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• Are programs live? Yes, Mr. Kacholia's lectures are live online, with real-time Q&A & interactive small group debates.

• What is the time commitment? 20 Hours of live sessions over each intensive 2 week program.

• Is there homework? Many students will spend extra time ahead of debates to read and prepare. While this is optional, debate is competitive and helps stimulate self-interest in research and critical thinking. Our goal is to significantly deepen their understanding in each program track and build critical thinking and creativity skills, while gaining perspectives in each subject area.

• Is prior experience needed? Your child will start debating in the first class - no prior experience needed.

• How do you encourage interaction? We leverage technology to promote participation in each live session. We encourage students both through written and verbal shares to communicate their ideas and questions either broadly or privately during lectures that can be responded to live. In breakout rooms, students get to work in smaller teams of 4 to 6 students to prepare for debates, where we check in to see if they have questions or need help preparing. Each child has a speaking role within structured debates and cross examination, and we moderate debates to coach and encourage collaboration among team members and sharing of responsibilities during cross-examination while helping to prepare their fellow team members.

• How does the series work? Students can select between 1 and 5 programs, each is independent.

• What does each topic cover? Each curriculum and debate topic is curated by Mr. Kacholia and takes a deep dive into issues of global importance and leadership. Kids are introduced to extemporaneous speech, research, critical analysis, and debate skills while gaining insights into influences and impacts on government, business, leadership, economics, science, and the world around us. The 5 program tracks are:

  • ​Healthcare includes topical Coronavirus related political, social, scientific, and economic debates.

  • Global Leadership examines successful leaders, leadership styles, and decisions made. 

  • Environment assesses tradeoffs, policies, and science that can influence climate change.

  • Entrepreneurship evaluates successful startups with case studies on business practices and decisions.

  • Technology critically examines innovations in Artificial Intelligence, Social Media, Drones and more.

• Can I sign-up for multiple program tracks? Yes, we've designed the summer program as a continuing series of tracks featuring distinct speech and debate topics. Students gain critical thinking, creativity, communication, and leadership skills, while raising familiarity with important 21st century issues and leadership decisions. Topics are adapted for age groups. Each division will be challenged to read at a higher grade level. Select the topics and dates that work best for your child and summer schedule.

• What device/materials do I need? Laptop/tablet, internet connection for streaming video, notebook

• Which ages can join? Students from grades 3 to 12 in school year 2020-21 can join while space is available. We are evaluating development of a program for grade 1 and 2 students - apply to be waitlisted.

• My child is shy, nervous, stammers - can they still enroll? Yes, absolutely. A majority of our students are shy. Fear of public speaking is common in adults and kids. Shy kids can gain confidence in a controlled environment and advance to become successful leaders. We encourage shy kids with a safe small group environment to express their views from the comfort of their home. Debate does not require any memorization - we remove such obstacles, encouraging deeper thinking and the use of notes to gradually build confidence. 

• How is your approach different? We are the official, exclusive partners of the world's largest organization in this field, the U.S. NSDA. We take a real-world approach, using games and challenges to engage in practice each session, while gradually imparting theory and encouraging self-reflection. We dive deep into each topic area, evaluating evidence on multiple sides. We challenge kids to move beyond their personal opinions to develop an appreciation for multiple perspectives. U.S. NSDA debate has been proven to foster balanced leadership and no other academic activity has the extent of research supporting the academic, college, and life benefits.

• How do I register and pay? Sign-up here. You'll automatically receive electronic payment instructions to your registered email. Once your payment has been received, you'll receive enrollment confirmation.
   

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