What is the Great Debate? 

NHI's Great Debate is a communications and leadership development program for ambitious and courageous young people. If you are or know a young person committed to making meaningful change in the world, and are driven toward building up our community, NHI and the Great Debate experience is a must.

For over three decades, first-year NHI members have come to harness the power of their voices and engage with perspective-changing ideas. The Great Debate offers a rigorous learning experience for high-achieving, high-ability 9th-grade youth who aspire to community and civic leadership roles in the future.

Who is eligible to apply for the Great  Debate?

All students are welcome to apply for the Great Debate if they meet the following requirements:

• Currently enrolled in the 9th grade
• Has a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• First-time NHI participant

2024 PROGRAM TENTATIVE DATES & LOCATIONS