Texas Bar Foundation Grant to Send Houston Students to University of Texas Debate Camp

HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Urban Debate League (HUDL) is proud to announce it has received a grant from the Texas Bar Foundation in support of its 2026 summer debate camp at the University of Texas at Austin. The camp, scheduled for June 28 – July 4, 2026, will bring Houston students from historically underserved communities to UT Austin's campus for a transformative week of competitive debate instruction.

The Texas Bar Foundation grant will fund transportation to and from Austin, program supplies and materials for students, and administrative personnel to manage the application and enrollment process – ensuring the logistical foundation is in place for students to participate fully in the camp experience.

"This grant is a critical investment in Houston's young people," said Eric Emerson, Board President of HUDL. "Competitive debate changes lives – it builds critical thinking, confidence, and the communication skills our students will carry for the rest of their lives. The Texas Bar Foundation's support makes it possible for us to get students to Austin and ensure no logistical barrier stands between a student and this opportunity."

The 2026 camp builds on the success of last year's inaugural partnership with the University of Texas, which brought 40 Houston students to Austin for a free, week-long residential debate experience. The camp will offer instruction in multiple debate formats, including Policy Debate, World Schools Debate, Congressional Debate, and Public Forum. Students will leave Austin with research, argumentation skills, and mentorship experience that will carry through the entire school year.

About the Houston Urban Debate League

HUDL is a Houston-based nonprofit that partners with Houston ISD and Case for Kids/Harris County Department of Education to bring competitive academic debate to students in underserved communities. Research consistently links participation in academic debate to improvements in attendance, standardized test scores, critical thinking skills, and college enrollment. HUDL operates year-round, serving students through tournaments, coaching, and summer enrichment programs.

About the Texas Bar Foundation

Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $30 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation's largest charitably-funded bar foundation.