Chicago Debate Commission

The Chicago Debate Commission advances the academic achievement, 21st century skills and civic engagement of Chicago’s youth, most of them from under-resourced low income communities, through debate. Building on adolescents’ natural interests in peer learning and argument, debate inspires students to take charge of their learning and find their voice. Our debate program is research-proven to improve academic results for at-risk students. And debate provides students with unparalleled skills in reading, research, critical thinking, public policy analysis, evidence-based argumentation, civic engagement, teamwork and communication. Founded in 1995, the Chicago Debate Commission brings this uniquely engaging and rigorous activity to nearly 1400 students in about 70 schools each year.