Silicon Valley Urban Debate League: SVUDL

SVUDL is excited to announce that Mara Liasson is the 2026 Speaker of the Year, and will be honored at Words to the Wise!

Mara Liasson is NPR’s Senior National Political Correspondent and can be regularly heard on Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Liasson is also a three-time recipient of the White House Correspondents' Association's Merriman Smith Award for excellence in daily news coverage. As we continue working to expand our impact and empower the next generation of student leaders, we hope you'll join us for an inspiring evening in support of SVUDL.

Tickets will be available at the end of this month. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club on October 1, 2026. For more information about Words to the Wise 2026, click the link below!

https://www.svudl.org/words-to-the-wise-2026-invite

Aleesha Kashif didn't take a straight road to coaching Speech and Debate at KIPP San Jose Collegiate, but every twist and turn shaped her into exactly the kind of mentor her students needed. In just two years, she helped build a team of thirty and a community where students are finding their voice. KIPP's first tournament attendee, Julianna Herrera elaborates, "Giving yourself courage to get out of your comfort zone can lead to becoming your best self." Keep reading below to learn how Aleesha’s path has always linked back to meeting people where they are.

https://www.svudl.org/all-the-latest-blog/meeting-people-where-they-are

SVUDL’s Debate Centered Instruction Teacher Fellowship shows how debate can transform classrooms into spaces of confidence, collaboration, and deeper learning. One of the clearest themes was that DCI increases student participation, especially among students who traditionally would not participate as often. Drawing from an informal focus group of more than 20 educators, learn how Teacher Fellows use debate to help students listen, speak, question, and discover that ideas matter.

https://www.svudl.org/all-the-latest-blog/debate-centered-instruction-teacher-fellowship-brings-student-voice-to-the-center

A huge thank you to PwC for inviting SVUDL to be part of the PwC Silicon Valley Non-Profit Expo! It was a great opportunity to connect with PwC staff and partners, share more about our mission and programs, and meet other amazing nonprofit organizations serving the community.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to engage with employees interested in learning more about local nonprofits, volunteering, and supporting community programs. Thank you again to PwC for hosting such a thoughtful and well-organized event and for the continued support of SVUDL and the students we serve!

Visit our website to learn more about SVUDL and ways to support our work.

Congratulations to the 2026 John Dawson Leadership Award Winner, Ansor Abdulhamidov! Named in honor of one of SVUDL’s co-founders, the John Dawson Leadership Award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, and care for others within their Speech and Debate community. "What drives me to continue to be part of the Mt. Pleasant team is the desire to make change in my community…" Ansor states. From supporting his peers through challenges to helping organize a student-led inter-school scrimmage, Ansor has made a meaningful impact on both his school and the broader SVUDL community. Learn more about Ansor's story below and why he was selected for the John Dawson Leadership Award.

https://www.svudl.org/all-the-latest-blog/2026-john-dawson-leadership-award-winner-ansor-abdulhamidov

Congratulations to the 2026 Jennie Savage Courage Award Winner, Caitlynn Balangue! Named in honor of one of SVUDL's co-founders Jennie Savage, the award celebrates students who show resilience, courage, and a commitment to growth in the face of challenges. Caitlynn Balangue of William C. Overfelt High School embodies that spirit through her persistence in debate, dedication to her team, and willingness to keep pushing herself forward. From overcoming early setbacks in competition to helping strengthen the Overfelt Speech and Debate community, Caitlynn's story reflects the heart of this award. Keep reading at the link below to learn more about Caitlynn's story and why she was awarded the Jennie Savage Courage Award.

https://www.svudl.org/all-the-latest-blog/2026-jennie-savage-courage-award-winner-caitlynn-balangue

Last month, SVUDL students took the stage at Harvard University for the 2026 Urban Debate National Championship. For many, the tournament marked not just the end of the season, but the culmination of their journey in high school debate.

While no teams advanced to elimination rounds, the weekend included meaningful milestones. De'Angelo Quintero earned recognition as the 7th overall speaker, and Greidys Sotelo Gonzalez reflected on the significance of competing in Debate en Español on a national stage, where she was able to more fully connect her identity to the activity.

The weekend concluded with time for reflection, as students gathered to celebrate their efforts and consider how this experience would shape their next steps in debate. Click the link below to read more about this impact of this event!

https://www.svudl.org/all-the-latest-blog/svudl-students-close-their-season-at-the-2026-urban-debate-national-championship

SVUDL alumni from across generations, Board Members, and Advisory Committee members came together for an evening of connection, reflection, and celebration at our Annual Alumni Dinner on April 27th, highlighting the strength of our growing community. Click the link below to read highlights and reflections from the evening!

https://www.svudl.org/all-the-latest-blog/annual-svudl-alumni-dinner-celebrates-community-and-connection