Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Minnesota Urban Debate League, a program of Augsburg University
Legal Name (if Different): Augsburg University
Also Known As: Minnesota Urban Debate League
Mailing Address: 2211 Riverside Ave CB 26
City: Minneapolis
State: Minnesota
Postal Code: 55454
Main Phone: (612) 330 – 1730
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://mnudl.augsburg.edu/
Employer ID Number: 41-0694721
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/21/24
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Empowering Middle School Youth Through Urban Debate
Project Description:

The Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL), a program of Augsburg University, provides more than 1,300 students in urban schools access to debate. With a core belief that debate is for everyone, we offer six tailored programs, including Middle School Debate.

Our middle school debate program, the sole nonprofit providing debate to middle schoolers in the Twin Cities, benefits 600+ students. Next season’s Mars colonization topic will expose students to complex subjects like ethics, climate change, and international relations. Students master advanced material through scaffolded curriculum tailored for kids reading below grade level and English Language Learners. While learning debate, participants develop crucial skills like critical thinking, argumentation, and reading comprehension within a supportive community of dedicated coaches, motivated peers, and caring volunteers. Debaters are intrinsically motivated to learn thanks to fun competitions, a space to achieve personal goals and represent their schools with pride.

These efforts yield significant academic outcomes:

• MPS evaluation shows after one year of debating, participants increased MCA reading scores by 12-14% (controlling for race, income, and previous academic performance.)
• While only 30% of MPS enrolled peers meet attendance requirements, 96% of debaters do
• Results reflect other urban debate leagues, including Baltimore (Shackleford, 2019), Boston (Schueler & Larned, 2023), and Houston (Ko & Mezuk, 2021)

Starting students early in debate sets them up for success in school, college, their careers, and beyond.

A $10,000 investment covers expenses like food ($5,000) and stipends for ten high school assistant coaches ($500 each). Unlike standard debate models, we provide meals and snacks, eliminating financial barriers to participation. Stipends for high schoolers foster youth leadership skills, enhance team dynamics, and strengthen connections between middle and high school debate teams.

Middle school is pivotal for each student’s academic trajectory. With your support, we’ll empower more students with the tools to succeed.

Total Project Budget: $101,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): McNeely Foundation ($15,000 for East Saint Paul students); Carlson Family Foundation (partial application of $30,000 grant); Otto Bremer Trust ($40,000 proposed); Minnesota Space Grant Consortium ($5,000 proposed); University of Minnesota Liberal Arts Hub Residency ($15,000 proposed); Ronald W. Burkle Foundation ($10,000 proposed); SAP Community Foundation ($2,500 proposed); Northeast Minneapolis Lions Club ($2,500 proposed); Lillian Wright & C. Emil Berglund Foundation ($2,000 received); Mortenson Family Foundation ($20,000 proposed); and the following federal and school district contracts are secured:Americorps Volunteer Capacity Grant: $137,000.00 (partial funds used to recruit volunteer judges and pay for volunteer staff time); Minneapolis Public Schools: $170,000.00 (partially used to fund middle schools) St. Paul Public Schools: $112,000.00 (partially used to fund middle school); North St. Paul District: $30,000.00 (secured, partially used to fund middle school); St. Louis Park School District: $11,500.00 ($7,500 for middle school); Centennial School District: $5,500.00 (all middle school); Charter & Ind. Schools: $7,500.00

Project Duration: October 2025-March 2025
Geographical Area Served: Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area (21 schools in MPS, SPPS, District 622, St. Louis Park, and Centennial districts)
Age Group To Be Served: Middle school students (6th-8th grade)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rebecca
Contact Last Name: Froehlich
Contact Title: Development & Communications Manager
Contact Phone: 6056595024
Contact Email: froehlic@augsburg.edu