2025 PUBLIC SPEAKING AND DEBATE PROGRAM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN


 

Experience a Summer Program of a Lifetime.

Capitol Debate students are challenged to learn new skills through our programs; they will feel an increase in self-worth, learn critical thinking skills and improve public speaking and communication skills with their peers. Two weeks at Program will result in lifelong friendships and memories that will resonate with our students throughout their academic, personal and professional careers. Students return to our program year after year because of how life-changing our Summer Debate Programs prove to be. Our parents will tell you themselves that they proudly stand by their investment in Capitol Debate because of the impact it has had on their families.

Overview

Capitol Debate's Public Speaking & Debate Programs teach the fundamentals of public speaking and argumentation, enabling middle school and high school students to develop core presentation and debating skills that boost confidence and self-esteem. Our programs offer students the chance to improve their communication skills in a challenging, safe and secure environment that's suited to each child's age and experience level.

Curriculum

At Capitol Debate summer programs, students will learn the art of public speaking and debate. Students will cover many topics including:
Structuring Arguments, Supporting Arguments, Researching Evidence, Writing Persuasive Cases, Drafting Rebuttal Briefs, Organizing Ideas, Delivering Winning Speeches, Standing Up Confident, Articulating Ideas, Refuting Opposition, Listening Carefully, Cross-Examining Opponents

Practice & Application

We challenge our debate students to apply the material they have learned in their lectures. For example, children will be split into groups following a lecture on evidence and statistics. With the guidance of experienced instructors, students will test their understanding by examining evidence and finding flaws in the statistics presented. Our experience has shown that such exercises best develop and cement a child's understanding of the core skills they've learned, helping to maximize their potential.
about-us

Students who come back have amazing things to say!

With over 40 programs in 2020, Capitol Debate will transform thousands of lives this year. Capitol Debate has a proven track record of producing champions & Ivy League scholars.

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Summer Programs from Coast to Coast

We're excited to offer our premium speech and debate program at Ivy League schools and prestigious schools throughout the country to serve you better.

American University, Washington, DC
Babson College, Boston, MA
Drew University, Madison, NJ
The Hun School Of Princeton, NJ
The Lawrenceville School, NJ
Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
UCLA, CA
UC Berkeley, CA
University Of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
University of San Diego, CA
University of Washington
Villanova University, PA
Capitol Debate @ Yale University, New Haven, CT

 

Speech & Debate Programs All Summer Long

Choose your date and join us in 2025.

06/15/2025 - 06/26/2025

University Of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
University of San Diego, CA

06/29/2024 - 07/10/2025

The Hun School Of Princeton, NJ
UCLA, CA
Villanova University, PA
Capitol Debate @ Yale University, New Haven, CT

07/13/2025 - 07/24/2025

Babson College, Boston, MA
Drew University, Madison, NJ
The Lawrenceville School, NJ
UC Berkeley, CA

07/27/2025 - 08/01/2025

American University, Washington, DC
Dana Hall School, Boston, MA
Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
University of Washington

 

Widely Attended

Our academic summer programs and programs attract students from around the world.

Our academic summer programs include a cross-section of world cultures, creating an inspiring atmosphere for innovation and camaraderie. Students have the opportunity to interact and learn with like-minded children from across the United States and the entire world.

We have students from most US states and more than 15 countries attending our summer academic programs, middle school debate summe programs, high school debate summer programs, business communication summer programs, public speaking summer programs, leadership development summer programs and youth leadership summer programs.

Our summer academic programs have included international students from: Taiwan, China, Korea, India, Singapore, Mexico, Serbia, England, the Caribbean islands, Russia, South America, Canada, the Philippines, and many other countries. Using the platform of debate, our summer program students are able to learn ways to speak confidently and improve their communication skills through a myriad of classroom activities.

Whether students are coming to Capitol Debate for debate, public speaking, research, gifted learning, writing or leadership training, Capitol Debate teaches children to think, to think differently, and to think with others to achieve success through creative cooperation.