Founded in 2018 by a group of accomplished Bergen County high school debaters, the Bergen County Middle School Debate League (BCMSDL) was created to expand access to debate education for middle school students. What began as a small initiative—sending trained high school coaches into local schools—has grown into a nonprofit that equips young learners with the tools to for success not just in competitions, but in academics, leadership, and real-world challenges.

 

Our Evolving Model

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Today, BCMSDL continues to support debate while also embracing a broader initiative-based volunteer model. High school and college students are empowered to design and lead their own projects—ranging from leadership development and financial literacy, to memory-building, medical research, and other innovative programs that help middle schoolers grow.

Each volunteer acts as the primary driver of their initiative, taking ownership of its design and implementation. BCMSDL provides the structure, mentorship, and resources to ensure projects are well-supported, sustainable, and impactful.

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Our Mission

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Through this evolving model, BCMSDL not only strengthens opportunities in debate, but also fosters creativity, leadership, and community impact. We believe that middle schoolers should have access to experiences that build communication and confidence—skills that will serve them in school, in competition, and in life.