HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization Adopts Brewer Foundation’s IPPF Curriculum to Advance Civil Discourse and Research Skills

The Brewer Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, announces a landmark partnership with the HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization (HBCU NSDO) to integrate the International Public Policy Forum’s (IPPF) curriculum into HBCU debate programs nationwide.

Founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation and now jointly administered by New York University (NYU), IPPF is the only global debate tournament that challenges high school teams to compete through rigorous written and oral debate. The program is designed to strengthen students’ critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills.

Under the partnership, the IPPF curriculum will serve as a foundational resource for novice debaters across the HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization, a network of over twenty-five HBCUs including Howard University and Texas Southern University. The curriculum emphasizes research, writing, and argumentation skills essential for high-level civil discourse and competitive debate. It will also be used in HBCU-hosted summer camps, helping introduce high school students to IPPF and the broader world of competitive debate.

“This partnership represents an important step in providing our students with world-class resources to refine their advocacy skills. Adopting the IPPF curriculum ensures our novice debaters build the research and writing foundations necessary for civil discourse, while our summer camps will introduce Black high school students to opportunities to compete globally through IPPF.” - Dr. Sean Allen, Director of Tennessee State University Debate and Chair of the HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization

The IPPF curriculum challenges students to engage deeply with complex public policy issues through both written essays and oral arguments. Its adoption by the HBCU NSDO reflects a shared commitment to intellectual leadership and academic excellence.

"At the Brewer Foundation, we believe civil, evidence-based discourse is a cornerstone of democracy. We are proud to partner with the HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization to bring IPPF to a new generation of scholars who will help shape our civic and professional institutions." - William A. Brewer III, Chairman, Brewer Foundation

Expanding the curriculum into HBCU-led summer camps is also intended to increase representation in IPPF and strengthen the educational pipeline for students from underrepresented communities.

By aligning the IPPF curriculum with the mission of HBCUs, we are strengthening pathways for students to become tomorrow’s business and civic leaders. This collaboration is a key part of our work to advance education equity and ensure high-potential students have the tools to succeed in higher education and beyond. - Ian Shaw, President, Brewer Foundation