Public Speaking for Middle Schoolers at Georgetown University

Course Description: Public Speaking for Middle Schoolers at Georgetown University

Course Description: Mastering the Art of Debate and Public Speaking

Unlock the power of persuasion this summer with our immersive Debate and Public Speaking Program. Whether your child is already a natural in the spotlight or looking to build confidence in sharing their original ideas, this course is designed to elevate their communication, argumentation, and reasoning skills. Through engaging simulations and spirited discussions on topics of interest and controversy, students will explore the art of debate and public speaking in a supportive environment.

Students will delve into essential techniques of debate, including verbal and nonverbal communication, delivery styles, audience analysis, speech topic selection, and organizational strategies. This program is ideal for overcoming speech anxieties and learning effective ways to articulate ideas persuasively, ultimately inspiring confidence in both public speaking and everyday communication. Join us this summer and watch your child captivate audiences with newly honed skills!

Why It is a Great Choice

• Provides a university-level course experience, fostering advanced communication skills.

• Offers a supportive environment to build self-esteem and overcome speech anxieties.

• Equips students with persuasive articulation techniques and audience engagement strategies.

• Awards a Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition, enhancing academic portfolios.

Instructor: Soyini Richards

Location

Our program takes place in a vibrant and dynamic setting, providing students with the perfect backdrop to enhance their public speaking abilities. With modern facilities and a nurturing atmosphere, the location supports a transformative learning experience.

Course Description

Debate and Public Speaking Program

This program is tailored for aspiring public speaking and debate professionals, offering a foundational understanding that will propel students toward academic and professional success. Participants will gain insights into the field, helping them determine if a career in public speaking is their calling.

Admission Criteria

To join this transformative program, students must have a keen interest in debate and public speaking. A completed Summer Institute application is also required for admission.

Who Should Attend

This course is perfect for young individuals eager to embark on a journey of self-discovery in the realm of public speaking and debate. It provides a robust introduction to the fundamentals, setting the stage for future academic and professional pursuits in this field.

Benefits

Students will leave with a comprehensive understanding of effective communication, bolstered by:

• A Course Completion Certificate, marking the successful completion of the Summer Institute Georgetown program.

• A Letter of Recognition, celebrating academic achievements and contributions during the course.

Prepare your child for a future of confident communication and persuasive public speaking. Enroll today and set them on a path to captivate any audience!

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

***

✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

***

💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

***

📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

***

🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

***

🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

***

🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

***

✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

• For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

***

🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

***

📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

***

🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

***

🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

***

🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

***

📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

***

🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 Georgetown University – Campus Profile (Washington, D.C.)

Georgetown University offers a world-class pre-college environment rooted in academic excellence, tradition, and global perspective. Located in one of Washington, D.C.’s most historic neighborhoods, the campus blends stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and a charming waterfront — creating an inspiring atmosphere for motivated students.

Surrounded by museums, monuments, government landmarks, and cultural institutions, Georgetown provides a learning experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Students explore interdisciplinary subjects, engage in hands-on projects, and benefit from instruction delivered by knowledgeable faculty and expert educators.

With its blend of rigorous academics, cultural immersion, and a warm campus community, Georgetown University is an ideal setting for students seeking a meaningful and transformative summer learning experience.

***

✨ Program Environment

• Designed for high school and middle school students seeking strong academics and exciting extracurriculars

• Courses taught by experienced instructors selected from Georgetown’s academic community

• Curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, real-world learning, and foundational skill development

• Ideal for students who are motivated, curious, and eager to explore Washington, D.C.’s culture and history

• Located in a vibrant neighborhood filled with shops, cafes, theaters, and historic landmarks

• Combines academic challenge with opportunities for exploration, leadership, and personal growth

***

🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing (residential programs)

• 🍽 Three meals per day during the week; two meals per day on weekends

• 🎡 Afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreation facilities

• 🛌 Blanket, linens, and pillow

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Some academies and specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

***

🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🧼 Laundry

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

• 🎟 Supplemental course fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

***

🎡 Top Activities in Washington, D.C.

• 🏛 Smithsonian museums, White House visit, MLK Memorial, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Air & Space Museum

• ⚾ Washington Nationals baseball game

• 🌊 National Harbor & D.C. Waterfront

• 🎢 Six Flags

• 🛍 Shopping at Pentagon City Mall and Tysons Corner

***

🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🎧 Silent Disco and Live Band Karaoke

• 🎭 Variety shows with comedians, hypnotists, mentalists, and magicians

• 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports tournaments, leagues, and game nights

• 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with lawn games and music

• 🏀 Staff vs. Students Basketball Tournament

• ⚽ Bubble Soccer Tournament

• 🔫 On-campus Laser Tag