Youth Debate Bowl

The Youth Debate Bowl is a marquee event on Gallaudet’s Youth Programs calendar. Created to foster critical thinking and public speaking skills in a fun, inclusive environment, the Youth Debate Bowl is open to all individual middle school (Grades 6-8) and high school (Grades 9-12) students. Students from mainstream programs, Deaf schools, and even homeschool programs are welcome to participate.

For more information, the Rules and Guidelines manual can be downloaded here.

2022-2023 Youth Debate Bowl Timeline

Youth Debate Bowl orientation session on Wednesday, October 19th at 7pm EST. Sign up here if you are interested in attending the orientation session.

We will accept qualifying submissions no later than midnight EST on Wednesday, Dec. 7th, 2022 via this link.

We will select the top four submissions for each age group (middle school and high school) then hold an orientation session for the semifinalists. The Youth Debate Bowl semifinals for both age groups will be held on or around Friday, January 27th, 2023.

The Youth Debate Bowl finals for middle and high school students will be held between March 9th and 10th, 2023 at Gallaudet University.

If you have any questions, please contact us.