Public Forum
he Public Forum program will prepare students to participate and be successful in competitive debate through a combination of instruction and practice debates. Students will learn how to construct briefs, deliver the most persuasive speeches, and research effectively. Students will debate a variety of topics throughout the institute. More important than instruction, students will have the ability to debate and receive feedback from a number of experienced debate coaches. This will help students as they can work on the skills necessary to become successful debaters.
This program is appropriate for those competing in the Public Forum event competitively, or planning on competing in this event, for their school’s debate team regardless of age, but especially for rising 9th-12th graders.
Sample Schedule
9:00am-10:00am, Lecture on Constructing Briefs
10:00am-11:30am, Construct Briefs
11:30am-12:30pm, Lunch
12:30pm-1:30pm, Lecture on the Summary Speech
1:30pm-3:00pm, Practice Summary Drills
2026 DATES & TIMES
Classes will be hosted Monday to Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm ET.
Week 1 – June 8-12
Week 2 – June 15-19
Week 3 – June 22-26
TUITION
**There is a non-refundable $75 application fee that is in addition to the price of tuition.**
Tuition for one week is $550
Tuition for two weeks is $1,000
Tuition for three weeks is $1,500
Tuition includes quality instruction and materials that are unique to the Hurricane Debate Institute. Each week covers unique and different information. Students will receive assessments of their skills and areas for improvement. Students will receive a certificate of completion.
Deposit & Full Payment Info Deadlines
Full payment is due the Friday before your child’s program begins.
Week 1 (June 8-12) – Full Payment due June 5
Week 2 (June 15-19) – Full Payment due June 12
Week 3 (June 22-26) – Full Payment due June 19
Early Bird – by May 8
Those submitting the non-refundable $100/week deposit by May 8 will receive 5% off of the overall tuition per child.
Note: The deposit is in addition to the $75 application fee, but the deposit itself counts toward your tuition payment.
Discounts
UM Employees (all campuses): 10% discount on overall tuition for your child.
Siblings: A $50 sibling discount on tuition for each sibling per week.
APPLICATION & PAYMENT
**There is a non-refundable $75 application fee that is in addition to the price of tuition.**
There is a two step application process:
1. Click the “Apply Online” button below to fill out the application.
2. Click the “Pay Online” button below to pay the application fee.
**Registration is not complete until both the application and non-refundable $75 application fee have been received.**
Payment instructions:
Click the “Pay Online” button below or visit http://www.com.miami.edu/payment. When there click on “Access the SOC Marketplace”.
Select “Hurricane Debate Institute” from the categories enter the amount and finish the transaction.
Please remember to confirm payment. An email receipt will be sent as soon as the payment goes through.
All major credit cards accepted.