DUDL programs are proven to boost student achievement, engagement and graduation rates in our schools.Former U.S. Sec. of Ed. Arne Duncan says, "To be very clear, the experience of competing on an urban debate team boosts your college readiness and our chance to succeed in life."
Testimonials
Viviana graduated from Yale in May of 2018. Viviana says this about her involvement in the DUDL:
In middle school, I was a failing student. I wasn't really interested in obtaining good grades because I lacked the motivation to do anything for myself.. My eight grade teacher, Mr. Munoz, started talking about creating a debate team. Although I was far from an outstanding student, Mr. Munoz knew I had a passion for argumentation and being aware of the world around me. He quickly recruited me and began preparations for joining the debate league. After my first debate, I noticed that I had become a better reader, speaker and thinker.
School became a breeze. Paying attention became vital as topics discussed in the everyday classroom appeared more and more in debate. I became a 4.0 student, a complete turn-around from the student I was in middle school.
I can't imagine my high school career without debate, and a large part of my success can be attributed to my involvement with the Denver Urban Debate League.
-Viviana Andazola, York International Debate Team