From DMV to the World: How Debate Minds is Transforming Student Skills

July 30, 2024

Debate Minds is an organization that started in the DMV by local high school students. It was founded and is led by Eric and Apple from the Bullis School, Ekansh and Jeff from Poolesville High School, Elizabeth from Richard Montgomery High School, Abhay from Jasper High School, Avery from the Hunter College High School, and Rishit from Centennial High School. They are committed to making debate accessible worldwide. The organization not only teaches debate but also hones soft skills that will benefit students for the rest of their lives and encourages them to see both sides of a topic amid our current politically polarized world.

Teaching in Gaithersburg and Taiwan

Currently, Debate Minds has taught over 250 students, including those at Sheppard Pratt in Gaithersburg, where their coaches work with underprivileged kids in Maryland who do not have access to high-level debate instruction. They have also taught at a school internationally in Taiwan, TNGS.

New Programs

Debate Minds is furthering its goal and has now unveiled three new programs: a weekly development program that’s free to anyone, featuring prominent guest speakers, businesspeople, and politicians who provide students with valuable insights; one-on-one coaching; and their 10-week academy session. Debate Minds aims to do more than just teach; they want to build a community. For more information, visit their website at https://thedebateminds.com, where you can also follow them on Instagram and join their Discord community.