Increased grant shows support for debate in LA schools

The USC Neighborhood Debate Alliance received a grant almost double the size of last year's from the USC Neighborhood Outreach (UNO) program. The USC Good Neighbors Campaign that raised a record $1.3 million allowed UNO to fund 42 programs that support everything from reading and music to safety and sports in the areas surround USC's campuses. The Alliance, which facilitates debate in Los Angeles high schools, was awarded $30,084 this year and got $16,449 for the 2011 fiscal year. This increase reflects the growing support for debate, which encourages critical thinking, analytical and logical reasoning and applied research skills, in public schools. Trojan Debate Squad