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Debate and Public Advocacy Institute
A residential summer institute where students build persuasive speaking, argument, legal reasoning, and public advocacy skills through active practice.
Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Debate and Public Advocacy Institute at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; good standing
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
Cost
$3,500
Duration
1 week
Format
In-person
Application deadline
Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Save programDebatingLaw & justice
Accommodation: Required on-campus residence hall
Meals: All meals provided
Certificate: Wake Forest Certificate of Completion
Latest verified cycle: 2026 sessions
Daily cadence: 8:00 am-5:00 pm, plus evenings
Academic leader: Wake Forest debate head coach
Debate and Public Advocacy Institute summary
This is a practical introduction to debate, persuasive speaking, legal reasoning, and public advocacy rather than a lecture-only academic course.
Students analyze speeches, prepare arguments, discuss current events, hear from guest speakers, and take part in debates on topics they help choose.
It suits students who want an active, discussion-heavy experience and are ready to speak, listen, respond, and refine their ideas in front of peers.
What is Debate and Public Advocacy Institute?
The Debate and Public Advocacy Institute is a Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Program focused on argument, persuasion, legal reasoning, current events, and effective communication. It combines classroom study with practical opportunities to speak, discuss, and debate.
Students stay on the Reynolda Campus and follow a full academic and residential schedule. Their experience includes guest speakers, speech analysis, debate preparation, student-driven debates, peer discussion, meals, and evening campus activities.
Why Succeed highlights Debate and Public Advocacy Institute
The institute turns communication theory into repeated speaking, discussion, and debate practice.
Its curriculum connects classic argument techniques with current social and environmental controversies.
Guest speakers bring perspectives from business, politics, advertising, and community organizations.
The academic leader combines university teaching with national championship debate-coaching experience.
Residential campus life adds structured evening activities and round-the-clock staff support.
Who is Debate and Public Advocacy Institute for?
Best for
Students who want intensive practice in persuasive speaking, argument, current-events discussion, and self-advocacy within a residential campus setting.
Not ideal if
You prefer independent study, need a non-residential option, or are seeking an academic-credit course with formal grades.
Is Debate and Public Advocacy Institute worth it?
It can be worthwhile for a student who will actively use the speaking time, feedback, debates, and guest-speaker access. The focused format offers a concentrated way to test an interest in debate, advocacy, communications, politics, or law.
The limitation is value for money: tuition, the application fee, travel, and possible shuttle costs make this a substantial commitment for a non-credit experience. Its strongest value lies in genuine skill development and reflection, not the university name or certificate alone.
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Cost and what is included
$3,500; includes All meals during the on-campus stay, Transportation for off-site field trips, Supervised evening activities, Official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.
Accommodation
Required on-campus residence hall
Meals
All meals provided
Supervision or safety information
Teaching assistants, student engagement staff, residence-life staff, and professional staff supervise participants. Staff live in the residence hall and maintain an on-call rotation throughout the program.
Provider details
Review the Wake Forest University provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
1 week; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Debate and Public Advocacy Institute need?
Effort level
Moderate to high.
Best started
Begin the application three to six weeks before the cycle opens or your preferred application date.
Main challenge
Speaking and responding confidently in front of peers.
Typical preparation
Draft both application essays early and ask an eligible teacher, counselor, or administrator for the recommendation.
Practice explaining one current issue aloud, then prepare arguments for more than one viewpoint.
Plan residential travel, payment, medical forms, dietary needs, and accommodation requests well before the session.
Useful if
You already follow current events or want structured public-speaking practice.
What do students do on Debate and Public Advocacy Institute?
Students move from studying argument and rhetoric to preparing and delivering their own advocacy. Discussion, guest speakers, speech analysis, and debate practice make participation central to the experience.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore the fundamentals of argument and common rhetorical techniques.
- 2
Analyze notable speeches, speakers, and approaches to advocacy.
- 3
Discuss current social, environmental, and political issues with peers.
- 4
Hear from guest speakers working in public-facing organizations.
- 5
Prepare arguments and speaking strategies for a debate.
- 6
Compete in debates based on student-driven topics.
- 7
Debrief and refine communication strategies for the next activity.
Debate and Public Advocacy Institute dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Week of July 5-10, 2026
5-10 July 2026
Week of July 12-17, 2026
12-17 July 2026
Applications open
1 November 2026
Opening date for summer 2027 applications.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applications | Rolling admissions | Local | Reference date | |
Week of July 5-10, 2026 | 5-10 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Week of July 12-17, 2026 | 12-17 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 1 November 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Current students in Grades 9-12
Good academic standing
No school suspensions
Strong academic background and interest in learning
Fluent English for instruction and application
Home-schooled students may apply
International students may apply
How much does Debate and Public Advocacy Institute cost?
