Our mission is to train high-potential youth in the art of debate. Our alumni think better and speak better, preparing them to become future leaders and active citizens.
The Cambridge Debate Institute is a premier training academy designed to give gifted students the skills to become successful in life. Training centers on our prestigious CDI Scholars Program, which gives admitted students the opportunity to learn from the world’s best debate coaches, who are top debaters at Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, as well as their talented peers. All of our teaching is guided by our motto Maxima Excellentia, which means “Greatest Excellence” or “Most Outstanding” – that is precisely what we aim to achieve with our students!
Debaters are future leaders. Training in debate in known to improve students' logical reasoning, research ability, public speaking, mastery of college-level English reading and writing, and confidence. It boosts students’ performance in school and on the SAT, as well as their chances of admission to top colleges, and gives them the skills to succeed in any field they choose, whether it is business, medicine, engineering, academia, or government.
Applications are now open for the 2017-2018 CDI Scholars. No prior experience necessary; we look for potential first and tailor all classes to students' backgrounds. Soft application deadline is September 22nd, but applicants are admitted an a rolling basis, so apply NOW!
One of our founders, Henry Zhang, was recently invited on ABC national news to commentate on the first Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
Check out his televised interview below:
Want to learn debate from Henry and our other premier coaches? Applications are now open for the 2017-2018 CDI Scholars Program.