Debate Scholarship Application

The Willamette University Debate Union is proud to offer the Debate Scholarship

A Willamette University student stands in the Oregon State Capitol building.

Eligibility

Any entering first-year student may apply for a Debate Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit proven through accomplishments in high school, however, it does not require prior experience in a formal debate. In order to maintain the scholarship, students must enroll in the Collegiate Debate course every semester and compete at least once per semester. On rare occasions, students not receiving a scholarship during their first year are able to apply for a scholarship in later years.

To Apply:

  • Apply for admission to Willamette University
  • Submit the Debate Scholarship application, including:
    • Reference Letter or Reference Contact Information:
      • Upload a reference letter from your debate coach or another individual who can speak to your ability to contribute to the team
      • Provide contact information (first and last name, email address) for the recommender you have selected so we may contact them for a reference
      • A resume highlighting any experiences that have prepared you to be a contributor to a debate team
      • A response of 500 words (maximum) to ONE of the following:
        • Why are you interested in joining our speech and debate team, and what experiences have prepared you to be a successful contributor to it?
        • If you joined our speech and debate team, how would the experience contribute to the success of your post-graduation plans? In other words, what would you gain from this experience, and how do you plan to apply it in the future? 

Interview

  • Finalists will be invited to interview with our debate coach.

How to apply

Please review all instructions on this page before proceeding with the application.

Apply for a debate scholarship

Priority submission deadline

Early Action/Early Decision Applicants: November 19, 2023

Regular Decision Applicants: February 1, 2024

Questions

Kyle Sessions, Debate Coach
503-370-6678

Willamette University

Debate Union

Address
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
Ruth Feingold
503-370-6285

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