The HBCU National Speech & Debate League

Summer camps help high school students to develop speech and debate skills and provide them with an advantage in competitions throughout the academic year.  Though there are many camps throughout the country, there is no camp held at an HBCU, and no other camp specifically caters to students of color. 

​

Additionally, summer speech and debate camps are expensive, creating inequity in participation.  Most camps will cost students’ families between $2,500 and $4,000 for a two-week camp. Estimates show that approximately 30% of high school competitors are students of color.  However, because of socio-economic disparity, approximately 10% of students attending summer forensics camps are students of color.  Because students of color cannot afford the cost of summer camp, this portion of the grant will serve to reach high school students of color.

​

Camp Goals

​

Students at the National HBCU Speech and Debate Institute will achieve the following:

​

• In interpretation events, student will:

  1. Find their performance material for the academic year.

  2. Learn to “cut” their performance material.

  3. Analyze the performance material.

  4. Characterize their performance material.

  5. Learn how to write introductions.

  6. Learn vocal elements including articulation and enunciation.

​​

• In Public Address events, students will:

  1. Find their performance topic.

  2. Research their topic.

  3. Organize their research.

  4. Write speech drafts.

  5. Learn proper movements, including gestures, walking and posture.

  6. Learn vocal elements including articulation and enunciation.

​​

• All students will learn from experienced alumni and coaches:

  1. Tournament etiquette.

  2. Round etiquette.

  3. How to carry themselves with confidence.

  4. Warm up techniques.

  5. Emotional connection with material.

  6. Emotional vulnerability.

​​

Camp Details

​

1. Camp is taught by alumni and coaches of the National HBCU Speech and Debate Association.

​

​

Benefits

​

1. Recruitment of students – HBCUs will be able to recruit the best and brightest students through interaction and exposure at camp. 

2. Outreach and service – This is a type of community service for the high school community, serving students of color.  Other camps cost $2,500 - $4,000 for a two-week camp.  Approximately 30% of high school competitors are students of color, however, only 10% of summer camp attendees are students of color.  This is because of cost barriers.  Offering a low-cost alternative to students of lower-income schools provides competitive equity.

3. Branding – The better these high school students perform, the greater the reputation of The National HBCU Speech and Debate Association.