Initially, standing in front of judges to defend an ethical argument is daunting. Still, competitions of this nature develop anxious teenagers into thinking individuals who can grapple with the difficult questions society has already been asking. Students who love moral philosophy and debate find that competitions like this have something a textbook does not, genuine conversations about real issues with fellow teenagers who love engaging in intellectual conversations.
The realm of competitive debating and ethical considerations has expanded immensely and now impacts thousands of students locally, nationally and globally. Competitive debates give students a chance to have civil conversations, illustrate their analytical ability and learn about other students who appreciate interesting conversations.
National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB)
Location: Championship occurs at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Program Dates: Regional rounds in fall; national competition in April
Cost: Schools pay $175 to register
Eligibility: Students attending registered high schools
Deadline: December 31st for school registration
This premier ethics platform brings together thousands of schools for respectful, serious ethical discussions. Teams don't argue predetermined sides like traditional debates; instead, they defend their genuine beliefs while offering thoughtful criticism to opponents in collaborative settings. Competitions focus on real-world ethical scenarios - everything from social media privacy to medical ethics - with teams presenting their analyses to community judge panels. Students invest months researching cases and developing arguments, with judging based on preparation quality, understanding of ethical theories, and persuasive presentations using solid moral principles.
National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Tournaments
Location: Des Moines, Iowa hosts nationals, regional tournaments occur nationwide
Program Dates: June for annual championships
Cost: $140 per individual competitor, $280 for team events
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Deadline: Registration begins March, ends June
The NSDA is the largest speech and debate organization in the United States, with over 141,000 middle and high school students across the nation. Each spring, the NSDA determines the national champions at a tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, and displays the best talent (and the best speakers) in the country in formats such as Policy Debate and Congressional Debate. Research evidence indicates participation in NSDA activities improves reading scores while the self-confidence developed is an essential prerequisite for success in college.
Tournament of Champions (TOC)
Location: University of Kentucky at, Lexington
Program Dates: April each spring
Cost: Tournament fees differ by event
Eligibility: Students earning minimum 2 competitive "bids" during season
Deadline: March for bid verification and registration
The Tournament of Champions is the unofficial national championship of the high school “National Circuit,” drawing the country’s best speakers to Lexington, Kentucky each April.
Since 1972, qualifiers earn coveted “bids” by placing at one of over 100 elite invitational tournaments worldwide.TOC qualification is a badge of honor, signaling that a competitor has performed at the highest level all season.
World Schools Debate Championship (WSDC)
Location: Panama City, Panama (host cities rotate internationally)
Program Dates: July annually
Cost: €800 participation fee
Eligibility: Students representing their countries
Deadline: June registration deadline
The World Schools Debate Championship gathers teams from over 75 countries to debate global issues in English, blending weeks-ahead prepared motions with one-hour impromptu challenges.
Its unique format tests both in-depth research and on-the-spot thinking, fostering international understanding and diplomatic dialogue among high school students.
Eight preliminary rounds of mixed prepared and impromptu debates hone critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking, ideal for teens eyeing global affairs or international relations paths.
Glenbrooks Speech & Debate Tournament
Location: Glenbrook North and South High Schools, Illinois
Program Dates: November annually
Cost: Differs by event and division level
Eligibility: High school students (varsity, junior varsity, novice divisions)
Deadline: Entry deadlines differ by division
A highlighting feature of Glenbrooks is the sheer number of national caliber teams who compete. One of the collaborating reasons for the national caliber field is the three forms of debate offered (policy, Lincoln-Douglas and public forum). Glenbrooks is a well known tournament that is simply great organization and the level of competition. The tournament serves as a national Tournament of Champions qualifier for debate and keeps separate divisions for varsity, junior varsity, and beginning competitors within the same tournament. The Glenbrook name is also associated with quality judging as well as the integrity of competition; therefore their name has become a reference point for serious national circuit competitors. Although the numbers fluctuate, there are typically around 307 schools from 37 states that compete. Glenbrook is one of the most difficult tournaments speech and debate teams attend each year; therefore collecting participation and experience from Glenbrooks has recognition in speech and debate contexts.
Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Program Dates: February during Presidents' Day Weekend
Cost: Entry fees freeze after February deadline
Eligibility: High school students (invitation-only prestigious tournament)
Deadline: February for entry completion
Harvard National High School Invitational Forensics Tournament, which is hosted in Cambridge every year on Presidents' Day Weekend, is the largest and most prestigious high school speech and debate tournament in America. The tournament offers the students a chance to compete in Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Student Congress, and individual and duo speech events. Harvard Debate Council also offers advanced World Schools Debate training with Team USA coaches and members for high-level instruction. The tournament features the country's top competitors and is a great stepping stone for students opting for national circuit recognition.
National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Grand National
Location: Chicago, Illinois (venues rotate)
Program Dates: May during Memorial Day weekend
Cost: $75 per student participant
Eligibility: Catholic, public, and private school students from member institutions
Deadline: May for tournament registration
The National Catholic Forensic League unites Catholic and public high schools across the U.S. and Canada for debate and interpretation events. Organized through 65 regional dioceses since 1951, NCFL fosters a close-knit yet competitive community. Every Memorial Day weekend, the Grand National Tournament showcases Lincoln–Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate, Dramatic Performance, and Duo Interpretation.
This diocesan structure balances personal camaraderie with rigorous competition.
NCFL participation sharpens public speaking skills and creates lasting friendships.
International Public Policy Forum (IPPF)
Location: New York City (finals at NYU School of Law), global participation for qualifying rounds
Program Dates: Essay submissions October; Finals April
Cost: $25 team entry (waived for early registration)
Eligibility: Teams of 3+ full-time students from same school
Deadline: October for qualifying essay submission
The National Catholic Forensic League brings together students from public and Catholic high schools across the United States and Canada through 65 regional dioceses, offering a community-focused tournament environment since 1951 . Each Memorial Day weekend, the NCFL Grand National Tournament invites participants to compete in debates and interpretation events such as Lincoln–Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate, Dramatic Performance, and Duo Interpretation, mirroring the breadth of the National Speech & Debate Association . By combining personal diocesan camaraderie with high-level competition, NCFL nurtures both skill development and lasting friendships among young debaters.
Congressional Debate Competitions
Location: National and regional levels through NSDA and NCFL circuits
Program Dates: September through June academic year season
Cost: $140 per student for nationals, regional tournament costs vary
Eligibility: Students simulating U.S. Congress proceedings
Deadline: Varies by tournament level and organization
Congressional Debate is a unique opportunity for high school students to become lawmakers, drafting and debating original bills in a mock Congress. Students research real world issues, write resolutions to their issues, and then take turns delivering speeches, questioning other classmates on their resolutions, and voting; just like Congress! There are local, regional, and national events in Congressional Debate through NSDA and NCFL, and students get to develop excellent public speaking and legislative skills in an engaging and interactive environment.
Urban Debate Leagues National Championship
Location: Atlanta, Georgia (Emory University)
Program Dates: April annually
Cost: Costs vary by participating urban league
Eligibility: Low-income students of color from urban public schools
Deadline: Regional qualifying tournaments determine advancement
The National Association for Urban Debate Leagues breaks down barriers for low-income students of color across 19 major cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, giving them access to competitive debate they might never experience otherwise. Since 2008, this organization has transformed 500 schools into debate powerhouses, with their annual championship showcasing 84 of the nation's most talented UDL debaters who've earned their spots through tough regional competitions. More than just a tournament, this program develops critical thinking skills and opens college doors for students who deserve every opportunity to succeed.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research and take your college preparation to the next level!
Read More
