Harvard HPR Debate Challenge Camp
2026 · Shanghai
—— One-Week Intensive: Writing, Argumentation, and Oral Defense ——
About The Harvard Political Review (HPR)
The Harvard Political Review (HPR) is a student-run journal of politics, policy, and culture. Fully written and published by Harvard undergraduates, it is affiliated with the Harvard Institute of Politics.
Founded in 1969 by a group of Harvard undergraduates, HPR was created to provide a platform for students to research, write, edit, and publish insightful reporting and commentary in a rational, objective forum. To this day, HPR maintains no unified editorial stance. While each article represents distinct viewpoints, the publication as a whole does not endorse any ideological or partisan positions.
Over the decades, HPR has nurtured some of America’s most distinguished political talents. Notable alumni include:
- Al Gore Jr. (Former U.S. Vice President, Nobel Laureate)
- E.J. Dionne (Washington Post Columnist)
- Jonathan Alter (Former Senior Editor & Columnist, Newsweek)
- Jeffrey Sachs (Director, Earth Institute at Columbia University)
In recent years, HPR contributors have repeatedly won the “Award for Outstanding University Political Writing” from the National Press Club, and have secured prominent positions at media outlets including Politico, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.
Core Information
Target Participants
Middle School Students (Grades 6-12) aiming for Ivy League/G5 universities, needing to enhance comprehensive academic abilities in Writing, Speaking & Defense.
Camp Duration
Summer 2026 (5 days, 4 nights; exact dates to be announced. Early bird registration secures priority grouping rights.)
Venue
Premium Venue in Shanghai (exact address provided post-registration, ensuring an immersive learning environment.)
Mentor Team
20 Undergraduates from HPR Editorial Board (traveling from the U.S. to provide specialized training in Writing, Speaking & Defense.)
Program Fee
¥39,800 RMB (includes 3D capability special course, small group instruction, challenge competition, materials, as well as all meals and accommodation)
3D Ability Training System · Focus on Academic Core
| Ability Dimension | Specialized Training Content | Target Outcomes (Ivy League-Aligned) | Corresponding Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing Ability | Political commentary framework building, argument logic, academic language norms (1-on-1 draft polishing + optimization suggestions) | Produce high-quality political commentary essays eligible for HPR column submission, solidify written expression skills | Writing |
| Speaking Ability | Viewpoint refinement skills, stage presence training, expression rhythm control (repeated simulation drills + mentor feedback) | Clearly and compellingly convey core essay viewpoints, enhance verbal expression capabilities | Speaking |
| Defense Ability | On-the-spot adaptability skills, question response logic, academic language norms (Ivy League defense scenario还原 + stress testing) | Calmly respond to judge questions, demonstrate critical thinking depth and on-the-spot reaction, aligned with elite university assessments | Defense |
9 Core Benefits · Full-Cycle Empowerment of 3D Abilities
3D Ability Specialized Courses
Covers the full chain of “Writing Framework → Speaking Expression → Defense Adaptability”, aligned with Harvard academic training standards
Small-Group Training (10-15 Students)
Stratified grouping based on writing/speaking foundation, ensuring precise 3D ability guidance tailored to individual levels
1-on-1 Customized Guidance
Exclusive coaching from Harvard mentors, targeting writing logic, speaking stage presence, and defense weaknesses for targeted improvement
Multi-Level Honor Certification
Completion certificate + Champion/Runner-up/3rd Place + 1st/2nd/3rd Prizes + Merit/Honorable Mention Awards to enrich academic resume
HPR Column Green Channel
Top writing performers get direct access to HPR column preliminary review, validating writing abilities on an international platform
Dual Ivy League Application Guidance
Combined with 3D ability outcomes, provide application strategy consulting + essay writing guidance to strengthen application competitiveness
Immersive Challenge Competition
Compete in “Essay Presentation + On-Site Defense” format to practically test mastery of 3D abilities
Harvard Mentor Award Presentation
Champion/Runner-up/3rd Place awarded by Harvard undergraduates, focusing on comprehensive 3D ability performance to enhance honor value
Elite Network Connection
Exchange writing ideas, speaking experience, and defense skills with like-minded peers to build academic connections
5-Day Training Schedule · Progressive 3D Ability Development Loop
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Core Ability Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | — | 14:00 Check-in (Receive 3D Ability Training Manual) | Pre-Camp Icebreaker (Speaking icebreaker led by Harvard mentors) | Speaking Warm-up |
| Tuesday | 09:00 Opening Ceremony (Interpretation of 3D Ability Training Goals) | Small Groups (10-15): Writing Specialized Training (Political Commentary Framework) | Writing Idea Exchange (Group Discussion + Mentor Feedback) | Writing Foundation |
| Wednesday | 09:00 Writing Optimization + Speaking Skills Training (Expression Rhythm) | Speaking + Defense Simulation (Recreate Challenge Competition Scenario) | Review Session (Identification of Writing/Speaking/Defense Issues) | Speaking + Defense Integration |
| Thursday | 09:00 Speaking & Defense Challenge Competition (Comprehensive 3D Ability Competition) | Award Evaluation (Scoring based on 3D Ability Performance) | Award Ceremony (Harvard mentors comment on 3D Ability Highlights) | 3D Ability Competition |
| Friday | 09:00 Ivy League Forum (How 3D Abilities Boost Applications) | 12:00 Closing Ceremony (Group Photo) | —— | Application Empowerment |
Professional Grouping Mechanism · Ensure Precise 3D Ability Improvement
Pre-Registration Requirements
After payment, submit a self-topic political commentary essay (focus on assessing writing logic and viewpoint expression, serving as the core basis for grouping)
Grouping Criteria
The HPR Editorial Board will divide participants based on essay quality into:
- Basic Group (focus on writing framework + speaking fundamentals)
- Advanced Group (focus on defense skills + practical optimization)
Ensure 3D ability guidance matches individual foundation
Grouping Advantages
Avoid “falling behind in writing” or “lack of challenge in speaking”, enabling every participant to “stretch and achieve” in 3D ability dimensions, maximizing improvement efficiency
Secure Ivy League Competitiveness, Register Now!
Early bird registration secures priority grouping rights, close interaction with Harvard mentors, and master core Ivy League 3D abilities
Consultation Hotline: 86 21 80392233 | Official Email: info@hprdebatecamp.com