The Chicago Debate Summer Institute (CDSI) is the nation’s leading urban summer debate institute. It features a nationally recognized faculty and a strong curriculum. It’s the ideal way for Chicago students to prepare for the 2011-12 CDL season. It is open to all public high school students – from beginners to the most advanced debaters in the city – and free to all CPS students.

In its fifteenth year, the CDC is pleased to announce that this summer the CDSI will provide more programming to more students than ever before — at zero cost to students and their families.

The 15th CDSI will take place from July 25 through August 12 at Westinghouse College Prep H.S. (3223 W. Franklin Blvd.). The faculty, which rivals the quality of leading university summer institutes, will be comprised of eight top coaches from the CDL and eight national level senior instructors and accomplished CDL alums.

This year, CDSI will also feature special college access workshops and three scheduled trips to area colleges, including a visit with college admissions officers to discuss application and scholarship strategies; a college visitation tour to discover and explore effective transition to college life and study; a tour with college guides; an interactive session with a college administrator; and a research skills trip at a University Library.

Full details on the CDSI can be found here. You can download the full CDSI promotional poster here.

The CDSI includes two teacher-training courses that offer professional development and pre-season preparation for CDL coaches.

Free CTA fare cards are available to students and lunch is provided daily. Comparable competitive academic debate training can cost $2000-$4000, but thanks to the support of Chicago Public Schools, the CDSI is free to all CPS students.

Please register by May 15 by completing the CDSI Application Form.

If you have any questions about the 2011 CDSI, please contact CDSI Director David Song, 312-427-0524 x2 or CPS CDL Manager Sylvia Nelson Jordan, 773-553-3593.