About

The National High School Institute (NHSI) Debate Division at Northwestern University is a premier summer conservatory dedicated exclusively to Policy Debate. As one of the core "Cherub" programs on the Evanston campus, it provides an intensive living-learning experience modeled after the principles that have led the Northwestern Debate Society to a record 15 National Debate Tournament (NDT) championships.

The institute focuses on the unique demands of Policy Debate, which centers on a single national resolution for the entire academic year. For the 2025–2026 season, students will master the topic: “Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.” Unlike other formats, Policy Debate is characterized by 90-minute rounds and a heavy reliance on evidence; the most competitive students spend dozens of hours weekly producing the research and briefs necessary for the national circuit.

The 2026 program utilizes a hybrid structure beginning June 29, featuring two weeks of online research and theory followed by an intensive residential phase on the Northwestern campus. Students choose between a 4-week ($4,250) or 6-week ($5,750) track, both offering low student-to-staff ratios and small "labs" that foster intellectual risk-taking. Participants engage in lectures, speech drills, and mock tournaments led by instructors from the nation’s top debate programs.

The Debate Division is open to rising 9th through 12th graders who rank near the top 30% of their class. Admission is rolling through April, and need-based financial aid is available. By providing a deep dive into the upcoming season’s topic and collegiate-level argumentation, NHSI Debate prepares motivated students to excel at the highest levels of national competition.