New York City Urban Debate League

21st-century learning skills

“Competitive debate is one of the great equalizers of educational opportunity.  In a number of respects, competitive urban debate is almost uniquely suited to building what’s been called the ‘Four C’s’ of 21st century skills—critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. And to that list I might add a fifth ‘C’— for civic awareness and engagement.”  

– US Secretary of Education Arne DuncanUS Department of Education, honoring our debaters in Washington D.C.