MDI 2026
Workshops
Intensive summer training for competitive debaters, grades 7–12, in the heart of Saint Paul.
Minnesota Debate Initiative · Macalester College
MDI 2026
Competitive Debate Workshop · Sample Daily Schedule
For middle and high school debaters planning to compete in Lincoln-Douglas. Morning seminars, expert lab instruction, and judged practice rounds every day.
This is a sample schedule. The complete daily schedule will be released on June 20.
| 8:45 am | Check In | |
| 9:00 am | Seminar | |
| 10:40 am | Practicum | |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch | |
| 1:00 pm | Practice Debates | |
| 3:45 pm | Lab Small-group and 1-on-1 instruction, research, case writing, rebuttal strategy, file production | |
| 5:30 pm | Check Out |
Campus Facilities
Dorms
George Draper Dayton Hall
Dining
Café Mac in Campus Center
Classrooms
- Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
- Humanities Building
- Theater and Dance Building
Cost & What's Included
Residential Program
$2,400
Overnight · June 28–July 10, 2026
Commuter Program
$1,500
June 29–July 9, 2026
What's Included
- Expert instruction from Debate Matters coaches
- Small-group labs and personalized feedback
- Practice debates/judged rounds (Competitive Track)
- All printed materials, topic briefs, evidence packets
- Daily meals (lunch for commuters; breakfast, lunch, dinner for overnight)
- Camp t-shirt and completion certificate
- Discount packages for school year instruction through Debate Matters
Not Included
- Transportation to/from campus
- Snacks
- After-hours supervision for commuters
Financial Aid Available
We believe every student deserves access to quality debate education.
Inquire About Financial Aid