Our Mission

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.

Unlock

We strive to unlock the transformative power of debate for our students, believing that every student holds the potential for academic success, civic engagement, and college readiness—potential that can flourish with the right support and opportunities for growth.

Transformative

We believe that debate is transformative in shaping the lives of all our students. Students, coaches, alumni, and our staff attest to the life-altering effects debate has had on them in enabling them to build confidence, be advocates for themselves and their communities, and feel a sense of belonging in academic spaces.

NYC Public School Students

Our focus is on bringing academic debate to all New York City Public School students because they are the students who have traditionally been left out of the debate space. Academic debate has historically been for the most academically successful students at the most elite private and public schools in the country. We believe that all students, regardless of academic background or school, will benefit and should have access to a debate team in their school.

Informed

One of academic debate’s most unique and important tools is shaping students who are educated and informed on a wide range of issues. Debate topics in the last year have ranged from banning zoos to congestion pricing to civil disobedience to congressional term limits to fast fashion to US military support to Taiwan.

Compassionate

Beyond the well-known benefits of debate, one of its most important aspects is the requirement to argue both sides of an issue. This process—researching a controversial topic, understanding multiple perspectives, and advocating for each side—deepens students’ overall understanding. Debate also trains students in active listening, as they must fully grasp their opponent’s arguments in order to respond effectively. We teach that the strongest rebuttals often begin by acknowledging the validity of the opposing view. These skills strengthen critical thinking and encourage empathy, helping students remain thoughtful and respectful—even when they disagree. This practice is foundational in becoming a compassionate, open-minded individual.

Courageous

Debate is a practice in public speaking, but also in speaking out on issues that are important to students and their communities. This practice allows students to take their public speaking and critical thinking skills to be advocates on issues important to them. In doing so, students build the courage to express their views clearly and confidently, even in the face of disagreement. By regularly engaging with opposing perspectives, they develop resilience and learn to speak up for what they believe in, both in and out of debate rounds.

Develop

We strive to create opportunities and spaces that support the growth and development of students so they can reach their full potential. To ensure this space is inclusive and accessible to all students, we focus on meeting them where they are. This includes working closely with coaches to build culturally responsive and institutionally strong programs, designing scaffolded curriculum that supports students at all levels of academic readiness, and selecting topics that engage and inspire students to explore issues affecting their communities. By centering student voice and experience, we aim to create a learning environment where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. This approach not only enhances academic skills, but also nurtures confidence, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to civic engagement.

Leaders

Debate creates leaders who are not only confident in their ability to think critically and communicate effectively, but also equipped to take action. Through debate, students become advocates who can speak powerfully on behalf of themselves, their peers, and their communities. They learn to research deeply, articulate their ideas clearly, and respond thoughtfully under pressure—skills essential to leadership in any field. By developing the courage to voice their opinions and the discipline to listen and engage respectfully, students grow into informed, responsible leaders who are ready to influence change in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond.