NextGen Debate is an online platform aiming to bring the middle and high school debate communities together. We want debate to become more accessible to everyone and to strengthen existing organizations through education and collaboration. More specifically, debate students, coaches, volunteers, and league admins are all encouraged to sign up regardless of your current level of experience. 

Yes. Your NGD membership is completely free and never expires. Some course packages and league specific memberships may require a separate purchase to unlock, but your account, your community access, and a growing library of free content is available to everyone. 

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit  that is funded by local grants and micro donations. We do not charge for debate opportunities as long as we can afford too. 

Not at all. NGD welcomes individual members regardless of league or school affiliation. Many of our members come from rural areas or programs that are just getting started. The platform is designed to support you wherever you are in your debate journey.

No problem. If your league isn’t yet affiliated with NGD you can register as an independent member (often called a floater) and still access everything the platform has to offer. Your league can always join later and you can transfer your affiliation at that time. 

NGD serves debaters as young as 5th grade. Minors registering on the platform are required to have parental awareness and consent. If you have questions about account access for younger students, please contact our support team.