Brooklyn Debate League is currently accepting applications for NYC middle and 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 4-5 years.
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Stage 1: Introductory Course
In this stage, BDL staff teach an introductory course consisting of eight two-hour weekly sessions as well as opportunities for participating students to compete in online and in-person programming.
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Stage 2: Partnership
In this stage, BDL staff collaborate weekly with coaches on best practices for new teams including the areas of strategy, lesson plans, and tournament logistics. In addition, BDL staff provide feedback each week on coach-led practices. Coaches are invited to participate in BDL's weekly citywide professional development webinars.
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Stage 3: Mentorship
In this stage, BDL staff collaborate every two weeks with coaches on best practices for growing teams including the areas of recruiting, fundraising, and developing student leaders. In addition, BDL staff provide feedback each month on coach-led practices. Coaches are invited to participate in BDL’s weekly citywide professional development webinars.
Testimonials from Partner Schools
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"BDL has been instrumental is helping to revive our school culture in the post-Covid era. It has helped students build resilience and social skills that were sorely diminished during online instruction as well as reinforced college readiness skills that are necessary for their future success. Moreover, it has introduced them to diverse cultural and social settings that greatly enhances their ability to navigate college and the workplace."
Suzannah, Debate Coach at Unity Prep Charter High School
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"Our debate kiddos have learned and grown so much this year! Two of the six have been accepted and earned a scholarship for an academic summer camp this summer!"
LaShaunda, Director of the Beyond Care afterschool network
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"Sincerity, depth and professionalism of BDL staff had a highly positive impact on a pilot program we instituted at Chapin. Building an effective and challenging program like this takes a lot of time. That kind of commitment is hard to find. We were fortunate to get their help."
Jim, Middle School Debate Director at The Chapin School
