Support Urban Debate
Preparing Urban Youth to Lead in the 21st Century

"My ultimate goal is to change the world, with my words and with the truth. No matter what I end up doing it is going to help those who grew up the way I did, under the worst of circumstances.

Rashid Campbell,
Bay Area Urban Debate League, 2010

"Debate got me off the streets and farther away from the poor decisions I was making when I attended high school. People who knew me then would never have conceptualized me becoming a National Debate Champion"



Sarah Walker,
Detroit Urban Debate League, National UDL Rupe Public Debate Champion, 2010

"It really gives me confidence. ...I have friends who are respected because they play football and basketball. I get respect for being on the debate team."

Percy Norman,
Boston Debate League, 2010

The evidence that learning to debate and competing in debate will make a difference for the students who choose to participate is clear and compelling. Debaters have better attendance, better grades, and fewer disciplinary reports - facts confirmed in two recently published research studies. Students who debate have higher standardized test scores and grade point averages, and are significantly more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college. Debaters who do go on to college are much better prepared academically - having honed valuable skills in research, writing, listening, argumentation, and communication; skills that are critical for success in college, graduate school, and their future careers.

Unfortunately, not all students in the U.S. have the opportunity to participate in competitive debate. Since 2002, the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues has been working to bring this opportunity to students in urban schools districts throughout the U.S.

Today there are 19 Urban Debate Leagues across the country that reach approximately 5,000 students each year, yet more than a million students in urban high schools drop out of school each year. We must reach more students; we must do better.

Urban Debate is a powerful catalyst for change. Your gift of $100 will help fund the Urban Debate National Championship tournament and our efforts to increase access to competitive debate programs in urban schools.