SVUDL’s first team, Overfelt High School 2014-2015
Through the rigor and thrill of the academic sport of debate, SVUDL helps low-income youth tap the power of their voices to compete, excel, and change the world. A coalition of local educators and community leaders founded the group in June 2014 to fill a startling gap in opportunities in the high-poverty schools of San Jose and the Peninsula. SVUDL draws the best strategies and resources from a national network of 22 successful Urban Debate Leagues to address local need.
Initially working under the fiscal sponsorship of the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues, SVUDL reached out to schools, districts, and community partners to assess the demand for debate as a solution for students who have become disengaged from academics. The enthusiasm of their response has been overwhelming. The wave of demand inspired us to grow quickly: we began two pilot programs in August 2014, launched three more programs in Fall 2015, three more in Fall 2016, and now have well over 150 students building strong voices through debate. In spring of 2015, SVUDL received 501(c)3 tax exempt status and became a fully independent nonprofit. In Fall 2023, we will serve 19 schools and change the lives of more than 2,000 students by directly involving them in Speech and Debate programming.
The Silicon Valley Urban Debate League is incorporated, formed through the collective efforts of local educators and community leaders.
SVUDL hosts its first 2-week Summer Debate Institute.
SVUDL launches two pilot Debate programs at Overfelt High School and Eastside College Preparatory Academy.
SVUDL received 501(c)3 tax exempt status and became a fully independent nonprofit.
SVUDL starts debate programs at Silver Creek High School, East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy, and Oak Grove High School.
SVUDL launches its Legal Advisory Committee.
SVUDL launches its Moot Court program, empowering students to argue constitutional cases in front of judges from the Ninth Circuit of Appeals.
SVUDL receives the LACY Honors from the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley.
SVUDL launches its first 3-year strategic plan, focused on program development and operational improvements.
During the COVID epidemic, SVUDL transitions back to its Teacher Coach model, focusing on building the capacity of teachers to run Speech and Debate programs at partner schools.
SVUDL publishes its first state approved high school course titled, Rhetoric & the Art of Advocacy: Public Deliberation in Democratic Society.
SVUDL hosts its first national tournament, the John Lewis SVUDL Invitational.
2 SVUDL students from Silver Creek High School win the National Catholic Forensics League Grand National Championship tournament.
SVUDL pilots a Debate Centered Instruction approach with high schools in San Jose.
SVUDL publishes its second state approved high school course titled, "Literacy and Advocacy: An Introduction to the Speech Arts."
With support from an international professional services company, SVUDL launches its second 3-year strategic plan focused on growing and scaling its work across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
2 SVUDL students from Silver Creek High School compete at the prestigious Tournament of Champions at the University of Kentucky.
SVUDL begins work with the East Side Union High School district to provide professional development and ongoing support to nearly 100 teachers to use a Debate Centered Instruction approach in their classrooms - regardless of subject matter.