Cambridge Debate Institute Scholars
2017-2018 Program

Every year, we accept a new class of high-potential Scholars into the Cambridge Debate Institute. Admitted students are then invited to a year-long program of accelerated training in debate. Admission into our Scholars Program is competitive. Students will have the opportunity to learn from the best coaches in the world, as well as to join a network of truly great debaters.

CDI Scholars receive the best possible debate education. Classes are custom-tailored, results-oriented, and highly intensive and provide students with a full year of formal debate experience. As a result, we have seen great improvement in students of all backgrounds, and our students typically lead their peers by at least one year in reading and writing (at college-level English), critical thinking, research ability, public speaking, and other fundamental debate skills.

Applications are open for the 2018 Spring Scholars Program. Apply Now →

 

Class Schedule

Dates: 

Spring Program: February 3 – May 12

Time: 

Class meets each Saturday from 5:30 to 7:15pm PST (8:30 to 10:15pm EST)

Location: 

All classes take place in private online seminar rooms, using professional video conferencing software. Our unique online education model allows us to bring together the best instructors and students from around the world, not just from one region. Students need only a computer and headphones to participate. You can read more about our online model here.
 

Experience and Age Requirements

We are primarily looking for commitment and intellectual potential in Scholar applicants. Our application asks about debate experience because we tailor our classes to students’ level of experience. We require all applicants to at least be entering the 6th grade.


Tuition and Benefits

Tuition is $2,000 USD per semester. Payment is only required after confirmation of admission. No payment required if an application is rejected or spaces in our program are full. A limited number of need-based scholarships are also available. Please contact us directly if interested.

Tuition is all-inclusive. All admitted Scholars will receive:

  • 1 hr 45 min of intensive training per week, guided by top debate instructors in the world
  • Feedback on homework and class performance from our top debate instructors
  • All CDI resources for current topics (including NSDA official topics)
  • All class-produced debate cases and evidence files for current topics and debate formats (including NSDA official topics)
  • Access to an exclusive forum for CDI Scholars and instructors

Applications are now open for the 2018 Spring Scholars Program. Apply Now →