The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) is proud to partner with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to support an increase in diversity in the Policy Debate selection process. In order to have topics that best reflect the evolving needs of our diverse membership, we are committed to increasing the diversity of representation in the Policy Debate selection process. To that end, we have created two two-year Policy Debate topic fellowships to assist.

From Aug 4 - Aug 6, 2023 in Portland Oregon, the two fellows will participate in the NFHS Policy Debate Topic Selection Meeting to learn more about the topic selection process and write a topic paper for the following cycle.  During the fall of 2023 school year, the two fellows will write Policy Debate topic papers.
In August of 2024, the two fellows will present and advocate for their Policy Debate topics. These fellows will be eligible to serve on the NFHS Wording Committee.

The NSDA Policy Debate topic fellows will receive
- Travel honorarium to the NFHS Policy Debate selection process of up to $600
- 2-3 nights of lodging at the NFHS Policy Debate selection hotel
- Meal per diem of up to $50 per day for the selection process
- $250 annual honorarium

Fellows will receive the following from the NFHS:
- A writing stipend on year one of $400
- A writing stipend on year two for $700 upon successful completion of their first Policy Debate topic paper.
- All subsequent years a fellow continues to write a Policy Debate topic paper the NFHS will supply a $400 writing stipend.

To be eligible for a fellowship, applicants should
- Be excited to participate in the Policy Debate topic writing and topic selection process
- Actively coach policy debate at the high school level for at least two previous school years
- Demonstrate a commitment to working with historically underserved or underprivileged students.
- Be committed to participation in 2023 and 2024 Policy Debate topic selection process, including submitting a topic for consideration at the 2024 selection process.
- Complete the authorship process on time and meet all deadlines

Although not required, fellows should
- Be active NSDA coach members
- Have demonstrated experience or interest in debate topic selection processes

Applications are open until May 15. For more information about the NFHS Policy Debate Selection and Wording Committee meeting click here. https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/nfhs-policy-debate-topic-selection-meeting/