Debate it Forward

Debate it Forward was founded in 2016 with the goal of teaching young people to better listen, think and speak through debate-based games. It aims to empower students with the tools of civil discourse and civic engagement – something sorely lacking in our society these days.

Using debate-based games, DiF works in schools to teach core discourse/debate skills, such as public speaking, active listening, and critical reasoning to PreK-9th grade students, with a focus on the youngest kids. It works closely with special ed and low-income students. It reaches students through three programs: 1) In-school programs with school partners led by DiF trained teachers with proprietary curriculum; 2) after-school programs; and 3) summer camps. DiF is expecting to work with over 800 students in the 2021-2022 school year. 

Students in DiF classes take “sides” on meaty topics, gather data/facts to support their point of view, then debate each other. College students, mainly from the UofC, serve as instructors. DiF is not necessarily trying to create the next generation of great debaters, but rather create the next generation of empathetic listeners, confident speakers, and deep thinkers. Check out this clip of U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar moderating our mock “Kids Presidential Debate” to see our students debating each other on global warming, education policies, etc.