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High School Ethics Bowl

An opportunity for high school students to win scholarships and develop ethical leadership skills by presenting their views on an ethical business case study.

One-time scholarships will be awarded to winning team members. Additional academic scholarships will be awarded to winning team members if members attend DeSales University. Scholarships are $2,500 to each first-place team member; $1,500 to each second-place team member; and $1,000 to each third-place team member. These academic scholarships are annual for four years and are only applicable if the team member attends DeSales University.

  • Register early for this exciting and educational event. Space is limited to 10 teams, with one team (4-5 members) per school.
  • Registrations will be accepted beginning August 1st on a first come, first serve basis. After September 15, we will open registration to a second team from participating schools if there are spots still available. 
  • If 10 teams don't register by the deadline, a lottery will be held for those schools who would like to send a second team.
  • This year's case will focus on college athletics. Teams will have access to the case starting on August 1st or once the team registers online.

Details about the High School Ethics Bowl

  • Schedule of Events

    • 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. 
      Registration and Breakfast 
      Commonwealth Room
    • 8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. 
      Welcome & Opening Remarks 
      Commonwealth Room
    • 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
      First Round 
      Assigned Rooms
    • 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 
      Lunch 
      Commonwealth Room
    • 12:15 p.m.
      Announcement of Finalists & Presentation Order
      Commonwealth Room
    • 1:00, 1:45 & 2:30 p.m.
      Final Round Presentations
      Trexler/Hurd
    • 3:30 p.m. 
      Closing Remarks and Award Announcements
      Commonwealth Room

  • The Contest

    First Round

    • Each team is provided with the case study in advance and asked to respond to specific questions.
    • Teams present to a panel of judges; presentations are not to exceed 20 minutes.
    • Presentations are followed by questioning from the judges (not to exceed 15 minutes). 
    • A moderator in each room is responsible for keeping time and concluding the presentations and questions at the appropriate times.
    • At the conclusion of each presentation, the judges have an additional 5 minutes to complete their evaluation forms. The forms will then be collected. 
    • At the conclusion of the first round, the judges will have time as a group to deliberate before the finalists are announced during lunch. All evaluation forms will be available for review by the judges during their deliberation period. 
    • Three teams will be selected to advance to the final round. 

    Final Round   

    • Finalists will be provided with a “twist” related to the original case and given 45 minutes to prepare a response. 
    • The teams will then present their decision to the full panel of judges; the presentations are not to exceed 15 minutes and will be followed by questioning from the judges not to exceed 15 minutes. 
    • A moderator will once again be responsible for monitoring and calling time.
    • At the conclusion of the final round, the judges will be given time to deliberate before the final placement of each team is announced

  • Judging Criteria

    The Content of the Presentation

    • Clearly distinguishes between ethics and law.
    • Clearly articulates the ethical considerations in arriving at their stated position.
    • Demonstrates knowledge/understanding of ethical behavior within a business environment.
    • Applies decision-making principles and techniques to a situation with an ethical dilemma.
    • Makes a clear and compelling case for their stated position.

    The Presentation

    • Demonstrates clarity and quality of expression.
    • Demonstrates thoughtful organization of ideas.
    • Showes evidence of mature judgment.
    • Includes effective participation by all team members.
    • Team conduct of a professional manner.
    • Overall impression and responses to the judge’s questions.