Our Students
Since its inception, WUDL has served thousands of students from more than 80 public schools in D.C. and the surrounding areas. The success of WUDL and its students and coaches has been recognized regionally and nationally.
WUDL is dedicated to the continued success of the league and its debaters, fostering community, and preparing them with the skills they will need to be competitive in their careers and lives.
League News
Stay tuned for the latest WUDL News, from tournament winners to upcoming events and more!
WUDL Hosts Two Tournaments in March, wrapping up regular season
WUDL Hosts Two Tournaments in March, Wrapping Up Season Oyster Adams Bilingual School took a team shot while waiting for …
WUDL End of Year Awards: Student Choice Awards
WUDL Student Choice Awards 2025 Coaches Gibian, McKinley, and Stockburger led a first year MacFarland team to a great debut, …
WUDL End of Year Awards: Sitara Mazumdar named Keoni Scott-Reid High School Debater of the Year, other student awards
Sitara Mazumdar Named Keoni Scott-Reid High School Debater of the Year, + Other Student Awards Sitara started debating during COVID …
Mission
Washington Urban Debate League (WUDL) uses debate to make transformative opportunities available for students in the D.C. area. Peer-reviewed research shows that competitive debate is one of the best things a student can do with their out-of-school time, building life-long and career-oriented skills that cannot be automated or outsourced. Debaters show more substantial academic and social-emotional growth and graduate and attend college at a higher rate than their non-debater peers. Sadly, debate is traditionally only found at elite private and suburban schools. WUDL creates a space where middle and high school students attending public schools (especially Title 1 Schools) can hone their critical thinking skills, participate in an intellectual community of their peers, and grow in self advocacy. WUDL also provides a pathway to college and career readiness that compliments traditional pedagogy.
Our Amazing Volunteers
We could not do the work we do without our amazing volunteers. Each year, the students vote to recognize one of our most outstanding supporters for their contributions to that season’s success.
This year, the students couldn’t choose between some excellent candidates, so we had a tie! Coach Nala led the DC International squad this year to within a few wins of the Sweepstakes Cup...with no debaters older than Freshmen. She's been a huge part of the organization's success this year, supporting the Travel Team and getting involved on the administrative side too.
This year, the students couldn’t choose between some excellent candidates, so we had a tie! Kristina has helped lead Eliot Hine Middle School to incredible growth and competitive success, with her students winning awards across the country. She's also served on numerous boards, raising substantial amounts of money for the organization.
