The client seeks a visionary and strategic Executive Director to lead their organization into a new era of impact, growth, and national visibility. This role is central to championing a movement that leverages debate as a powerful tool for academic and personal development among thousands of students from underserved communities. Debate is not just an extracurricular activity but a transformative experience that builds critical thinking, research, and communication skills while fostering confidence and civic engagement.
Formed in 2004, the client is a national nonprofit that serves as the cornerstone organization for a network of 20 Urban Debate Leagues across the United States. These leagues deliver transformative debate programs annually to over 12,000 middle and high school students, most of whom come from communities with limited resources. Despite challenges such as increased responsibilities at home, lack of conducive learning spaces, and unreliable internet accessespecially exacerbated by the pandemicthe client and its partners have remained committed to sustaining and innovating debate programs. These initiatives have helped students continue to thrive in this formative activity, which provides a much-needed outlet and community for many.
The impact of the clients work is evidenced through higher graduation and college enrollment rates among its debaters. Students in the network are 70% more likely to graduate on time compared to their non-debate counterparts, and 96% of network seniors plan to attend college. Participants also exhibit significant gains in literacy, critical thinking, and academic performance. Beyond academics, the client fosters leadership development, equipping alumni to become future leaders in various fields and engaged civic participants. The mission focuses on advancing debate education in urban public schools to amplify youth voices and instill the confidence needed for future success. Through debate, students discover their passion for learning and are empowered to succeed, graduating as engaged civic leaders with enhanced college and career opportunities.