Bay Area Urban Debate League (BAUDL)

Bay Area Urban Debate League (BAUDL) We are dedicated to expanding opportunities for Bay youth to become articulate, informed leaders in their schools and communities.

80-degree weather and you're at debate camp? No problem!BAUDL Middle School Lead, Val, surprised everyone by arranging f...
06/11/2026

80-degree weather and you're at debate camp? No problem!

BAUDL Middle School Lead, Val, surprised everyone by arranging for a local ice cream truck to pull right up to camp. Today, our debaters took a well-deserved break from digging into evidence to soak up the beautiful weather and enjoy a cool treat. It was the perfect moment for our campers to bond and relax together. Hard work deserves to be celebrated every single step of the way.

See everyone tomorrow!

Help us grow future leaders! Support Bay Area youth with high-quality debate education and essential leadership development. Every dollar makes a difference.
Give Today: https://www.baudl.org/donate.html
Corporate Match? Find out if your company will match your gift: https://doublethedonation.com/baudl

We are officially at the midway point of our summer debate camp, and today our debaters started digging deep into the ev...
06/11/2026

We are officially at the midway point of our summer debate camp, and today our debaters started digging deep into the evidence. In policy debate, evidence isn't just read—it is critically analyzed, strategically highlighted, thoroughly researched, and rigorously challenged to be weaponized in a round. Furthermore, all of our debaters are pushed to master both sides of the resolution, as they won't know which side they will be defending until the round begins. Check out our brilliant students in prep-mode today.

Help us grow future leaders! Support Bay Area youth with high-quality debate education and essential leadership development. Every dollar makes a difference.
Give Today: https://www.baudl.org/donate.html
Corporate Match? Find out if your company will match your gift: https://doublethedonation.com/baudl

Yesterday, the Bay Area Urban Debate League took our middle school debaters across the bridge to San Francisco to visit ...
06/11/2026

Yesterday, the Bay Area Urban Debate League took our middle school debaters across the bridge to San Francisco to visit the incredible team at Morrison Foerster.

From partners and paralegals to the kitchen management team, our youth were welcomed with open arms. Following a networking lunch where the firms team connected directly with students.
Our debaters learned from a panel boasting a wide range of legal experience and industry knowledge. Afterward, the students toured the firm's beautiful downtown office, gaining a firsthand look at where their debate skills can take them through hard work and a willingness to embrace new experiences. This is exactly the kind of transformative exposure we are bringing to camp all week long.

A special thank you to Irene for your leadership, advocacy, and flawless organization of this experience for Bay Area youth. For every single one of our students, this was their very first time stepping foot inside a downtown San Francisco law firm. It certainly won’t be their last.

"Debate makes me actually do something instead of sitting at home." — J., BAUDL Middle School Debater

Help us grow future leaders! Support Bay Area youth with high-quality debate education and essential leadership development. Every dollar makes a difference.
Give Today: https://www.baudl.org/donate.html
Corporate Match? Find out if your company will match your gift: https://doublethedonation.com/baudl

06/09/2026

Only 3 days until Bay Area Urban Debate League's free summer debate camp begins!

We are hard at work preparing for the Julia Burke Debate Institute (JBDI). Please note our campus change for this year: we are returning to Claremont Middle School for a week of high-energy learning and advocacy.

Our debaters will be tackling a timely and topic this summer: "The United States federal government should establish national health insurance in the United States."

Use the link below to sign up—registration is still open.

Sign up for our free debate camp here: https://forms.gle/hHRTyxZATquQhkrf6

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Camp Details:
Dates: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12
High School Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Middle School Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Claremont Middle School
Friday will be scrimmage debate rounds

Cost: FREE (Breakfast and lunch provided)

All students in grades 6–12 are welcome to attend. Led by BAUDL staff and guest instructors, JBDI offers a week of intensive policy debate training and "fun-filled," fact-based workshops designed to sharpen critical thinking and advocacy skills.

Why Debate Matters:
-The impact of this program goes far beyond the classroom. Research shows that debate participants are 70% more likely to graduate high school than non-debaters (Mezuk, 2009).
-BAUDL has maintained a 100% senior graduation rate for five consecutive years.
-90% of BAUDL debaters transition to higher education, with 60% enrolling in four-year universities and 30% attending junior colleges.
-80% of students report a significant increase in their ability to evaluate arguments and defend their positions effectively after participating (Chikeleze et al., 2018).

Please help us get the word out about this amazing opportunity for our youth.

More information at www.baudl.org

06/09/2026

The Bay Area Urban Debate League is excited to announce the return of our law firm tours during our Julia Burke Debate Institute(JBDI)! Building on last year's successful partnership, our debaters will have the exclusive opportunity to connect directly with the San Francisco office of Morrison Foerster during this year's camp. This tour offers an invaluable, insider look at a premier global law firm.

The tour will take place on Tuesday, so please ensure you submit your permission slip early to our Program Director, Sekayi Bardell, at [email protected] to secure your place.

