Back-to-School

Where young people discover the power of their voice.

Serving 300+ students in 15 under-resourced schools, Bay Area Urban Debate League equips students with the confidence, critical thinking, and community to succeed in school and beyond.

As a community-based nonprofit, we rely on the support of our community to help sustain our programming so that it can remain free and accessible for all of our students.

We're asking for donations to kick off the school year strong!

Donate

Bay Area students deserve better opportunities.

Only three out of every ten students in Oakland are reading and writing at grade level. These foundational skills shape academic success, confidence, and future opportunities.

This isn't a reflection of our students' potential. It's the result of generations of underinvestment in public education. When schools lack resources, students lose opportunities—not ability.

The debate solution

Debate gives students a reason to read deeply, think critically, speak confidently, and believe in their own potential. These are the same skills that help young people succeed in school, college, careers, and civic life.

Through practices and tournaments, students of all backgrounds strengthen reading, writing, research, public speaking, and critical thinking while building confidence that extends beyond the classroom. Students dedicate roughly 18 hours preparing for and competing in each tournament, engaging with material at a level comparable to many college courses.

The results speak for themselves.

Debate education is associated with stronger academic outcomes, higher graduation rates, and increased college enrollment.

For six consecutive years:

100% of BAUDL seniors graduated from high school
90% of BAUDL seniors enrolled in college (compared to 60% district-wide)

But BAUDL is about more than debate. We create spaces of belonging where students feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow. Where young people become confident learners, thoughtful leaders, and advocates for themselves and their communities.

Our students say it best.

“BAUDL is the reason why I graduated high school. BAUDL made me realize that I belong in places from which the world tried to exclude me.”

–Val, BAUDL alumni turned staff, now attending UCLA

“BAUDL helped pave the way for my success in life [and] helped me grow into someone who knows the importance of thinking deeply and taking action.”

–Gabe, Skyline alumni, now a graduate of UC Berkeley

“Debate doesn’t just change individual lives, it makes entire communities stronger and more inclusive."

–Emily Ng, Oakland Tech alumni and 2025 valedictorian, now attending Stanford

Invest in the next generation of leaders.

Every dollar helps students have access to debate education, supportive mentors, meals, transportation, and opportunities that prepare them for college, careers, and community leadership.

$100 provides a week of snacks that keep students fueled during after-school practice
$500 supplies five research kits including 50-page evidence packets and other materials
$1,000 supports an alumni coach who mentors the next generation
$1,500 pays for one bus to transport students to local tournaments
$4,500 funds a student traveling to participate in a national debate camp

BAUDL Back-to-School