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Summer Institute

*All proceeds from Summer Institute go toward our mission-aligned programming, and we hire summer staff based on registration numbers. For these reasons, we cannot offer refunds once tuition has been paid. Thank you for your understanding, and your contribution to our mission!

Details

Dates/Times/Prices

  • High School Session: July 7-18 (9-3pm) // Cost: $1,824
  • Middle School Session: July 21-Aug 1 (9-3pm) // Cost: $1,824

FORMATS 

Introduction to Debate: In our introduction class you can expect students to learn the fundamentals of debate which include: public speaking, research skills and basic argument formation. Students will collaborate to incorporate these skills in a debate setting such as in-class scrimmages.

Public Forum: In public forum debate, we focus on enhancing the NSDA standards expected in a public forum round. Some skills include topic specific research on the proposed Public forum NSDA topic along with learning format specific skills in given speeches.

Parliamentary: MS Session only! Parli format especially focuses on listening and extemporaneous speaking skills as students work on teams of three to debate topics with limited prep. Session 2 only.

Why Summer Institute?

Why Join the NYCUDL’s Summer  Debate Institutes?

History and experience. The NYCUDL was formed in 2012 and has run Summer Debate Institute every year since its founding to support debate in NYC.

Support Debate Access: All proceeds from NYCUDL Summer Institute goes directly back into our programming in Title 1 schools throughout the academic year. Thank you for your support of our mission!

Our Staff.  Our teaching staff includes incredibly accomplished debaters and coaches (including former coaches from the Northwestern University and Harvard debate teams).

MS: Parli

Parliamentary Debate is the largest and most popular debate format in the world as well as at the American collegiate level. Students learn more debate topics than any other debate format and unlike other debate formats. Parliamentary emphasizes extemporaneous and impromptu debate skills with limited preparation times and having to “think on your feet.” Debaters work on teams of three with time to argue topics with limited prep in this energetic format.

MS/HS:Public Forum

Public Forum debate is now one of our largest debate formats in the country.  The focus is more on persuading your audience – rather than the heavy evidence focus of policy debate.  Public Forum Debate is also unique in that it was founded to be easily accessible for the “public” so that any one can serve as a “citizen judge” and any student can be a debater. Debaters work on teams of two to present and defend their cases with active moments of crossfire questioning between speeches.

Register

Summer Institute Registration 2025

Student Information

Mailing Address *
Mailing Address
Street Address 1
Street Address 2
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Grade Level In September *
Tournament Experience *

Choose Your Program

A. Choose a session
AAA. Choose a session
AAAA. Choose a session
AA. Choose a session
Please select which type of debate you would like to participate in this summer. *
Feel free to message us at summer@debate.nyc, if you have any questions.

Parent Information

Student Code of Conduct

Student Code of Conduct
All students must comply with the New York City Department of Education policies.
Additionally, students must:
(1) Show courtesy and respect toward others and property at all times.
(2) Dress appropriately at all times.
(3) Use appropriate language.

Statement of Disciplinary Action
The following are some examples of disciplinary action which may be taken in the event that the NYCDOE Code of Conduct, school policies, or district policies are not followed:
(1) Asked to leave the Summer Debate Institute for the day and/or for the remainder of the program.
(2) Referred to school administration.
(3) Registration will not be refunded.

Permission Slip

TUITION

There is a tuition fee which helps to cover the cost of the instructors, facilities, tournament registration, and tournament meals. And most importantly supports our mission to expand access to underserved schools and students that do not have access to scholastic debate.

All payments are non-refundable.

Participants will have an additional set of forms emailed upon registration.

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT

I do hereby consent that my child may participate in the stated activity, and in consideration for the New York City Urban Debate League (NYCUDL) giving its time and supervision of such activity, do hereby personally on behalf of my child, absolve and release the NYCUDL, its agents and volunteers from any claim of personal injuries which might be sustained by my child while participating in such activities, or while returning to his/her home.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

I understand that my child will be expected to sign and follow a code of conduct to participate in the stated activity, and that, in the event of inappropriate behavior by my child, I may be contacted and asked to pick up him/her.

MEDIA CONSENT

I, as the parent or legal guardian of the minor named avove, hereby grant permission to New York City Urban Debate League, Inc. (NYCUDL), or persons contracted by the NYCUDL, to take photographs and/or video/audio recordings of my child in connection with his/her participation in the New York City Urban Debate League 2025 Summer Debate Institute. Furthermore, I grant permission to the NYCUDL to publish in print, electronic, or video format the likeness or image of my child obtained during the 2025 Summer Debate Institute for public relations, educational, or any other lawful purposes. I further agree that my child’s name and identity may be revealed in connection with the likeness or image. I authorize the use of my child’s likeness or image without compensation to my child or me. All negatives, positives, prints, digital reproductions, and video recordings shall be the property of the NYCUDL.

RULES OF CONDUCT

1. Attendance at all classes is required.

2. Although students are at home, they are expected to dress in a manner appropriate for an educational setting. Clothing will be deemed inappropriate if it is disturbing to other students or in any way interferes with the educational process. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing and accessories that: have slogans, comments or designs that are obscene, lewd or vulgar; advertise alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or illegal drugs; are directed against or intended to demean individuals based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, religion, etc. Students wearing clothing deemed inappropriate will be asked to change.

DISCLAIMERS

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties. By providing a telephone number and submitting the form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out of further messaging.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes

Payment

The NYCUDL is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to make debate accessible to historically underserved communities in New York City. All proceeds from Summer Debate Institute further that mission. Please consider a donation to the next generation of bold, diverse, and courageous leaders.
Subtotal

Your credit card will be charged the tuition fee. *