HERNDON, VA - Young America's Foundation, with the generous support of the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation, will host the Great Debate Series at key campuses across the nation.

The topic will be "The Role of Government in a Free Society," covering a broad framework of current issues with a philosophical anchor in the American founding. 

The three debates already scheduled include:

• September 20, 2012: John Stossel vs. Governor Howard Dean - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• October 01, 2012: Liz Cheney vs. Robert Gibbs - Ball State University
• October 18, 2012: Senator Rick Santorum vs. Governor Howard Dean - Cornell University

With many young people struggling to find jobs upon graduation, mounting college debt, and the Youth Misery Index at an all-time high, more students are looking for relief. The question is: Will they seek support from the government or from the free market?

Regardless of the outcome of the election in November, students will pay closer attention to the national debate on public policy than ever before. The goal of this series is to give thousands of students a chance to engage in the public policy process by hearing from prominent leaders of our country.

Young America's Foundation is working with campus organizers to schedule additional debates. All updates and schedule additions will be available at YAF.org.

Ron Robinson, president of Young America's Foundation, said, "Our nation's college campuses should be open to a free exchange of ideas, but with liberal professors outnumbering conservatives nine-to-one, our students only hear one side's view on the role of government. 

"Young Americans deserve to be engaged in this debate-and to hear from contrarian views. Their future is being mortgaged away to pay for programs which aren't helping them find jobs. Yet, are professors giving an accurate picture of this crisis? Because our campuses have failed to present both sides, we will."