Research has shown that students who participate in policy debate improve their grades, are more likely to graduate high school, and when they do, are more ready for college. The Resolved Program uses the core elements of policy debate, mentorship, and affinity community building to engage and empower Black and Latino young men in middle school and high school. Students engage in meaningful conversations, explore their identities, reflect on their future plans, and use the skills of debate to evaluate and form arguments or advocacy about issues in their communities.
Facilitators in Resolved take a culturally responsive approach that privileges the voices of the students, giving them agency and choice in the topics explored. We engage leaders in the community as guest speakers to both further the students’ knowledge of relevant subjects and serve as potential role models.
Resolved is designed to help students:
Resolved runs from October through June during the school year. Cohorts of 10-15 Black and Latino young men from partner schools meet twice weekly for 60-minute sessions. One to two cross-school virtual convenings during the year brings together the students from participating schools, and the program culminates with a TED Talk-style event where students present their projects. For more information about Resolved, please contact Ranner Faugas at ranner@bostondebate.org.