Project Description
Speech and Debate
Goal
The goal of our Speech and Debate Camp is to provide high school students with initial insight into public speaking, and their ability to harness their speaking, listening and cognitive skill sets.
During the two-week speech and debate camp, students will learn about the process of Parliamentary Debate, through instruction and practice debates. Additionally, these awesome students will learn about the skills and techniques of impromptu speaking and engage in both instruction and presentation.
By the end of the two-week speech and debate camp, the goal is for students to gain confidence in their ability to deliver strong, impactful public speaking presentations that will foster a cohesive learning environment for future classes and other speaking scenarios. This will further prepare students for collegiate, and real-world career-based presentation applications.
Program Description
Our Speech and Debate Summer Course for high school students offers an immersive, college-level introduction to public speaking, argumentation, and competitive debate. Through interactive workshops, practice rounds, and personalized coaching, students build confidence, sharpen critical thinking skills, and learn to communicate effectively in a variety of formats, with a primary focus on Parliamentary debate. Students will also develop quick-thinking and adaptability through regular impromptu speaking exercises. The program is designed for both beginners and experienced competitors looking to refine their skills in a supportive, intellectually engaging environment.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower students to think critically, speak confidently, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. We strive to cultivate articulate, informed leaders by fostering rigorous analysis, respectful dialogue, and a passion for effective communication.
Curriculum Set Up/Game Plan
Week 1: Harness the Power of Public Speaking
Monday – Tuesday 1.5 hrs of instruction on Parliamentary Debate and 1.5 hrs of practice debates.
Wednesday-Friday 1.5 hrs of instruction on Impromptu Speaking and 1.5 hrs of Impromptu practice presentations
During all Parliamentary Debate presentations, students not presenting at the time will serve as the audience, and will be provided with anonymous judging ballots to determine who wins the debate
Week 2: Impact the Power of Public Speaking
Monday-Tuesday 1.5 hrs of round 1 debate 1.5 hrs round 2 debate
Wednesday-Debate Final Rounds for Competition. Students will be awarded medals based on their placing in the debate competition.
Recap for Impromptu speaking
Thursday-up to 3 hours of Impromptu Speaking
Friday, up to 3 hours for Final Rounds for Competition for Impromptu speaking.
Summer Camp Instructors
She also serves as an assistant coach for the award-winning Speech and Debate Team, where she helps students develop strong public speaking and presentation skills. Through personalized coaching, structured practice, and constructive feedback. She supports students in building confidence, organizing persuasive arguments, and delivering effective presentations.
I am passionate about helping students connect theory with real-world applications, especially in areas like programming, artificial intelligence, and software development. I enjoy guiding learners of all levels to build practical projects, think critically, and develop confidence in using technology creatively.
Upon graduation from Texas Southern University in 2000, he began working as a News Editor with KRIV Fox 26. In 2004, he began his teaching career as an Adjunct Instructor with Texas Southern University. That appointment led to him teaching in the discipline of Speech Communication with San Jacinto College, Houston City College, the Lone Star College system, the Art Institute of Houston, and now, with the prestigious North American University.
Currently, Mr. Keller is still working on reporting the morning news, along with teaching as a full-time professor with North American University. He is also the head coach of the North American University Speech and Debate Team.
In addition, he was ordained in early 2025 as a Deacon with Dominion Church International, where he proudly serves the people of God as a humble servant leader.
Mr. Keller enjoys spending quality time with his lovely wife, Latanya Keller, travelling, kayaking, bicycling, and volunteering on mission trips during the summer with his son Wynton.
Unlike traditional programs, Dr. Zhamanov’s courses go beyond theory — students build, experiment, and create. From designing their own AI agents using cutting-edge tools like OpenClaw, to developing games powered by AI, to exploring how real networks are protected from cyber threats, every session is immersive and practical.
His teaching style is energetic, modern, and results-driven, focused on helping students think like engineers, solve real problems, and gain confidence with technologies shaping the future.
At the summer bootcamp, students don’t just learn about technology — they build it, control it, and understand it.
