Four Star Debate: Developing Leaders with General Tommy Franks is a 5 day leadership development camp for 48 of the finest high school students from across the nation. Each summer, these students will gather to voice their views, positions and concerns about some of the most important public policy issues of our day.

Hosted by the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute, the National Center for Policy Analysis, and the Academy of Leadership & Liberty at the Oklahoma Christian University, these students will be immersed in the key issues affecting our country. Presenting their ideas in a televised, free-style debate, and moderated by a nationally known debate moderator, students will have a chance to share their vision for the future with their peers and the American public.

Through Four Star Debate, our goal is to develop young leaders of character who are well informed about our communities’ issues, who are able to communicate a vision for a better future and who can work with people from all walks of life to change the world.

Students will be trained in strategic thinking, planning, communication, teamwork and persuasion and will practice their skills through debate. During the program, students receive practical training in the art of persuasion, gain in-depth knowledge of various public issues, gather valuable team experiences, and develop relationships with other up-and-coming leaders.

Students receive training from NCPA’s professional policy analysts and debate coaches, and university debate students. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to interact with General Tommy Franks who will teach them about leadership. The week is both very demanding and very rewarding for the students. Selection will be based on applications and nominations. Students must be in their junior or senior year in the fall of 2008.

For more information, visit 4StarDebate

Four Star Debate FAQs

What is the debate program?

Four Star Debate is a five-day leadership development camp for high school students. The program's purpose is to develop the leadership skills of 48 of the finest student leaders from around America while giving them a platform to share their views on the major public issues of our time.

Students will be trained in strategic thinking, planning, communication, teamwork, and persuasion. They will practice their skills through debates. During the Debate, students receive practical training in the art of persuasion, gain in-depth knowledge of various public issues, gather valuable team experiences, and develop relationships with other up-and-coming leaders.

Who are the trainers?

Students will receive training from NCPA's professional policy analysts and debate coaches, university professors, and university debate students. Moreover, students will have an opportunity to interact with high-profile leasers such as NCPA president Dr. John C. Goodman, professor of leadership Dr. Nathan B. Mellor, and General Tommy Franks, who will teach them about leading large organization with many competing interest and high stakes.

Who should attend?

Four Star Debate seeks to develop leaders of character to give them experience in dealing with complicated situations requiring plausible resolutions that can be communicated effectively. Four Star Debate is not a purely academic exercise. Accordingly, students selected for the program are not just high academic achievers. Rather, this program seeks to target those students that other students respect and are willing to follow, seeks out participant that are motivated to work hard to achieve a great outcome. Students should have track record of leadership and involvement with programs that serve their communities.

How do I apply?

Students wishing to apply for the program must submit an application form, health information form, and short video addressing a problem in their school or community. Application forms must be accompanied by a completed nomination form from the student's school or other sponsoring organization (such as a church, scouting organization, or home-school association.) The nominees will be reviewed by the directions and the 48 most suitable candidates will be selected to participate.

Who are the hosts?

The Academy of Leadership and Liberty is located on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University. The academy exists to identify, encourage, and support leaders who are willing to use their leadership skills to promote equality, freedom, character, and service. Partnering with numerous corporation, nonprofit organizations, and individuals, the Academy seeks to provide opportunities for inspiration, training, and interaction for emerging and current leaders.

The National Center for Policy Analysis is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization, established in 1983. The NCPA's mission is to seek private sector solutions for public policy problems. The NCPA has become a leading voice for personal empowerment and less government regulation and control.

Visit the NCPA website: NCPA

The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum is a national, world-class facility devoted to enhancing balanced decision-making through the critical study of history, it's mission is to advance the understanding of historical events, encourage leadership development, and inspire enlightened decision-making by providing a forum for critical thinking through scholarly research, exhibits, and public programs. The museum, located in southwest Oklahoma, includes artifacts, papers, dioramas, and interactive components that appeal to visitors of all ages, interest, and educational backgrounds.

The Application Checklist:

* Nomination Form * Application Form Health information Form * Parental permission Form * Video Essay

Nomination Forms:

A completed nomination form must accompany an application form for the student to be considered for the program. Nomination forms can be completed by school principals or counselors, or by the leader of community organization of which the student is a member such as religious organization, scouting organization or home schooling association. Each school or organization may nominate only one student.

Nominated students should be people of character and integrity and possess exceptional leadership potential. Students should not be chosen merely on high academic performance. They must be the kind of students who other students willingly listen to and follow, who are able to clearly articulate a vision and work to bring it about.

Application Forms:

Each student must complete an applications form, which includes personal contact information, parental information, a personal profile, and leadership history. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If necessary, you may attach additional sheets to the application.

Health Information Forms:

Each student must complete a confidential health information form that will be used by the Four Star Debate staff only if the student is selected for the program. Confidential health information forms for students not selected the program will be destroyed. The information included on the forms has no bearing on the selection process and is used by program directors and staff to ensure that students participating in the program have a safe and enjoyable a time as possible.

Parental Permission Forms:

Each student must submit a parental permission form allowing the student to attend the program should he or she be selected. Application forms received without an accompanying parental permission form will not be considered. The parental permission form can be signed by a mother, father or legal guardian. The signer will be contacted to verify should the student be selected for the program.

Video Essay:

In addition the application form, students must submit a video essay describing a problem they have identified in their school or community and offering a solution. the video should be 3-5 minutes long. Student should describe the issue, identify the different constituents and their interest, and provide a solution that is broadly beneficial and that multiple competing interests can adopt. The video will be used to assess the student's communication skills.

Videos can be posted on the Four Star Debate facebook page.

To access the page, visit Facebook . You will need a free account to log in. Once logged in, click the link near the top left corner and search for about " Four Star Debate."