Programs
National Topic | October – March
Middle School Debate
Debaters at Sojourner Truth Academy share about their experience in debate.
BUILDING SKILLS, CONNECTIONS, AND CONFIDENCE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
“Debate lets us learn how to be part of a team. I haven’t been in sports, so this is a different way to be part of a team and a community. I knew 8th graders even when I was in 6th grade and 7th grade because of debate, and I learned how beneficial it is to have a goal you’re working toward with others.”
– Theresa, Sanford Middle School (MPLS)
We’re proud to host one of the largest middle school debate programs in the nation!
More than 700 Twin Cities middle school students learn the fundamentals of debate through our program.
While learning how to advocate for multiple angles of a relevant and challenging topic, students master core academic skills like argumentation, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and public speaking.
All of our teams are led by a caring teacher-coach, and many also have an assistant coach who’s a current high school debater, someone who can get kids excited about potentially continuing to compete in debate in high school and beyond!
Students compete at up to 6 debate tournaments from January to March. Debaters are paired into partnerships (2-person teams) with a classmate at the same level of competitive mastery. Our debate divisions are designed to get students at every point of entry excited about debate.
Do you want to start a middle school debate team with the MNUDL? Check out this page for more information.
PLUS! We need middle school debate judges! This volunteer opportunity is available for both high school students and adults! Sign up to be a judge during our spring semester season. No experience? No problem. We’ll train you! Learn more at our volunteer page.
