New York City Urban Debate League

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New York City Urban Debate League We are proud to serve 4,300 students from across New York City.

We unlock the transformative power of debate for New York City public school students to develop the next generation of informed, compassionate, and courageous leaders. The New York City Urban Debate League unlocks the transformative power of debate for New York City public school students to develop the next generation of informed, compassionate, and courageous leaders.

What a day! 🎉 We had 57 elementary and middle school coaches joined us in person for our Cross District Kickoff.New coac...
10/13/2026

What a day! 🎉 We had 57 elementary and middle school coaches joined us in person for our Cross District Kickoff.

New coaches got a Debate 101 crash course while returning coaches tried out debate games to keep students engaged. Then everyone tackled contention writing, rebuttals, and Q&A, and wrapped up with an elementary-style practice debate (and cupcakes 🧁).

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! 🎉 Today we celebrated the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples wi...
10/12/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! 🎉 Today we celebrated the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples with our debaters. We spent the day sharpening their debate skills at a workshop in our office, then headed across the street for a visit to the National Museum of the American Indian. They came away inspired, curious, and full of great questions. What a way to honor the day!

The High School Elective Program brings NYCUDL debate curriculum to any high school looking to offer debate training dur...
10/09/2026

The High School Elective Program brings NYCUDL debate curriculum to any high school looking to offer debate training during the school day. On September 30, new and returning coaches came together to launch the program's fourth year, choosing from a set of elective sessions so every coach could sharpen their skills alongside NYCUDL staff.

Our programming team now includes more former classroom teachers, who offered practical guidance on bringing debate into everyday instruction, and this year's kickoff also reflected growing interest from schools using the elective to fulfill the Seal of Civic Readiness. We are especially excited to build on this momentum by bridging HSE debaters into Open League this year, giving them the chance to keep growing as debaters past the classroom.

On September 28, District 13 coaches, both new and returning, gathered at PS 9 to kick off the season together. Returnin...
10/08/2026

On September 28, District 13 coaches, both new and returning, gathered at PS 9 to kick off the season together. Returning coaches shared strategies and lessons learned with new coaches, building a strong sense of community before diving into the year's resources and best practices for running a successful club.

From there, coaches turned to this season's topic, Resolved: NYC should prioritize green space development, working through the core arguments they will bring back to their students. The day closed with a mini debate, giving new coaches a hands-on feel for what a round looks like at the elementary level.

We are looking forward to another year of great debate in D13! Sign up to judge at their Dec 10 tournament: https://debate.nyc/judges/

Happy World Teachers' Day! 🍎Today we're celebrating our amazing coaches, who are almost all teachers. After a full day i...
10/05/2026

Happy World Teachers' Day! 🍎

Today we're celebrating our amazing coaches, who are almost all teachers. After a full day in the classroom, they stay late to help students find their voices through debate.

Our coaches are our direct path to students and such a vital part of our mission. We're so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you, coaches! 💙

Meet our October Debater Spotlight: Derick from WHEELS!Derick got his start in Parliamentary debate in middle school and...
10/05/2026

Meet our October Debater Spotlight: Derick from WHEELS!

Derick got his start in Parliamentary debate in middle school and has been competing in Public Forum for the past two years. He was part of our Summer Debate Institute and recently joined us at S&P Global for a day of debate and financial education.

Derick brings dedication and curiosity to everything he does, and we are proud to celebrate him this month.

🎥 https://debate.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DerickOct26.mp4

The 2026-2027 debate season is here! In this month's newsletter, we are recapping a busy month of program kickoffs, spot...
10/01/2026

The 2026-2027 debate season is here! In this month's newsletter, we are recapping a busy month of program kickoffs, spotlighting standout debater Derick, and sharing details on our upcoming student workshop on Indigenous Peoples' Day.

We are also excited to welcome two new members to our curriculum team: Ashlyn Koga and Chelsea Hodgson!

Read the October issue of The Resolution to explore volunteer opportunities and see how you can get involved this season: https://mailchi.mp/debate/the-resolution-october-edition-9305584

We were thrilled to bring a group of NYCUDL high school debaters to S&P Global's offices on September 17 for a day of de...
09/24/2026

We were thrilled to bring a group of NYCUDL high school debaters to S&P Global's offices on September 17 for a day of debate and financial education.

The morning began with a series of workshops led by S&P employees on interest rates, debt and inflation, and currencies, with students testing their new knowledge in a quiz for prizes. Two rounds of debate followed, judged by S&P employees, giving students the chance to showcase their skills for finance professionals and picture themselves working somewhere like S&P one day.

We are grateful to MattKamara, Senior Director at S&P Global and NYCUDL EFPAC member, who organized the workshops and served as our main point of contact, and to Eric Aboaf, CFO at S&P Global and former NYCUDL Board Chair, who supported the event and offered closing remarks to the students.

Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6FtBCgFpnofDRcZ27

If your company or firm would like to partner with us to create a similar opportunity for our debaters, please reach out to Amisha Mody Mehta or email [email protected].

Save the date! 📅 NYCUDL high school debaters are invited to our office on Monday, October 12 to celebrate Indigenous Peo...
09/17/2026

Save the date! 📅 NYCUDL high school debaters are invited to our office on Monday, October 12 to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with us!

The day will include debate workshops, practice drills, and a visit to the National Museum of the American Indian, just steps from our office.

Come sharpen your skills and celebrate the day with your fellow debaters!

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Latina! Happy Latinx Heritage Month! 🎉Debate has helped shape some of the most powerful Latinx...
09/16/2026

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Latina! Happy Latinx Heritage Month! 🎉

Debate has helped shape some of the most powerful Latinx voices in politics, media, and beyond. From courtroom to classroom to Congress, debate builds the confidence and critical thinking that Latinx leaders have used to change the conversation. Swipe through to meet a few of them 👇

Address

25 Broadway, Fl 12th
New York, NY
10004

Telephone

+19177746539

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