week Novice Lab:
- Online (Session 1): $1,599
- Resident (Session 2): $4,149
- Commuter (Session 2): $3,049
- 4-Week Sophomore & Junior Labs:
- Resident: $6,049
- Commuter: $4,599
Eligibility Requirements
- Remote: For the online workshop, students who will enter 7th-12th grades in the fall are eligible for the online workshop.
- In-Person: Only students who are currently enrolled in high school, or who will enter the ninth grade in the fall, are eligible to attend the physical workshop.
- Rising 9th graders can only attend as online or commuter students.
- Sophomore Lab: Students must have completed 1 year of competition in policy debate
- Junior Lab: Students must have completed 2 years of competition in policy debate
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.
- 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.
