ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA URBAN DEBATE LEAGUE

HISTORY OF THE SCUDL

In 1997, the California State University at Fullerton debate team began an outreach program under the name Daniel Webster Project.  The goal was to establish and support interscholastic debate teams in local high schools.  In late 1999, the program was able to expand its outreach and was later renamed the Southern California Urban Debate League (SCUDL).  The program currently supports economically under-served schools in Orange County.  Hundreds of students have participated in summer workshops, after-school meetings, and weekend competitions.

The SCUDL partners high school students with collegiate speech and debate competitors to develop the skills required to compete in interscholastic debate competitions.  Students learn to research, speak, think critically, and adovcate on important topics.  Each year, scores of SCUDL students attend several tournaments on campuses like USC, Long Beach, Cypress, and Fullerton.

Since our inception, SCUDL has made tremendous strides in the debate community.  Los Amigos, one of our primary SCUDL schools even scored the title of the National Urban Debate League Champions in 2001-2002.  SCUDL students from Los Amigos, Fullerton, and Santa Ana High Schools have represented our league at several recent State Championships.  Our schools often place within the top twenty teams at major California debate tournaments like the USC Invitational, California State University, Long Beach and the Cypress College tournaments.

The SCUDL program helps young people become involved in discussions that deal with significant U.S. government policies.  Obtained knowledge of government policies and procedures develops the minds of young Americans and allows them to become productive members of society.  Along the way they develop incredible research, speaking, and critical thinking skills.

The growth of SCUDL is made possible by the enthusiasm of our participants and supporters. A substantial portion of our funding came from a generous grant by the Open Society Institute, and since the life of that grant ended in 2005 the continuation of SCUDL is dependent on the continued financial contributions of CSUF and SCUDL alumni.  These individuals are directly responsible for making SCUDL what it is today.  If you would like to become involved with SCUDL, please call (714) 278-7239.