1834 Foundation
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Initiative

1834 Debates

Empowering Black youth in grades 7–12 to become local and global leaders through competitive debate, critical thinking, and public policy engagement.

1834 Debates medal winners

The 1834 Youth Debates were created as part of Operation Black Vote Canada's 1834 series of programs designed to empower Black youth to become local and global leaders. In 2025, the debates were moved to the 1834 Foundation to join the other 1834 programs.

This initiative is a partnership with University of Toronto Schools (UTS), an independent school for students in grades 7–12 affiliated with the University of Toronto.

1834 Debates students working together

Program Overview

The 1834 Youth Debates are designed to promote problem solving, oral communication, and innovation in thinking among Black youth in grades 7–12. Topics revolve around relevant issues in Black communities within the scope of public policy, giving students the opportunity to challenge Canadian policies through an anti-Black racism and analytical lens.

Topics are centred around environmental racism, the political engagement of marginalized communities, and the effectiveness of democratic institutions. In preparation, students complete a virtual debate course to sharpen critical thinking and public speaking skills.

The tournament is held in-person on the last Saturday in February in Toronto. Two streams of competition are offered — one for grades 7–9 and one for grades 10–12 — with each team consisting of two students.

Program Objectives

The 1834 Youth Debates develop students' ability to synthesize complex information, exercise creativity, and integrate different ways of knowing by:

  • Keeping calm and being confident
  • Maintaining proper body language
  • Learning debate format and terminology
  • Working on emotions and staying focused
  • Speaking loudly, clearly, and concisely
  • Developing critical thinking and public speaking skills

Virtual Debate Course

Students complete a virtual course in January and February to sharpen critical thinking and public speaking skills before the tournament.

Policy-Centred Topics

Debate topics focus on environmental racism, political engagement of marginalized communities, and the effectiveness of democratic institutions.

In-Person Tournament

The tournament is held in Toronto on the last Saturday in February, with separate streams for grades 7–9 and grades 10–12.

1834 Debates collaboration session

Eligibility

  • Black / African descent in grades 7–12 with parent or guardian permission
  • Resides in Ontario
  • Available for online sessions in January and February
  • Available for in-person weekend tournament on the last Saturday in February
  • Interested in public speaking
  • Demonstrates maturity, leadership, critical thinking, and motivation

Application Process

Eligible candidates must register using the secure online 1834 Foundation application system. Acceptance is upon completion of application if all eligibility criteria are met. Please note that parent or guardian permission signature is required if under 18 years old.

All applications are strictly private and confidential. For further questions, please email Debates@1834Foundation.ca.

Key Dates

  1. 1

    Registration Opens

    September 15

  2. 2

    Registration Closes

    December 1

  3. 3

    Virtual Debate Course

    January – February

  4. 4

    In-Person Tournament

    Last Saturday in February

Register for 1834 Debates

Registration opens September 15 each year and closes December 1. Open to Black youth in grades 7–12 residing in Ontario.

Apply Now