Fellowship — Penn Debate Society

Fellowship Program

We are excited to introduce the Penn Debate Society Fellowship, a premier pre-college program designed for ambitious high school students to refine their public speaking, debate, and research skills at the collegiate level. This two-week summer fellowship offers rigorous lectures on diverse topics, in-depth debate theory instruction, and rigorous practice rounds with personalized feedback. Led by our world-class coaches and guest speakers—each with extensive experience at the highest levels of university debating—this program is designed to elevate talented high school debaters to competitive excellence in any format. Beyond structured instruction, fellows gain access to exclusive training resources, expert guidance on case construction, and a vibrant community of accomplished university mentors, providing lasting support as they continue their debate journey.

Program Outcomes:

Master public speaking and persuasive argumentation techniques.
Develop critical thinking, research, and strategic thinking skills.
Build confidence in debating and communicating complex ideas.
Gain mentorship from current collegiate debaters and coaches.
Prepare for top-tier debate competitions and university-level debate formats.
Enhance your college application with experience in a prestigious program

Application Process

To be eligible for the Penn Debate Society Fellowship, applicants must be current high school students enrolled in a secondary educational program. The fellowship is designed for students with prior experience in competitive debate, strong communication skills, and a passion for argumentation. Most importantly, we seek individuals with a genuine desire to refine their critical thinking, speaking, and analytical abilities. The fellowship is open to students of all backgrounds and skill levels, although preference will be given to those with experience in debate tournaments.

Application Questions

Briefly describe your experience with debating. (200 words max)
What do you hope to gain from this fellowship? Why debate? (200 words max)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Finalists will be contacted for an interview as part of the selection process.

Application Link: Here

Deadlines

Application Opens: March 10th, 2025

Application Closes: May 10th, 2025

Course Overview

This summer program will be taught in the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) format, the premier international high school debate style known for its balance between structured argumentation and dynamic engagement. By blending elements of parliamentary and policy debate, WSDC trains students to think critically, construct persuasive arguments, and respond strategically in real time, honing skills essential for academic and professional success. Beyond skill development, mastering this format provides a significant competitive edge, as it is used in top national and international tournaments, offering students opportunities to excel at the highest levels. Recognized by universities and debate organizations worldwide, WSDC prepares students not only to succeed in debate but also to communicate effectively in any field. Through this program, participants will refine their public speaking, research, and argumentation abilities while gaining both intellectual and competitive advantages.

Sessions

We offer two summer sessions, each running from 6:30–9:30 PM (Monday to Thursday) over two weeks:

Session I: June 16–19 & June 23–26
Session II: July 7–10 & July 14–17

Cost

Tuition for one student per session is $1,200

The Penn Debate Society is committed to making debate accessible to all students, regardless of financial background. This program is entirely non-profit, with all revenue reinvested into expanding and improving our debate initiatives. To ensure that financial constraints do not prevent participation, we offer full and partial fee waivers, which can be requested through a separate application below. These applications will be reviewed independently of the fellowship application.