Skip to main content
Cornell University mobile logo
Students on campus under cherry blossoms

Our 2023 Speech and Debate Crowdfunding Campaign kicked off November 8 and ran through Monday, December 11, 2023. Our goal was to raise $50,000 from 200 donors to empower and support the next generation of debaters through global competition. Check out our "Big Teams, Big Dreams" video to see more of our work internationally and at home! Thanks to the support of our loyal and generous alumni, parents and friends, we raised $57,270 from 203 donors to continue our worldwide success and service. Our students are endlessly grateful for your generosity!

Alumni and friends of the Cornell Speech and Debate Society are welcome to stay involved throughout the season. We have various public debates in Ithaca and New York City which will be announced on our home page as well as on our schedule. Check back for updates.

If you’re interested in seeing the squads in action, check out our tournament schedule. Most universities allow the general public to watch debate and speech rounds during competitions, and virtual tournaments have made spectating even more accessible. If you are interested in spectating, please check in with our coaching staff and we will provide some details on how to attend a virtual or in person competition as a spectator. 

As one of the largest speech and debate organizations in the United States, the Cornell Speech and Debate Society works to share the unique skills and opportunities that competitive speaking provides with the entire Cornell campus community. We do not charge our students any member dues, and hope to follow the Cornell ethos by including students from every background to reap the benefits Speech and Debate can provide. Please help us achieve this goal by donating to our general fund.

We also provide special opportunities to support our organization throughout the year through our Crowdfunding Campaign. Check back for updates, reach out to our coaching staff, or email debate@cornell.edu to sign up for our newsletter and stay informed.