Law Firm Tour Details:
-Spots are limited; sign up today!
-Tuesday, June 9th
-Depart from Claremont at 10:45 am
-Arrive at Morrison Foerster by 12 pm
-Return to Claremont at 2 pm

Sign up for our free debate camp here: https://forms.gle/hHRTyxZATquQhkrf6
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Camp Details:
Dates: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12
High School Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Middle School Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Claremont Middle School
Friday will be scrimmage debate rounds
Cost: FREE (Breakfast and lunch provided)

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Help us grow future leaders! Support Bay Area youth with high-quality debate education and essential leadership development. Every dollar makes a difference.
Give Today: https://www.baudl.org/donate.html

Corporate Match? Find out if your company will match your gift: https://doublethedonation.com/baudl
More information at www.baudl.org

Today, the Bay Area Urban Debate League officially kicked off our 18th Annual Julia Burke Debate Institute!Camp is offic...
06/08/2026

Today, the Bay Area Urban Debate League officially kicked off our 18th Annual Julia Burke Debate Institute!

Camp is officially underway, and our students are already diving deep into the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system and how insurance works. We even had the chance to hear their brilliant, creative ideas on how they would redesign the system if they were in charge.

Want your student to join the conversation? Registration is still open.

Click the link below to sign up:
https://forms.gle/hHRTyxZATquQhkrf6

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camp Details:
Dates: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12
High School Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Middle School Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Claremont Middle School
Friday will be scrimmage debate rounds

Cost: FREE (Breakfast and lunch provided)

All students in grades 6–12 are welcome to attend. Led by BAUDL staff and guest instructors, JBDI offers a week of intensive policy debate training and "fun-filled," fact-based workshops designed to sharpen critical thinking and advocacy skills.

Why Debate Matters:
-The impact of this program goes far beyond the classroom. Research shows that debate participants are 70% more likely to graduate high school than non-debaters (Mezuk, 2009).
-BAUDL has maintained a 100% senior graduation rate for five consecutive years.
-90% of BAUDL debaters transition to higher education, with 60% enrolling in four-year universities and 30% attending junior colleges.
-80% of students report a significant increase in their ability to evaluate arguments and defend their positions effectively after participating (Chikeleze et al., 2018).

Please help us get the word out about this amazing opportunity for our youth.

More information at www.baudl.org

06/08/2026

Today, the Bay Area Urban Debate League officially kicked off our 18th Annual Julia Burke Debate Institute!

Camp is officially underway, and our students are already diving deep into the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system and how insurance works. We even had the chance to hear their brilliant, creative ideas on how they would redesign the system if they were in charge.

Want your student to join the conversation? Registration is still open.

Click the link below to sign up:
https://forms.gle/hHRTyxZATquQhkrf6

————————————————————————
Camp Details:
Dates: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12
High School Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Middle School Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Claremont Middle School
Friday will be scrimmage debate rounds

Cost: FREE (Breakfast and lunch provided)

All students in grades 6–12 are welcome to attend. Led by BAUDL staff and guest instructors, JBDI offers a week of intensive policy debate training and “fun-filled,” fact-based workshops designed to sharpen critical thinking and advocacy skills.

Why Debate Matters:
-The impact of this program goes far beyond the classroom. Research shows that debate participants are 70% more likely to graduate high school than non-debaters (Mezuk, 2009).
-BAUDL has maintained a 100% senior graduation rate for five consecutive years.
-90% of BAUDL debaters transition to higher education, with 60% enrolling in four-year universities and 30% attending junior colleges.
-80% of students report a significant increase in their ability to evaluate arguments and defend their positions effectively after participating (Chikeleze et al., 2018).

Please help us get the word out about this amazing opportunity for our youth.

More information at www.baudl.org

It is officially the start of a brand-new Bay Area Urban Debate League season!Starting Monday, June 8th, BAUDL will welc...
06/07/2026

It is officially the start of a brand-new Bay Area Urban Debate League season!

Starting Monday, June 8th, BAUDL will welcome an incredible new cohort of brilliant minds to our Julia Burke Debate Institute. To wrap up their week, these students will be stepping up to compete in their very first tournament.

We need volunteer judges to make this event a true success. If you can spare just two hours this Friday(6/12) to listen to the next generation of leaders, your time can inspire a Bay Area youth to keep investing in their unique talents—from deep curiosity and empathy to advanced reading comprehension. Join us this Friday at Claremont Middle School and make a lasting impact.

No experience? No problem. We provide all the necessary on-site training. This is a powerful opportunity to connect with local youth, sharpen their critical thinking, and support the leaders of tomorrow.

Come for the competition, stay for the energy!
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Tournament Details:
When: Friday, June 12th
Where: Claremont Middle School, 5750 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
Perks: Breakfast, lunch, and coffee provided.
BAUDL alumni will be paid per $35 round judged!
Ready to Judge? Sign up now!

➡️ Volunteer link: https://forms.gle/Fhjr4DqbXi67tXXL8

Help us grow future leaders! Support Bay Area youth with high-quality debate education and essential leadership development. Every dollar makes a difference.
Give Today: https://www.baudl.org/donate.html
Corporate Match? Find out if your company will match your gift: https://doublethedonation.com/baudl

Address

287 17th Street #201
Oakland, CA
94612

Telephone

+15108159441

Website

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