Washington Urban Debate League (WUDL) supports, sustains, and starts new debate programs at public middle and high schools in the greater Washington area, especially at Title 1 schools. We work with more than 80 schools across the D.C. area, host the local tournament schedule, providing curriculum and resources to schools and students, host a summer program, and are other-wise a one-stop shop for debate in the region. We've won numerous awards across the last ten years, including from the Spur Local as "one of the best" local nonprofits), the National Association of Urban Debate Leagues (Most Outstanding League), and are the reigning UDL Middle School National Champions (6 years in a row(!)
Why Debate?
Peer reviewed research shows that debate is one of the best things that a student can do with their time to compliment their traditional education. Debate improves test scores and grades, graduation and college attendance, social-emotional growth, literacy, and civic engagement. Before the WUDL, debate programs were few and far between at public schools, especially in Title 1 Schools, existing only at elite private or suburban schools. Our programming makes a great educational opportunity available to students who haven't traditionally had access to it.
Our Program: Volunteers attend Saturday tournaments to listen and provide feedback on youth advocacy. Their feedback drives practices for months afterwards. Tournaments occur once a month, and rotate around the city so nobody has to travel too far all the time.
