School-Based Programming
Brooklyn Debate League is currently accepting applications for NYC high schools interested in building competitive Speech & Debate teams.
Our school-based programming follows a three-stage, gradual release model that is intended to develop the capacity of the school to run its own competitive team within 3-5 years.
Scroll down to learn more!
Testimonials from Partner Schools
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"As a new-to-debate coach, BDL has helped me so much by teaching me how to teach and give my students feedback, along with being a major support when it comes to traveling with students. Likewise, having a network of other schools that we debate and travel alongside with makes Debate a much stronger community for teachers and coaches alike."
Mr Fernandez, Teacher and Debate Coach at DREAM Charter High School
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"BDL’s excellent staff have helped me - a teacher with limited debate experience - launch a successful debate team that has positively influenced my school’s student culture. Getting up in front of others to speak is many people’s greatest fears. BDL helps my students turn that fear into a strength, growing along the way. As a coach, I’ve never felt more supported. The training, the judges, the community — BDL makes it easy to focus on what matters: the kids."
Mr Booker, Teacher and Debate Coach at Coney Island Prep High School
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"Partnering with BDL isn’t just a great educational experience for students and teachers, it is joining a community of educators and an opportunity for students to broaden their communities.”
Mr Doliber, Teacher and Debate Coach at Pace High School
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Tier 1: Spring Intensive
Want to build a brand new team at your school? Don’t have a teacher on staff yet to be the coach? No problem!
At this tier, BDL staff members run a 6-week intro course on-site from late April to early June.
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Tier 2: Partnership
This tier offers hybrid and in-person opportunities to partner with BDL from October through April.
Programming includes weekly practices and online tournaments, and access to in-person local and national circuit competitions.
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Tier 3: Mentorship
In this stage, BDL staff collaborate every month with school-based coaches on strategy, lesson plans, tournament logistics, and other challenges.
This stage also includes opportunities to compete online and in-person on the local, state and national level.
Participating Schools
