The online application for our next cohort of students will open on February 1, 2026. Subscribe here to be notified when applications open

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?

Rising 8th-12-grade students are qualified to participate in our program. Students must live in Metro Atlanta or Metro DC 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

WHO BENEFITS FROM VDI?

This program is designed for highly motivated students who aspire to be change-makers. 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 leading in social, corporate, and political spaces.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT OF THE PROGRAM?

The commitment for this program is high and must take precedence over all other extra-curricular activities. The program requires students to attend school every Saturday (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) from August through June.

WHAT DO THE ACADEMIC SESSIONS CONSIST OF?

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.

DOES THE PROGRAM COST?

VDI offers tuition that is made affordable for all students accepted into the program. Full tuition at VDI is $14,800. Financial aid is guaranteed to all students who demonstrate need, thanks to our generous donors.

IS THIS PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS THAT ONLY WANT TO ATTEND HARVARD COLLEGE FOR UNDERGRAD?

No. This program is designed for students seeking to gain a competitive-edge for any undergraduate program that they might pursue. Top-tier 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.

DOES THIS PROGRAM GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE INTO HARVARD?

No. While this program will enhance a student’s college application, it does not guarantee acceptance into Harvard, nor any other post-secondary institution.

IS EACH STUDENT REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE HARVARD DEBATE COUNCIL SUMMER WORKSHOPS EACH SUMMER?

Yes. This program is for students who would like an opportunity to study at the Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops.

HOW LONG DOES THE SUMMER PROGRAM AT HARVAR DEBATE COUNCIL SUMMER WORKSHOPS LAST?

Students will live on campus and study at the Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops for two weeks in July.

Is veritas a program of harvard?

No. Veritas is an independent entity headquartered in Atlanta, GA.

Veritas Debate Institute – The Veritas Schools

Veritas Debate Institute (VDI) is the flagship Saturday school at Veritas. For one year, scholars are taught college-level courses in the social sciences, covering subjects such as philosophy, political science, sociology, rhetoric, and debate.

The program culminates in a summer residential program at the Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops (HDCSW) in Cambridge, MA, where students engage in a two-week academic experience and compete in an international debate competition alongside hundreds of gifted and talented students from over 25 countries worldwide. Since 2017, Veritas scholars have won an international debate competition at HDCSW for seven consecutive years.

Upon successful completion of VDI, students gain access to additional Veritas programs that focus on college and career readiness, including Veritas Corporate Immersion, Veritas Global Travel, and Veritas Career Readiness. These programs help make students ultra-competitive for admission to prestigious colleges and universities.