Fremont Debate Academy Hopkins 21-22 Program

Application Due Date: September 17th
Tryout Date: TBD

Contact email: fdahopkins@fremontdebateacademy.org for any questions

Tryout Information

Debate tryouts will be online on TBD Date. Emails will be sent out beforehand with full instructions on how to access the tryout calls and the exact times for each applicant. Applicants will be given a side of a random topic and paired up against each other in one-on-one miniature debates, where they will be judged based on categories such as argumentation, strength of reasoning, and speaking style (they will also be judged on their application). Tryout debates will NOT have a result (winner or loser).

Additional Information

Introducing Fremont Debate Academy’s (FDA) debate programs for Hopkins Junior High School students this year! Fremont Debate Academy is a 501(3) international non-profit with programs scheduled in over 19 states and 8 countries. Over the past 7 years, FDA has impacted over 5000 students, including students from Hopkins for 2 years!

Running for its 3rd year, FDA's Hopkins Debate Program is a year-round competitive program that aims to help students build their argumentative and reasoning abilities, and to prepare them for regional and state tournaments against other middle schools. Students will be competing with other schools in the East Bay Debate League and in FDA's International tournament with students across the world.

We’ve seen the positive impact that these programs have had on our students. Our internal surveys have shown that students participating in FDA’s programs have seen a 39% improvement in their self-confidence & public speaking skills, a 46% improvement in their worldly knowledge & research skills, and 90% of students saying their participation has had a positive impact on their academic performance. 

The programs are open to 7th to 8th grade students and is a year-round competitive debate program following the Middle School Public Debate Format (MSPDP). Students will develop argumentation and research skills, and apply them at regional and state-wide tournaments (virtually held every 1-2 months). 

We’re excited to see what our debaters can do this year, and we hope to see you at tryouts!