Julia Burke Debate Institute (JBDI)
The Julia Burke Debate Institute is a one-week immersion into speech and debate, taught by BAUDL staff and guest instructors. Students will participate in engaging, fast-paced workshops and lectures designed to build skills in critical thinking and advocacy.
June 8–12, 2026
Claremont Middle School (5750 College Ave. Oakland, CA)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Breakfast and lunch are provided.
Claremont Middle School (5750 College Ave. Oakland, CA)
- Middle School Lab: Modified Policy debate for 6th–8th grade students
- Novice High School Lab: For students with less than 2 years of debate experience
- Open High School Lab: For students with 2 or more years of debate experience
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Breakfast and lunch are provided.
- Breakfast & Registration: 8:30 AM
- Morning Welcome & Activities: 9:00 AM
- Pick-up & Dismissal: 3:00 PM (middle school) and 5:00 PM (high school)
Free or Low Cost for All
JBDI is open to all Bay Area middle & high school students, and students of all debate skill levels are welcome to attend.
The institute is FREE to all students who attend a BAUDL partner school and for all low-income, Bay Area families. Out-of-network students who do not qualify for a tuition waiver pay a very low institute fee of $300 for the week, which includes instruction, supplies, meals, and a debate tournament.
JBDI rivals any other week long institute, but is offered at a fraction of the cost. This program is not a fundraiser. The sole purpose of JBDI is to provide a fun, yet academically-challenging program, accessible to all Bay Area youth.
The institute is FREE to all students who attend a BAUDL partner school and for all low-income, Bay Area families. Out-of-network students who do not qualify for a tuition waiver pay a very low institute fee of $300 for the week, which includes instruction, supplies, meals, and a debate tournament.
JBDI rivals any other week long institute, but is offered at a fraction of the cost. This program is not a fundraiser. The sole purpose of JBDI is to provide a fun, yet academically-challenging program, accessible to all Bay Area youth.
For New or Experienced Debaters
JBDI provides quality instruction through different workshops (labs) that are tailored to align with varying skill levels. Labs are categorized into novice, junior varsity, and varsity levels. Whether students are experienced debaters or completely new to the idea of debate, we provide the tools they need to move forward and succeed.
JBDI serves more students with no debate experience than any other institute in California. We offer a welcoming and encouraging environment as students begin to develop their debate knowledge and build confidence.
JBDI serves more students with no debate experience than any other institute in California. We offer a welcoming and encouraging environment as students begin to develop their debate knowledge and build confidence.
Why Debate?
No matter what you are interested in—business, law, education, politics, music or sports—you will need to be able to speak your mind with clarity and power. Debate is a competitive team sport, just like football or basketball, except that it is the ultimate training for college and careers.
Thousands of students across America have earned scholarships to college because of debate. 100% of BAUDL students have graduated for the past five years, and our seniors go to college at rates far higher than the rest of the students at their schools. But, it's not because they sit quietly in class. BAUDL students succeed because they learn how to use their voice as a meaningful, powerful tool.
By the end of JBDI, students will be able to:
Students become familiar with a welcoming academic community, and will be better prepared to restart school at the end of summer break
Thousands of students across America have earned scholarships to college because of debate. 100% of BAUDL students have graduated for the past five years, and our seniors go to college at rates far higher than the rest of the students at their schools. But, it's not because they sit quietly in class. BAUDL students succeed because they learn how to use their voice as a meaningful, powerful tool.
By the end of JBDI, students will be able to:
- Build arguments with reasoning and evidence
- Refute an opponent
- Passionately advocate for themselves and others
- Connect with the problems and experiences of others
- Question the world around them
Students become familiar with a welcoming academic community, and will be better prepared to restart school at the end of summer break
Quality Instructors
We invest in talented, competitive instructors from around the country who can connect with the realities of urban youth while providing the highest quality instruction. Students look up to these debate role models and are excited to meet and learn from them. Diverse students and instructors bring a variety of insights, experiences, and ideas to JBDI.
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287 17th St #201, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
© Bay Area Urban Debate League. All rights reserved.
© Bay Area Urban Debate League. All rights reserved.