When many adults think back to their secondary education, their fondest moments and most vivid memories are often presentations, simulations, or other opportunities to role-play, discuss, or otherwise actively engage with the material. These educational experiences forced them to engage with new material, step outside their comfort zone, learn to relate with and understand people who disagree with them and build confidence in their own abilities.

We’d like to spread the benefit of debate to as many students as we can. One of the ways we do this is our Debate Across the Curriculum program. We’ve partnered with D.C. Public Schools and several charter schools to infuse debate into everyday instruction.

The 3rd quarter cornerstone for all 8th graders at DCPS schools requires them to read Harper Lee’s epic To Kill a Mockingbird. Students then research and debate some of the key themes in the book, related to race and the criminal justice system. 

We’ve introduced thousands of students to debate through our Debate Across the Curriculum initiative.

We hope to expand this program to work with other schools, school districts, and age groups.