Mission

To bring public speaking and debate education to public high and middle schools in order to promote transferrable confidence, critical thinking, positive self-expression, and academic engagement. We want to give students the tools they need to be their own strongest advocate.

What We Do

Youth for Debate is a volunteer organization founded at Columbia University to teach public speaking workshops and afterschool debate programs at underserved public schools. Our goal is to encourage students to think critically about important issues and become their own strongest advocate. Teaching is conducted by college students trained in our curriculum to create an educational experience that is both fun and enriching.