Who is Summit Debate?

Summit Debate was founded in 1995 by Jenny Cook, Executive Director. The name Summit Debate was influenced by a historic road, Summit Avenue, known for showcasing some of the grandest homes in the Twin Cities area. Summit Avenue was just a short walk from where Cook lived, and in her mind, the name Summit captured the image of “making it to the top”; thus the motto “Reach for the Summit”.

The first institute opened in the summer of 1997 with the National Debate Forum (NDF) in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. By 2003, we added what would become our signature event -- Public Forum Debate. We added interpretation events in 2004, followed by Original Oratory and Platform Speaking in 2007. Rebranding as the National Speech Forum (NSF) in 2019, these events have solidified themselves as a core part of one of the largest speech & debate institutes in the country.

With more than two decades of experience running summer institutes, we have become the one of the largest providers for summer speech and debate enrichment. Since 2020, our sessions have expanded to include an online learning option, allowing for greater access and flexibility for those who wish to join virtually.

Jenny Cook - Executive Director