Hundreds of debate teams from around the world entered the 2015–16 International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) competition, but only 16 remain — including HISD’s Bellaire High School. If Bellaire advances in the next round, the team will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the IPPF Finals in New York City on April 2.

Sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and New York University, the IPPF is the first and only competition that gives high school students from around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. By advancing, the students remain eligible to win a $10,000 grand prize. The Bellaire High School team is one of only two teams from Texas to advance this round.

“These students have demonstrated a command of a very complex and timely topic,” says William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors and a founder of the IPPF. “They have emerged from one of the most competitive fields we’ve ever had — and will now compete for a chance to win a trip to New York City for the IPPF Finals.”

The “Elite 8” teams will be announced on Feb. 29. Those teams will travel to New York City on an all-expenses-paid trip to the IPPF Finals in New York City. The IPPF finals give students the opportunity to participate in oral debates in front of some of the world’s foremost experts in debate, business, law, and politics. The winning team will take home the “Brewer Cup” and a $10,000 grand prize.