$12,125 raised by 32 donors
27% complete
$45,000 Goal
The Dallas Urban Debate Alliance (DUDA) operates a competitive educational debate program for the Dallas Independent School District. We served approximately 1,300 Dallas ISD middle and high school students and their coaches this past year. Debate provides an academically rigorous opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills, gain confidence in public speaking, organize their arguments, improve their writing skills, and learn to conduct thorough research. Studies show that the skills and knowledge gained through participation in debate increases a student's overall academic performance in high school, enhances their chance of success in higher education, and opens the door to challenging and rewarding careers. The activity also equips students to be community advocates and leaders. We are currently in our 18th year of partnership with Dallas ISD.
Competitive debate is an academic enrichment activity that is a strong predictor of student success, especially in urban environments. Every aspect of our program is vital to student success. Debate builds critical cognitive skills that increase a student's overall academic performance; creates school engagement opportunities; prepares students for college; and, bridges the gap between academic and practical knowledge.
Our core programming includes six comprehensive student and coach workshops in Community Action, Policy, and World Schools Debate; sixteen weekend debate tournaments throughout the academic year; on-site school support for students and teachers; and, professional development opportunities for teachers serving as debate coaches. We also provide access to community leaders through our debate centers and public debates, offer competition at two state and two national championship tournaments, and showcase our students as we partner with other organizations around the country.
Your financial support will enable us to further impact the students and teachers we currently serve and expand our reach to other schools in the district.
The Dallas Urban Debate Alliance empowers Dallas ISD students with the life-changing skills of academic debate—critical thinking, research, argumentation, and confident communication. Through debate, students strengthen their academic performance, find their voices, become informed leaders, and gain the power to advocate for themselves and their communities.
DUDA is committed to ensuring all students—regardless of background—have access to the transformative power of debate. We break down barriers to educational opportunities by providing high-quality instruction, mentorship, and resources to students from underserved communities.
Through debate, we amplify student voices, cultivate leadership, and create pathways to higher education and career success. With the support of our donors, we expand access to debate, empowering students to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Your support makes this possible—thank you for advancing educational equity with us.
Organization name
Dallas Urban Debate Alliance
Causes
Youth & Children
Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Address
PO Box 670564