Our Mission
Amplifying Student Voices Through Debate
For over 20 years, the Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) has empowered Twin Cities students to become engaged learners, critical thinkers, and active global citizens who are effective advocates for themselves and their communities.
As a nonprofit program of Augsburg University, MNUDL is helping 1,500+ students across 67 Twin Cities programs build the skills they need to succeed in college, careers, and beyond — all through an engaging, competitive, and hands-on learning model centered in debate.
Our Impact
66% Greater Attendance
Minneapolis Public Schools district evaluations, which provided a control peer comparison of debaters versus non-debaters, found 96% of debaters meet attendance benchmarks while 30% of their peers do.
12-14% Higher MCA Scores
After just one year of debate, Minneapolis debaters increased their MCA standardized reading scores by 12-14% (even after controlling for race, income, and previous academic performance.)
Higher Advanced Class Enrollment
67% of Minneapolis debaters enrolled in at least one advanced class, compared to 48% of their peers. For students of color, 57% of debaters had enrolled in at least one advanced class last year, compared to 39% of peers.
“Ever since I first joined debate, it’s been a passion that’s shaped my confidence and leadership skills. I’m excited to continue to grow and to help others do the same.”
“I’ve kept with debate because it has the most supportive and intelligent people I’ve met in one concentrated community.”
“I’ve gained the confidence
in myself to know I can do it.
That’s what debating does for me.”
“In debate, you can learn more about world problems in depth. It’s a place where you can speak up about them.”
“No matter what level you start at, taking English or Spanish debate will help you become good at speaking.”
“Debate is challenging, but it’s worth it. It gives you a chance to speak out.”
