Our Philosophy
SCHOLARSHIP
LEADERSHIP
CULTURE
Priorities & Outcomes
Social Justice
Repairing the systemic breach of equality
Educational Equity
Leveling the playing field through access
Economic Mobility
Creating generational wealth through education
College & Workforce Readiness
Making Black and brown youth competitive for success
Academic Superiority
Turning students into scholars Youth Leadership
Development
Training the next generation of equitable, servant-leaders
Arts & Culture
Centering the art of debate & public speaking for creative expression
Our Impact
Over 150 Atlanta Students + Ivy League & Elite Education =
Collective Earning Potential of 10,000,000/yr. in 25 years…
2500 Students = $2.5 BILLION in Underserved Communities
Graduating Classes
Class of 2024
Class of 2023
Class of 2022
Class of 2021
Class of 2020
Class of 2019
Class of 2018
The online application for our next cohort of students will open in March 1, 2024. Subscribe here to be notified when applications open
- Students in grades 8-11 are qualified to participate in our program.
- Students must live in Metro Atlanta
- Minimum 3.0 preferred
- Leadership experience preferred
- Application will require a teacher recommendation
- Application will require a current academic transcript
- Application will require students to submit a 1-3 minute video presentation
- Students DO NOT need debate experience
This program is designed to give a voice to students of color who aspire to be world leaders and social entrepreneurs. The program is ideal for high achieving students who desire to be challenged beyond standard high school curricula and seek to make a difference in the world by enacting social and political change.tent
The commitment for this program is high and must take precedent over all other extra-curricular activities. The academic portion of the program requires students to attend sessions every Saturday from August through June. These training sessions are critical to ensure that students are academically prepared for the rigors of the Harvard summer residency.
Academic sessions are rigorous and interactive. Students will receive enhanced academic training in disciplines centered on critical thinking, research, and debate. Students will attend lectures from Harvard Debate Council instructor, during which they will be highly trained in public speaking & argumentation and will debate critical social & political issues. Other activities include opportunities where students may practice their debate skills in public arenas such as the Georgia Capitol, Atlanta City Hall, law firms, courtrooms, etc.
The VDI has a tuition that is made affordable for all students that are accepted into the program. Financial aid is provided to all students that demonstrate need.
No. This program is designed for students seeking to gain a competitive-edge for any undergraduate program that they might pursue. Top-tiered colleges & universities are looking for students that not only have excellent grades but also exhibit leadership acumen. This program provides students with an enhanced resume and the leadership experience that colleges are looking for.
No. While this program will enhance a student’s college application, it does not guarantee acceptance into Harvard, nor any other post-secondary institution. The program does, however, guarantee acceptance into the Harvard Debate Council’s summer residential program, not the university’s undergraduate program.
Yes. This program is for students that would like an opportunity to study at the Harvard Debate Council’s summer residential program.
Students will live on campus and study at the Harvard Debate Council for two weeks in July.
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