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 connecting 1,800+ students across 67 Twin Cities programs with the tools 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.
