Urban debate makes a difference in Houston. You can too.

Help HUDL make a difference on this Giving Tuesday!

The research proves it. Debate changes lives.

Published research shows that urban debate leagues in Chicago, Baltimore, and Minnesota produced real results: better test scores, higher GPAs, and lower dropout rates. Emerging data on HUDL shows it's working here too. Controlling for other factors, HUDL participation is associated with higher GPAs, an 11% improvement in Math SAT scores, a 12% improvement in Writing SAT scores, and a 13% improvement in Reading SAT scores!

We can't wait to see this research published, but it confirms what we see with our own eyes. This competitive, fun, and intellectually challenging activity gives students ownership over their educational future, keeps them engaged in school, and teaches them how to think. Your support helps make that opportunity available to all of Houston's students.

You helped put our teams on a national stage, and they grabbed the spotlight.

Queen Eche and Hillary Nguyen of Alief ISD’s Kerr High School took second place in the nation at the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues' championship tournament, held at Georgetown University this past April. This was the first time a Houston team had reached the championship round to compete for the national title. We couldn't be prouder of their success, or more grateful that your support helped make it happen.

How your support helps

As part of our public-private partnerships with the Houston Independent School District and Harris County Department of Education, we help administer and fund interscholastic debate programs for high schools and middle schools. Your contribution helps fund:

HUDL's summer debate camp, bringing students together from across the city

Scholarship awards recognizing the city champions in each of our competitive divisions

Opportunities for our top debaters to participate in national championship events, an incentive that drives student engagement throughout the year

With your help, HUDL makes this important learning opportunity available to all who need it, regardless of their financial means.

Learn more about our programs at houstonurbandebate.org .

Your contribution helps us educate and motivate HUDL students to take advantage of all debate has to offer. Help us create the next generation of Houston's leaders.

Thank you for your support

Happy Holidays

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