Minnesota Urban Debate League

Let Your Voice Be Heard

The Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) is a program of Augsburg University which provides resources and programming to support competitive academic debate in Twin Cities high schools and middle schools. The mission of MNUDL is to empower students through competitive academic debate to become engaged learners, critical thinkers, and active citizens who are effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Currently, MNUDL currently serves more than 1,400 students at 40+ partner schools and has seen sustained growth in student participation since its inception in 2004.

We believe that debate is for all students and debate benefits everyone. Voice Power Change is more than our motto. It is our driving belief.

The MNUDL provides everything a school needs to have a debate team. We recruit, train, pay, and support teachers and alums to coach; provide curriculum focused on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as well as evidence packets related to each program area, and run tournaments - both virtual and in-person. Tournament essentials include: tournament fees, volunteer judges, meals for students, medals, and program supplies. Our work makes it possible for schools that serve historically underrepresented students to offer debate.

Our Programs: As MNUDL has expanded, we have found new ways to enact our mission by reaching more diverse audiences.

National Topic High School Debate: Two-student partnerships compete. Next year, students will debate intellectual property rights and how they intersect with AI and international politics.

Middle School Debate: This program adapts the debate model for 5th-8th grade students. Next year, students will debate Mars Colonization.

Spanish Debate League: All practices, tournaments, and curriculum are in held Spanish to engage heritage Spanish speakers. Students debated US-Cuba Relations in 2024. We recently partnered with Boston Debate League to launch the first national Spanish Debate programming.

East African Debate: Led by East African coaches, students discuss issues relevant to the East African Debate population in the Twin Cities.

Financial Literacy Leadership Debates: Girls and gender expansive youth learn financial literacy fundamentals through an engaging debate format. The current topic involves the benefits and drawbacks of the gig economy.

Summer Speech and Debate Camp: Our affordable camp, which includes generous scholarships from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, ensures students from all income levels can improve over the summer.