How to Apply

2026 Application

Who Can Attend?

Any student entering 6th grade or older in the fall who will attend a public or public charter school in:

  • Washington D.C.
  • Prince George’s County, Maryland
  • Montgomery County, Maryland*
  • Baltimore City, Maryland*
  • Alexandria, Virginia* 

*Please consult our service area map for details

**Yes, we do offer Elementary School Programming, but not over the summer. See our ES Debate Page for details)**

When Can I Sign Up?

  • Registration will open Feb 7th, 2026 

Registration is rolling and will continue until we run out of seats (which we have for 11 years in a row), so sign up today!

We will waitlist folks, and proactively move the list as the spring unfolds.

*New for 2026*
1. We will not accept applications from folks who have signed up but not attended without communicating a valid excuse in previous years. 

2. We will prioritize students who participate during the academic year, and those attending our priority recruiting list for 2026-27

When Is The Institute?

Varsity Program:

  • Monday July 13th – Saturday, August 1st

JV / Novice Program:

  • Monday, July 20th  – Saturday, August 1st

As usual, our summer programming will be in person, full time (9 AM – 5 PM). Instruction is cumulative, so students who miss substantial time will be at a notable disadvantage. 

Breakfast (8:30 AM) and lunch are provided

Marion Berry SYEP Host?

** WUDL is now a Marion Berry Summer Youth Employment Host **

We have 3 tracks:
1. SYEP Eligible Alumni who are joining us as instructors
2. Accelerated track for returning debaters in JV / Varsity
3. Intro to Advocacy and Debate for students new to debate

**If applying for SYEP, choose us as the employer and you'll be able to do our summer program, AND SYEP **

Where is it?

DC Bilingual School

33 Riggs RD NE, Washington DC 20011


We are excited to return to this gorgeous school that has been a great summer partner for many years. DCB is steps from the Ft. Totten Metro / Bus Hub, and easily accessibly by car on Riggs Rd NE, and from North Capitol St. 

How much does it cost?

Our mission is to reduce barriers to entry for this amazing activity. Thus, the summer institute is 100% free to attend for eligible families and schools.

Every student receives breakfast, lunch, all the supplies they will need, a T-shirt, and other swag each year.

Questions?

If the above information doesn't answer your questions, please contact us via email at ornsteinsummerdebate@gmail.com

Question? Email Us