"Newsweek’s Mightier" is an inspiring docuseries that champions the next wave of American leadership by collaborating with the National Association of Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL). Under the guidance of NAUDL's Executive Director, Rhonda Hayes, the partnership brings the art of debate to thousands of students who might not otherwise have the opportunity, fostering critical thinking and civil discourse in the nation's future decision-makers.
“At Newsweek, we believe that good-faith debate is in the public interest, and we welcome diverse views and voices to the search for common ground. That's in our mission statement. We work to achieve it every day, and Mightier—this special content hub focused on student debate—is an important part of that effort.”
-Newsweek Global Editor-in-Chief Nancy Cooper
democratizing debate to improve post-high school outcomes for young adults.
90%
85%
97%
of debaters graduate high school
of debaters enroll in college
of debaters report stronger financial literacy
Source: Department of Education
Empowering Voices, Shaping Leaders
Mightier illuminates the power of debate in cultivating the analytical and public speaking skills necessary for leadership and underscores NAUDL’s role in democratizing access to debate education, ensuring that students from varied backgrounds can engage in this formative experience. 'Mightier' offers an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs that shape these students into the next generation of American leaders.
MIGHTIER AT newsweek headquarters
MIGHTIER DEBATE
april 14, 2023
Key Characters
Erick has a strong interest in space system design and will continue his studies at Princeton University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in both mechanical and aerospace engineering.
With aspirations of becoming a first-generation college student, Fabiola is passionate about her community and dedicated to making a positive impact through her participation in debates and future endeavors.
Marianny intends to major in biology and afterward attend dental school. One of her biggest dreams is to offer affordable dental care all over the Dominican Republic to provide for her people.
Haven is involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including cross-country and the Mikva Challenge, which invites youth to take part in real-life democratic activities. He plans to major in aeronautical engineering and aspires to be an astronaut.
First
season
A Story of Two Debate Leagues
At its core, "A Story of Two Debate Leagues" is about the people who make these programs thrive.
Viewers are taken on a journey into the worlds of the Atlanta Urban Debate League (AUDL) and the Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL). As AUDL celebrates its 40th anniversary, showcasing a legacy of empowering young debaters, MNUDL is building a legacy and serving a diverse student population.
Episode
example
“Bridging Voices: Minnesota Urban Debate League”
Viewers are introduced to the Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL), which stands out for its commitment to serving a diverse student population, offering specialized debate programs for Spanish-speaking students and the East African community. The episode follows the journey of Spanish-speaking debaters within the Spanish debate program, focusing on their preparation for the national competition. The narrative not only highlights their personal growth and the cultivation of a strong sense of pride and identity but also sets the stage for a compelling exploration of the challenges they encounter, including language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the intense pressure of competition.
Second
season
Urban Debate National Championships
April 2025
Emory University
Season 2 of the docuseries turns the spotlight on the pinnacle of the NAUDL calendar—the national championship. Throughout the season, viewers are taken on a behind-the-scenes journey with teams from various leagues, including behemoths from Chicago and Los Angeles and underdogs from smaller leagues like Memphis. The narrative weaves through the intense preparations, the camaraderie among teammates, and the rekindling of friendships with peers and alumni across the country. Each episode delves into the dynamics of the competition, from the strategic planning in makeshift practice rooms to the adrenaline-fueled debates that spill from one classroom to another.
Episode
example
“Voices to Victory”
In this episode of "Mightier," the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League (SVUDL) as they embark on a challenging and exhilarating journey to the national championships. We track the progress of SVUDL's debate team, following their intensive preparation and the unyielding spirit that propels them toward the most prestigious event in the NAUDL calendar.
The narrative chronicles the team's road to the nationals, capturing the grueling practice sessions, the meticulous guidance from dedicated coaches, and the emotional highs and lows that define the competitive debate landscape. As the SVUDL team arrives at the national championships, viewers are thrust into the action's heart, witnessing the debaters' hard work culminating in a series of electrifying rounds against the country's best.
MIGHTIER
A fresh take on the underdog story
Mightier redefines the underdog story. From the strategy sessions to the energetic exchanges of the debate floor, seasons 1 and 2 vividly depict the transformative journey of these students. It's a celebration of intellectual athleticism and collective dedication, underlining how NAUDL's commitment to inclusivity is not just participating in the discourse but is actively redefining the path to success for tomorrow's critical thinkers and leaders. Both seasons offer a fresh take on the classic narrative of triumph against odds, where the true victory lies in democratizing debate and the empowerment it brings.
HOW CAN BRANDS
INTEGRATE?
Brand & Product Integration Examples:
- McDonald's HACER® National Scholarships: Highlight the journey of a Spanish-speaking debater who overcomes personal and academic challenges to win a McDonald's HACER® National Scholarship.
- Financial Literacy Sponsorship: Bank of America partners with "Mightier" to sponsor debate topics centered around financial literacy. This collaboration aims to educate students on important financial concepts, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions and fostering a generation that is financially savvy.
- Bridging the Digital Divide by Verizon:: "Mightier" collaborates with Verizon to significantly narrow the digital divide, offering students greater access to internet connectivty. The initiative illustrates the transformative potential of technology in fostering an inclusive, digitally connected educational environment, and Verizon’s role in bridging educational gaps.
SCENE 1
The Opportunity
The protagonist, Alex, a high school sophomore with dreams bigger than his circumstances, navigates the challenges of being a Spanish-speaking, low-income student in an English-dominated school. Scenes of his struggle with homework, communication barriers, and the pressure of potential failure set the stage. But Alex's English teacher, noticing his potential, introduces him to the Minnesota Urban Debate League's new program for Spanish-speaking debaters. Initial skepticism gives way to curiosity as Alex attends his first meeting, captivated by the power of words and arguments.
SCENE 2
Competing Values
Tensions at home arise as Alex dedicates more time to debate, with his parents worrying about neglecting immediate work for a distant dream. Emotional scenes of conflict and heart-to-heart conversations reveal their fears and hopes for Alex’s future.
SCENE 3
The Transformation
Training montages show Alex's transformation, from stumbling over arguments to confidently articulating his thoughts. His relationship with his coach, a former debater who sees himself in Alex, deepens, providing mentorship and belief in his potential. Alex's newfound confidence and skills from debate start reflecting in his classroom performance. Teachers and classmates notice the change, leading to improved grades and respect among peers.
SCENE 4
The Reward
The climax unfolds at the state debate championship, where Alex leads his team to victory. The win is sweetened by the announcement of receiving a McDonald's college scholarship, ensuring his path to college.
"On the stage of victory, Alex's journey finds its crescendo, not just in the trophy he lifts but in the scholarship that promises a future once deemed unreachable."
SCENE 5
A Family’s Pride
The final scenes depict Alex's graduation, with his parents, brimming with pride, by his side. Their fears have transformed into hope, their skepticism into support, as they watch the first college student in their family cross the stage.
"In this moment of triumph, Alex and his family stand united, not just by blood, but by the shared journey of dreams, struggle, and the voice that led them to victory."
SCENE 6
The New Beginning
Alex steps onto the college campus, a fresh beginning. He reflects on his journey, acknowledging the debate's role in shaping his path, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. :
"As Alex gazes upon the horizon of his future, he carries with him the lessons of the past, the strength of his voice, and the promise of a world where dreams, once whispered, are now spoken aloud."
thank you!
Kevin Gentzel
Chief Commercial Officer
k.gentzel@newsweek.com
Kylie McCoy
VP, Brand Partnerships
k.mccoy@newsweek.com