Asks For Help Keeping Beloved Program Alive

A Longtime Program in Peril

A longtime program introducing students to the art of debate is looking to the public for help after Chicago Public Schools scaled back its funding this year. Chicago Debates works with CPS to enroll fifth- to 12th-grade students in competitive academic debate while helping schools build their own debate teams to participate in its debate league, bringing on teachers to act as coaches, according to its website. The nonprofit also organizes dozens of debate tournaments each year and runs a two-week summer camp for up to 150 middle and high school debaters.

A 27-Year History

The nonprofit has helped thousands of students since launching 27 years ago, Executive Director Anthony Bolden said. Since partnering with CPS in 1997, it has grown from five participating schools to 104 last year.

Funding Cuts

But program leaders are scrambling after the district halved its financial contribution, Bolden said. The district has a $1.3 million, four-year contract with the nonprofit, agreeing to cover up to $390,000 in expenses for fiscal year 2025, documents show. That includes costs such as equipment, paying debate judges, recruiting and training volunteers, tournament prep and running the summer camp, according to the contract.

A Six-Figure Hole

CPS officials told nonprofit leaders in July they’d only get $208,000 to cover this year’s expenses, Bolden said. Officials cited a part of the contract saying CPS can terminate an agreement “in the event no funds or insufficient funds are appropriated and budgeted … by the board,” Bolden said. CPS also is cutting the funding it gives schools to participate, slashing $450,000 out of that budget, Bolden said.

The Impact

The cuts mean Chicago Debates may have to let go of staff and reduce programs it offers to students and schools, Bolden said. Nearly 1,500 students across the 104 schools participated last year, Bolden said. This year, the number of schools is down to 69 and could drop even lower if Chicago Debates can’t fill the six-figure hole left in the wake of the district’s budget cuts, Bolden said.

Private Sector Contributions

Organizers and supporters are asking more folks to chip in to make up the difference, Bolden said. Visit the Chicago Debates website to learn more and make a donation. The private sector contributes about twice what the district does, Bolden said. Tax documents show the nonprofit collects about $1 million in contributions annually.

A Personal Story

Cook County Public Defender and Chicago Debates board member Sharone Mitchell offers his life as a testament to the program’s effectiveness. He joined Chicago Debates as a student at Morgan Park High School in the late ’90s, taking to it right away. “My parents kept us engaged on current events. We like to talk, we like to laugh, like to argue, so debate was a really natural activity. So I joined my freshman year to get involved, and it was just a really natural connection,” he said.

Debate’s Impact

According to the American Debate League, 90 percent of urban high-school debaters graduate compared to 50 percent of urban high-schoolers who don’t participate. Among higher-risk students, 72 percent of students who participate in debate graduate versus 43 percent who don’t. Debate students also tend to score better on college entrance exams, get into better colleges and perform better academically once enrolled.

Conclusion

Watching students build the confidence to step into rooms they once believed were off-limits is what makes the program valuable — and what keeps Bolden going, he said. As the funding for after-school and youth development programs like Chicago Debates continues to dwindle, so, too, do the safe havens students have come to depend on, Bolden said.

FAQs

Q: What is the impact of the funding cuts on Chicago Debates?

A: The cuts will likely lead to reduced programs and staff, potentially impacting the number of schools and students participating in the program.

Q: How can the public help?

A: Visit the Chicago Debates website to learn more and make a donation. Contributions from the private sector will help fill the six-figure hole left by the district’s budget cuts.

Q: What is the importance of debate programs like Chicago Debates?

A: Debate programs like Chicago Debates provide a safe and engaging space for students to develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, which can have a positive impact on their academic and personal lives.