Program tuition
$3,500
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $60 — Non-refundable and due with the application.
- Enrollment deposit: $550 — Non-refundable after securing a seat.
- Scholarships: Need-based — Limited funding is considered through the general application.
What's included
All meals during the on-campus stay, Transportation for off-site field trips, Supervised evening activities, Official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion
How to apply to Debate and Public Advocacy Institute
- 1
Create an account in the Wake Forest Pre-College student portal.
- 2
Complete the online application and submit two responses to the essay prompts.
- 3
Provide a self-reported GPA and contact details for an eligible recommender.
- 4
Ask a teacher, school counselor, or administrator to submit the recommendation.
- 5
Pay the $60 non-refundable application fee when submitting the application.
- 6
Monitor the student status page for the emailed admissions decision.
- 7
After acceptance, select an available institute week and submit the $550 deposit.
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What does Debate and Public Advocacy Institute cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Fundamentals of Argument
Learn how claims, reasoning, and evidence support a persuasive argument.
Rhetoric and Persuasion
Examine rhetorical techniques and how speakers influence an audience.
Voice and Self-Advocacy
Practice speaking confidently while advocating for yourself and others.
Public Controversies
Discuss timely social and environmental issues with peers.
Debate Preparation
Develop preparation strategies and apply them in student-driven debates.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Debate and Public Advocacy Institute?
A typical day during the program.
Morning instruction
Breakfast and a morning meeting lead into speaking mechanics and a guest speaker.
Afternoon study
Students examine major speeches, prepare debates, and finish with a debrief.
Dinner and activities
Dinner is followed by supervised evening activities and free time.
Residential wind down
Students prepare for bed before the published lights-out time.
Who teaches on Debate and Public Advocacy Institute?
Academic leader Justin Green is Head Coach of the Wake Forest Debate team and Professor of the Practice in Communication Studies. His background includes secondary teaching, debate and speaking coaching, student workshops, and coaching national and ACC champions.
The program also includes guest speakers from business, politics, advertising, and community organizations.
Where do students stay on Debate and Public Advocacy Institute?
Residential plan
- Residence hall stay: All students must stay in an assigned campus residence hall throughout the week.
- Meals: All meals are provided through campus dining or catered service.
- Overnight supervision: Professional staff live in the residence hall and participate in an on-call rotation.
- Evening campus life: Staff lead activities such as basketball, karaoke, Spikeball, and volleyball.
Roommate requests may be submitted after registration but are not guaranteed.
What happens after Debate and Public Advocacy Institute?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Use stronger argument and speaking techniques in school debates and presentations.
Apply advocacy skills in community, leadership, or civic activities.
Build a reflective example of subject exploration for future applications.
Receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.
Explore related study in communications, politics, public policy, or law.
The program is non-credit and does not provide preferential treatment in Wake Forest admissions.
Where does Debate and Public Advocacy Institute take place?
The institute takes place at Wake Forest University's Reynolda Campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Students live in campus residence halls, eat in university dining facilities, attend academic programming on campus, and join supervised evening activities.
Optional paid airport shuttles are published for Piedmont Triad International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Debate and Public Advocacy Institute FAQs
The curriculum covers argument fundamentals, rhetorical techniques, finding your voice, social and environmental controversies, influential speakers, legal reasoning, and communication.
Students hear guest speakers, practice self-advocacy, discuss timely issues, prepare arguments, and compete in debates on student-driven topics.
Yes. Every participant must live in an assigned Wake Forest residence hall for the full residential week.
All meals are provided during the on-campus program. Students can report dietary restrictions through the required medical authorization process after registration.
Justin Green, Head Coach of Wake Forest Debate and Professor of the Practice in Communication Studies, is the published academic leader.
No. The institute is a non-credit enrichment experience, although students who complete it receive a Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.
Yes, international students are encouraged to apply and do not need to submit a TOEFL score. They must be fluent in English and are not eligible for Wake Forest need-based scholarships.
Teaching assistants, student engagement staff, residence-life staff, and professional staff supervise participants. Staff live in the residence hall and maintain an on-call rotation throughout the program.
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Wake Forest Pre-College Programs Applications
- Wake Forest Pre-College Campus
- Summer Immersion Program Dates | Wake Forest Pre-College
- FAQ | Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
- Apply - Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
- Debate Institute at Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)
Institute details checked
Eligibility reviewed
Application process verified
Tuition and fees checked
Schedule reviewed
Accommodation details checked
Scholarship terms reviewed
Next-cycle timing checked
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Debate and Public Advocacy Institute
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