You’re Invited to the 2026 Mayors Challenge: The Great Healthcare Debate

Support Minnesota Debaters At This Inspiring Event

You’re Invited: The 2026 Mayors Challenge — The Great Healthcare Debate

A Premier Twin Cities Youth Nonprofit Fundraiser

The Minnesota Urban Debate League is proud to present its 14th annual fundraiser – the 2026 Mayors Challenge: The Great Healthcare Debate.

Since 2012, the Mayors Challenge has brought together education advocates, community leaders, and local businesses to watch talented student debaters from MNUDL schools compete in a live showcase debate. This year, the subject of discussion is healthcare, the national debate topic.

Four student debaters representing schools across the Twin Cities metro will go head-to-head on issues related to health insurance. You’ll serve as the judge alongside a panel of experts and VIPs. It’s an evening that’s equal parts compelling, celebratory, and community-driven.

Save the Date

Location: Quincy Hall

Date: Thursday, September 17th, 2026

Join our event to enjoy a compelling debate, network with other individuals who care deeply about local education, and support our students. 

Coming soon: register to attend!

Sponsor the Event: Organizational & Individual Opportunities

Looking to invest in Minnesota youth? Consider sponsoring the Mayors Challenge, one of the region’s most visible fundraising galas supporting a youth nonprofit.

Sponsorship benefits include:

  • Recognition in the Minnesota Star Tribune
  • Logo placement and program involvement
  • Event tickets and VIP access
  • PowerPoint and printed recognition at the gala

Sponsorship levels:

  • Leader — $2,500
  • Advocate — $5,000
  • Changemaker — $7,500
  • Presenting — $10,000
  • Premier — $25,000
  • Individual sponsorships begin at $125

Find the 2026 event sponsorship packet here!

Secure your sponsorship by:

  • August 15th to be included in the mailer.
  • September 8th to receive printed recognition at the event.
  • September 12th for recognition via PowerPoint at the event.

Questions? Contact our Executive Director, Amy Cram Helwich, at cramhe@augsburg.edu or (612) 359-6467.

Beyond Words: Your Support Empowers Minnesota Youth

Mission Driven

Join us in-person in September to make your investment in local youth leaders, advocates, and future policy makers. The Minnesota Urban Debate League empowers more than 1,850 students in ten districts across the seven-county Metro, building skills including critical thinking, argumentation, reading comprehension, and public speaking. Our programs are tailor-made to welcome everyone into the debate community.

Programming includes:

Your sponsorship ensures students across the metro area will have access to this leadership pipeline program. 

Why Debate? 

Debaters learn to deeply research and advocate for multiple angles of crucial contemporary issues. In the process, they gain the academic skills they need to succeed in the classroom and in life. Research shows debaters versus non-debaters have higher attendance rates, MCA reading scores, GPAs, ACT scores, graduation rates, and college acceptance rates.

Learn more about the outstanding impact of debate on students of all academic and demographic backgrounds.

Your sponsorship ensures students across the Twin Cities metro have access to this life-changing leadership program. Help us amplify student voice and achievement. Sponsor a table at this fundraising event celebrating the promise of Minnesota’s youth today.

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