EmpowerDebate
Welcome to Empower Debate, where youth voices rise and equity drives every argument
We believe debate is more than a competition — it’s a platform for change. At Empower, students from all backgrounds step into leadership, mastering the tools to challenge injustice, speak truth to power, and uplift one another. From first-time speakers to national champions, every journey begins with a shared belief: your voice matters.
Our Annual Winter Camp
Enhance your skills with our FREE Winter Camp. Gain valuable insights and guidance from experienced debaters to excel in your arguments.
Workshops
Participate in interactive workshops to sharpen your debating techniques. Learn new strategies and tactics to strengthen your arguments.
Practice Rounds
Compete with fellow debaters and showcase your ability to persuade and articulate.
Resources
Gain access to articles, videos, and expert tips to expand your knowledge across a variety of debate topics. Stay informed, sharpen your skills, and get ahead.
Mentorship
Enhance your skills with our 1-on-1 Mentorship Program - selecting and pairing top level debaters to their mentees.
Meet the Founders
Steven Linkh
Co-Founder
Senior @ Brooklyn Technical High School
Maeve Welch
Co-Founder
Senior @ St. Luke's High School
Start a Chapter
Join a nationwide network dedicated to fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills. By creating a chapter at your school or in your community, you’ll empower students to engage in meaningful dialogue, tackle real-world issues, and become confident advocates for change.
Join the Team
- Skill Development - Gain experience in research, curriculum design, and educational resource creation.
- Impact - Directly support debaters nationwide by providing high-quality materials that improve their performance.
- Creative Expression - Build engaging, shareable content to spread debate knowledge and inspire others.
- Social Media Skills - Learn video editing, content strategy, and audience engagement techniques.
- Visibility & Reach - Help grow the organization's online presence and connect with a global audience.