We are a student run organization based out of the Univeristy of Virginia. We believe that speech and debate programs are incredibly important for middle and high school students. Debate can improve academic performance, help to prepare students for college, and encourage civic engagement. There is currently no great infrastructure for Speech and Debate in central Virginia, and we're here to change that.

The Charlottesville Debate League (CDL) is a Contracted Independent Organization (read: school club) with the University of Virginia. Our organization is staffed entirely by volunteer undergraduate students, including the executive board. We provide coaches to local high schools and middle schools in and around the Charlottesville area. We also write our curricula, prepare our own debate topic briefs, and host our own tournaments.

We understand that debate can be a cost-prohibitive activity for many students. As a result, all of our middle school tournaments are free of charge. We even provide free food at all weekend tournaments. Scholarships for tournaments and debate camp are available for high school students.

Charlottesville Debate League

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