The UC Berkeley Debate Team competes nationally in NDT/CEDA policy debate. Members debate topics spanning collective bargaining rights, clean energy, nuclear policy, antitrust law, and similar national-level issues. The team is affiliated with the campus LEAD center and also runs the California National Debate Institute (CNDI), a summer camp for high school debaters. Students interested in joining the collegiate team can reach out directly to the Director of Debate.
10-50%
Financial aid tuition discount range
Events They Host
Cal Invitational
A debate tournament hosted by the Berkeley team. Hired judging applications are accepted through the team's website.
California National Debate Institute (CNDI) Summer Camp
Annual residential summer debate camp open to high school and middle school students. Offers a 3-week Policy session (June 21 - July 11, 2026), a 2-week Public Forum session (June 21 - July 4, 2026), and a 1-week Intro to Debate/Middle School day camp (June 22-26, 2026). Programs are available for all experience levels.