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What is the student ambassador program?
What is the student ambassador program?
The International Speech & Debate Initiative invites each participating school to nominate a Student Ambassador—a student leader who will serve as a bridge between their school and the global community.
This program is designed to empower students with leadership opportunities, foster team building across cultures, and create a network of young advocates committed to expanding access to speech and debate.
Student Ambassadors represent their school in a year-round leadership initiative that includes:
o Monthly online ambassador meetings with peers from around the world as well as leading speech & debate experts including esteemed college coaches.
o Leadership development workshops led by experienced educators and champions
o Community-building activities to strengthen team identity and regional outreach
o An in-person summer leadership event at Harvard University, featuring collaborative labs, strategy summits, and cultural exchange.
Roles & Responsibilities
Roles & Responsibilities
Student Ambassadors are expected to:
o Serve as liaisons between their local team and the ISDI
o Promote speech & debate at their school through outreach, recruitment, and mentorship
o Lead by example in behavior, preparation, and advocacy
o Contribute to global conversations about access, equity, and growth in debate and speech
o Participate actively in online meetings, workshops, and planning sessions
o Ambassadors may also help organize events, assist with regional programming, and present at clinics or summits.
Eligibility
Eligibility
To be eligible to be a Student Ambassador, students:
o Must be enrolled at a participating school in the ISDI
o Should have at least one season of experience in speech and/or debate
o Demonstrate a commitment to leadership, inclusion, and educational growth
o Must be able to attend monthly meetings (virtual) and the summer event (in-person, pending eligibility)
o Schools are encouraged to select students who reflect their program’s diversity and values.
BEnefits for Students
BEnefits for Students
Students selected to be Student Ambassadors will experience numerous benefits from participating in the program. Some benefits include:
o Recognition as a school and international student leader
o Networking with peers, mentors, and TOC alumni from around the world
o Access to exclusive leadership training and summer programming
o Opportunities to shape the direction of speech & debate education globally
o Certificate of participation and leadership portfolio development for college applications
Nominating a student
Nominating a student
Interested in nominating a student from your school to be a Student Ambassador? Please complete the following steps.
1. School administrators/coaches complete a nomination form.
2. Each school may nominate one Student Ambassador.
3. Selected students will be notified and onboarded by the ISDI coordination team.
4. Additional leadership opportunities may be offered based on region or project expansion.
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