Bay Area Urban Debate League (BAUDL)

09/08/2026

Debate students are 25% more likely to graduate high school.

“There are no words to describe how grateful I am to have discovered debate and BAUDL. I was in middle school eager to be a part of the family BAUDL was offering to students of color in the bay. BAUDL is the reason why I graduated high school.” -Val, Lionel Wilson Prep Academy

Follow our story. Subscribe here. baudl.org/back-to-school

09/08/2026

Big things happening at Balboa High School in San Francisco!

Last week, Coach Amsler led a classroom takeover with the Balboa Debate Team, introducing over 60 students to the world of policy debate.

Huge shoutout to Coach Amsler for creating space to show our youth that debate isn’t an exclusive club—it’s an accessible arena for anyone willing to try hard things, speak their mind, and lean into the challenge.

Follow their progress. Subscribe here. baudl.org/back-to-school

09/08/2026

There is no BAUDL debate team without our teacher-coaches.

Across the Bay Area, our coaches pour relentless patience, care, and wisdom into our students. In communities where literacy rates sit at just 33%, you aren't just teaching policy debate—you’re building articulate, confident, game-changing leaders.

As a small token of our huge appreciation, we’ve got your official 2027 Season Hoodie ready for you.

📍 Pick-up: Grab yours at our fall workshop on October 3rd.

Tag your favorite coach below to show them some love.

09/02/2026

Has your student signed up for the Bay Area Urban Debate League, or are they curious about finding their voice this school year?

In cities across the Bay Area, student literacy rates sit as low as 33%. Competitive policy debate bridges that gap—transforming reading, writing, critical thinking, and public speaking into powerful life skills that foster lifelong confidence and career mobility.

Join us for our BAUDL Debate Orientation for Parents & Students to kick off the new season.

🗓 When: Thursday, September 3rd

⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Where: Zoom

🔗 RSVP: tinyurl.com/BAUDL225 (or scan the QR code!)

Zoom info:
Meeting ID: 844 3558 9034
Passcode: 876645

Attendance is strongly encouraged for any parent or student participating this year. We can’t wait to welcome you to the BAUDL community.

08/31/2026

The Bay Area Urban Debate League is proud of Coliseum College Prep Academy's Carlos and Angel for stepping up to challenge BAUDL staff members Amy and Ne'Jahra to a SPAR debate. Fresh off attending National Debate camps—Carlos at Harvard and Angel at the University of Kentucky—the first thing they wanted to do was test their skills against their leadership. Win or lose, that level of empowerment and confidence is what it's all about. It was an incredible showcase of growth and leadership from a campus that joined the league just a year ago.

Follow their progress. Subscribe here. baudl.org/back-to-school

08/31/2026

08/27/2026

The Bay Area Urban Debate League is thrilled to return to Skyline High School for our 18th year of service. Want to find your voice, grab some free lunch, and meet great people? Come kick it with us! As long as school is in session tomorrow, BAUDL will be there.

The Details:
When: Fridays during lunch
Where: Room 10B
Coaches: BAUDL Staff
See you there.

Engage with us. Subscribe here. baudl.org/back-to-school

08/26/2026

Coliseum College Prep Academy (CCPA) kicked off debate practice this week. After joining BAUDL as a brand-new campus last year, CCPA isn’t just growing their team—they’re expanding their impact. We are excited to officially welcome CCPA Middle School into the league this season.

To anyone with a voice, an idea, or a question: there’s always a seat at the table for you. Join us for practice.

A huge shoutout to Coach Sussman for their incredible leadership and dedication to these students. Also, praise to Coliseum College Prep Academy for always making space for BAUDL and supporting the incredible work we do together.

Follow their progress. Subscribe here. baudl.org/back-to-school

08/26/2026

The Student Leadership Council (SLC) is back!

We’re leveling up this year with extra support: BAUDL alum and new Regional Coordinator, Nathaniel, is officially stepping up to lead the program. An Oakland Tech debate alum and recent UC Berkeley graduate, Nathaniel has come full circle to help prepare and inspire our next generation of leaders.

If you want to sharpen your competitive debate skills, build leadership experience, and connect with students across the Bay Area, SLC is the place to be.

What SLC offers:

🏆 High-caliber debate coaching & public showcases

💼 Networking with professionals across diverse career paths

✈️ FREE travel opportunities

🤝 A welcoming space to build lasting friendships across schools

🍕 Dinner provided at every meeting!

Details:

🗓 When: Every Friday | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Where: BAUDL Office (287 17th St, Unit 201, Oakland) | Zoom option available

🚗 Need a ride? Reach out to BAUDL staff or Program Director Sekayi for transportation assistance.

Bring a friend and see you this Friday.

Follow their progress. Subscribe here. baudl.org/back-to-school