Washington Urban Debate League (WUDL) builds and fosters a community where students in the Greater Washington area have equitable access to transformative educational experiences through debate instruction and competition.

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, civic and social-emotional growth and graduate and attend college at a higher rate than their non-debater peers.

Sadly, debate in the DMV was 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 become advocates.