Silicon Valley Urban Debate League

Thanks to the generosity of this amazing community we made our double match for all donations up to $5,000 during SV Gives - the $5,000 we raised together became $20,000 for local youth!  

Through the smart sport of debate, SVUDL helps low-income youth channel the power of their voices to compete, excel, and change the world. Since SVUDL’s inception in June 2014, over 200 students at our 5 partner schools have participated in debate programs.  We are ready to add two more for Fall 2016, but we need your help. Our work is just beginning; we have a tremendous opportunity to engage hundreds more youth in a program that channels the power of youth voice to foster a generation of college graduates, leaders, and innovators.

What's the impact for students in need?
The academic impacts of urban debate are supported by peer-reviewed research: with the benefit of hours of argumentation, critical reading, and tournament competition, more than 95% of urban debaters graduate high school. Over 90% of graduates go on to college, and they are 80% more likely to graduate college than their peers. We seek out students who don't already connect with school and help them find achievement on their own terms - this front-page article shows that in our first few months we made a strong start, but there is so much to do.

Doesn't debate only reach a small few?
Individual impacts are just the beginning. We want to change the game for struggling schools. Through teacher trainings and student leadership development, we equip a critical mass of leaders on every campus to make smart cool, showing by example that intelligence is powerful, popular, and attractive. At schools where sports are too often the only path to social recognition, a compelling academic sport is not just another program - it is a vital need.

Where will my money go?
Your investment goes straight to the ones who need it: the hundreds of students waiting to join SVUDL need debate files, workshops, tournaments, and trophies to participate in the rigorous community of debate. Their coaches need training and curricular materials to run inspiring practices and recruit a strong team. With your support, we're going to have their back.

Why Silicon Valley? 
Though Silicon Valley enjoys a reputation for great wealth, it is also home to great need. Nearly 65% of high school students from East Palo Alto drop out; less than 10% of those who graduate attend a four-year college. San Jose alone is home to 75,000 low-income students—more than San Francisco and Oakland combined.

Why now?
The schools and districts of Silicon Valley are ready to seize the opportunity of debate. Overwhelming demand inspired us to add three more schools in Fall 2015 - but with 5 more schools still on the wait list, hundreds more students are waiting for the chance to join. Your support makes their achievement possible!