Boston Debate League

To measurably improve studentsÕ academic achievement and their expectations of themselves by engaging as many BPS middle and high schools.

About the Boston Debate League
Created in 2005, the BDL has grown from a small, volunteer-driven organization to a prominent education initiative embraced by senior BPS leadership, including the Superintendent and the Boston School Committee. Thanks to a significant investment from the school system, the BDL has expanded to eight BPS high schools and in this last year tripled the number of participating students while significantly increasing the rigor of our programming. We have learned that when you raise the expectations and challenge BPS’ students, they are ready and eager to meet the challenges.
The Boston Debate League’s programming is unique among the city’s after-school and other youth development programs in that it targets high school students and blends competition and fun with rigorous academic work. While many programs aim only to keep teens safe and occupied in the afternoon, debate provides an engaging, educational opportunity that actively cultivates social and academic skills. The BDL presents debate in a variety of ways so as to reach a broad spectrum of students, from those already highly achieving to those who are off-track academically and at risk of dropping out.
Learn more at www.bostondebate.org