Step 1: Assemble Your Team
Grab two friends — or more — and form a team of at least three students, preferably from the same high school or after-school program. Homeschool students in the same geographic area are welcome too! All team members must be full-time high school students (U.S. grades 9–12 or international equivalent).

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Step 2: Register
Register to become an official part of the IPPF! Your $25 team entry fee secures your spot and unlocks IPPF Global Membership — giving you access to resources, updates, and recognition throughout the season. (Note: Registration is free for those teams that sign up by August 15th!)
 

Step 3: Choose Your Side and Start Researching
During the 2025-26 contest, teams will debate the topic, "Resolved: The Group of 20 Nations should levy a global education tax equal to 1% of each member country's gross domestic product to establish a dedicated international organization that supports the provision of universal, free, quality primary and secondary education."  Before you start writing, your team will need to decide whether to affirm or negate the resolution. Use the IPPF Topic Primer (released later this summer) as a springboard, and dig into your own research to build a strong case.

The IPPF 2026-27 topic will be announced soon!

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Step 4: Write Your Essay
Craft a powerful, evidence-based essay (max 3,000 words, MLA style, with a cover page and works cited). This is your team’s qualifying round submission — your chance to show the judges what you’ve got.​

 

Step 5: The Tournament Begins
When the Top 64 teams are announced, they advance to the main tournament: a written, single-elimination debate tournament conducted via email. One team affirms, the other negates, and they trade essays round after round.

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In December, judges blindly review the essay exchanges and select which teams move forward. The process continues until we crown the Elite Eight teams.
 

Step 6: Earn a Trip to New York City
In March, the final eight teams are announced. These Elite Eight teams win an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to compete in the IPPF Finals at the NYU School of Law.

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There, teams face off in live oral debates judged by leading voices in law, business, public policy, debate, and academia.
 

Step 7: Win Big
The IPPF World Champion earns the coveted Brewer Cup and a $10,000 grand prize!
 

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