National Association for Urban Debate Leagues

Education Administration ProgramsIllinois, United States11-50 Employees

The National Association for Urban Debate Leagues is a nonprofit organization in education administration that aims to close the achievement gap by enabling urban students to compete in academic debate. Its urban debate programs reach 10,154 students across 22 cities in the United States, with 76% from low-income families and 86% students of color. Debaters conduct extensive year-long research on a single complex policy question and compete in two-person teams in 75-minute debates after school.

Independent, peer-reviewed research links urban debate participation to improved educational outcomes, including that 85% of urban debaters attend college, they are 89% more likely than non-debaters to enroll in a four-year college, and 80% more likely to graduate. The organization is based in Chicago, Illinois, and has recently expanded through partnerships, including a 2025 collaboration with Tulsadebate.

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