Are you an experienced, successful varsity debater looking for a "top lab" experience? Welcome to the 2008 Zag Scholars Program at the Gonzaga Debate Institute. The Zags Scholars Program is designed to bring together some of the most intelligent, driven, committed, and dedicated debaters from across the nation. The application process for the Zag Scholars is completely separate from the rest of the GDI. Click here for an application. We generally receive well over 100 applications for this program, from which we select 20 to Scholars. We have established a strong tradition of success in our Scholars Program. Zag Scholars have gone on to receive multiple TOC bids and win late elimination debates and speaker awards at some of the most competitive tournaments in the nation including The Glenbrooks, St. Marks, Greenhill, and many others.
The Scholars lab will combine an intense research experience with a practical curriculum of practice debates, redos, block writing, and other skills based work. In addition to the GDI Lecture Series, Scholars will also receive individualized lectures from a variety of GDI faculty. Your first two weeks of the program will be heavily devoted to research and learning the topic. Your final weeks will be devoted to skill work culminating in the Scholars RR at the GDI Tournament.
Faculty: The Zag Scholars will be taught by Jason Russell, Sarah Holbrook and Jeff Buntin. Jason has been on the faculty of the GDI for 7 years. He has coached at Michigan State University, Gonzaga University, and most recently at the University of Oklahoma where he is also a PhD candidate in Communication Studies. Sarah Holbrook is returning to the GDI for her third summer. She has also taught at the University of Texas and Stanford debate institutes and is widely regarded as one of the best college judges and coaches in the nation. We're very glad to have her back on our Scholars Faculty.
Cost: The Zag Scholars Program is subsidized with scholarships provided by the Gonzaga Debate Program. The cost to the student is $1100, which includes all instruction, dorm costs, printed evidence set*, and evidence CDs, Scholars dinner, t-shirt, timer, and other GDI goodies. Students will have the option of purchasing a meal plan if desired. As you have probably figured out, this is an amazing cost for this program. In fact, you will not find a better value for this level of lab anywhere in the nation. Because of this labs record of success, as well as the subsidized cost, this is an incredibly competitive lab and acceptance is difficult. Please note: Over 80% of students who apply will not be admitted. If we do not accept you into the Scholars Lab we strongly urge you to consider attending our four week varsity labs.
Should you apply? Thats ultimately up to you, but please keep in mind that with very little exception Scholars are juniors or seniors with extensive varsity level experience. These students consistently clear to elimination debates and represent the very best in high school CX debate. If you think that describes you, then please apply.
We will begin accepting applications for the 2008 Scholars Program on January 1st, 2008. Please email the application to Glen Frappier, .s
Glen Frappier, GDI Director
Jason Russell, Director of the Zag Scholars
* each partnership will receive a printed set of evidence as part of their tuition.
