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For Immediate Release: Contact: Jennifer Jones
June 3, 2021 jjones@chicagodebates.org
Allstate to Host Invitational Debate Tournament for CPS Students
Chicago Debates is partnering with longtime supporter, Allstate, to host an invitational debate tournament this Friday, June 4, 2021. Twenty students from seven Chicago Public Schools will compete in this specialty tournament:
CICS Wrightwood Elementary School
Dewey School of Excellence
Edgar Allan Poe Elementary Classical School
John Hancock College Prep
National Teachers Academy
O.A. Thorp Elementary Scholastic Academy
Skinner West Elementary School
The partnership between Allstate and Chicago Debates spans over a decade and has included an annual invitational tournament on the Allstate campus. Although this year’s tournament will be held virtually, over 20 Allstate employees will participate as volunteer judges. “Our partnership with Allstate has been so vital and integral to the growth and success of Chicago Debates. This tournament is one of many ways that Allstate has demonstrated their commitment to Chicago youth,” said Dr. Toinette Gunn, Chicago Debates Executive Director. “We are especially excited for this year’s tournament because we are using this opportunity to showcase our newest format of debate, called Public Forum. In alignment with our new strategic plan, adding Public Forum to our debate programming will help us to engage more students and meet our goal of serving nearly 3000 by 2027.”
“Allstate is proud to support Chicago Debates, especially in an era when all of us should be committed to presenting and listening to arguments in a civil and thoughtful manner,” said David Nadig, Board Chair of Chicago Debates and Senior Vice-President & Deputy General Counsel at Allstate. “This forum also reflects Allstate’s commitment to inclusive diversity and equity and youth empowerment. We’re looking forward to welcoming Chicago’s best and brightest young minds as they demonstrate skills that will serve them well in the future.”
To date this school year, nearly 1000 Chicago Public School students have participated in 47 tournaments hosted by Chicago Debates. You can support Chicago Debates by making a donation at ChicagoDebates.org/donate or by texting CHIDEBATES to 243725.
About Chicago Debates: Chicago Debates is bridging the opportunity gap for Chicago Public School (CPS) students by providing them with an after-school program that supports their academic, career, and leadership success. Our mission is to advance the educational achievement, community contributions, and life success of Chicago’s youth through the transformative power of academic debate. We envision a world in which Chicago youth are empowered to find their voice, succeed in college and career, and become leaders in their community. Debate may not fix all of the world’s problems, but it can shape the next generation of leaders who will. We exist to ensure that next generation includes some of Chicago’s most marginalized youth.
