Based out of Augsburg College, the Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) trains middle and high school students to become skilled public speakers and researchers. Students in the program have shown increases in reading proficiency, self-esteem and graduation rates. The mission of MNUDL is to empower students to become lifelong learners and active citizens who can become effective advocates for themselves and their communities.

A grant of $30,000 over two years from the F. R. Bigelow Foundation will help the MNUDL expand into three Saint Paul schools, adding 100 high school students to the program. The program expansion enables MNUDL to recruit more students of color and train more debate coaches. Visit the website.