Policy Debate
RESEARCH | ARGUMENTATION | PERSUASION
The Policy Debate format is the oldest and most distinguished format practiced in the United States. Students debate in-depth on one topic for the entire year and become experts in the subject matter.
In addition to our two-week novice sessions (Session 1 is online; Session 2 is in-person), we are happy to announce the addition of a four-week lab for sophomores and second-year debaters.
The lab will be designed to cater to the very best and students in their second year of debate from both UDLs and school teams from around the country. We are seeking passionate and eager young students to come learn from some of the best policy coaches in the country!
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Beginner or some policy debate experience
Summer 2025 Novice Lab Sessions
Online: Session One: June 29 - July 11, 2025.
In-Person:
Session Two: July 13 - July 25, 2025
Summer 2025 Sophomore Lab Session
In-Person: Session 1 & 2 (4 Week Program): June 29th - July 25, 2025
Tuition
In-person
2-Week Novice Lab:
Online (Session 1): $1,499
Resident (Session 2): $4,049
Commuter (Session 2): $2,949
4-Week Sophomore Lab:
Resident: $5,999
Commuter: $4,499
We will offer a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to debate and research the upcoming year’s topic along with perennial debate arguments. Each lab will focus on the three pillars of research, argumentation, and persuasion. Students will conduct their research using the Harvard Libraries, the largest private library in the world; will learn to construct strategic, compelling arguments; and will practice speaking with clarity, conviction, and passion.
About the Novice Lab
Designed by successful coaches with teaching and classroom experience, our program offers a fast-paced, yet engaging curriculum that equips students with the skills they need for success at their first policy debate tournament.
From day 1, we emphasize debate fundamentals, introducing students to argumentation theory and providing students with a carefully constructed evidence packet designed to help guide them through the topic.
Morning sessions are spent covering new debate concepts and topic information through engaging lectures and interactive lessons. In the afternoons, students engage in debates, applying skills from earlier lessons. Evenings are reserved for students to work one-on-one with the instructors, reviewing concepts, delivering practice speeches, or discussing new arguments.
About the Sophomore Champions Lab
Students will review fundamental concepts and quickly to proceed to learning and practice more advanced debate techniques and strategies. Students will learn how to make and rebut all forms of arguments, develop their advanced research skills, and participate in numerous practice debates.
What Students and Parents Say
Faculty
Jazmine Pickens
Curriculum Director
Jazmine Pickens is the Assistant Director Of Debate at Harvard. She has more than 13 years of experience in debate both as a competitor and as a coach to students ranging in experience from middle school to college. She attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 2019, where she won CEDA Nationals, and since then has worked with several universities in training their college students. She looks forward to working with students this summer to help grow their interest and love in debate while also developing their skills
Tripp Rebrovick
Lab Leader
Tripp Rebrovick, PhD, is the Director of Debate at Harvard University. He has a BA from Harvard and a PhD from Johns Hopkins University. Tripp has over eighteen years of experience teaching at summer workshops and has worked with students of all skill levels. While a debater, he was the top speaker at the TOC, winner of NSDA Nationals, and a four-time elimination-round participant at the NDT.
LaTonya Starks, Lab Leader
LaTonya Starks debated and coached for the Northwestern University Debate Society for many years before joining the Harvard Debate Council. She has coached numerous national champions and top speakers in both high school and college. She has extensive experience working with students of all ages and experiences.