Mission Statement
A clear explanation of DDK’s purpose—expanding access to debate and public
speaking education
At Debate Discovery Kids (DDK), we believe that every child deserves the
opportunity to develop confidence, critical thinking, and public speaking
skills—regardless of background or financial means.
Our Story
A brief history of how and why DDK was founded.
As nationally competitive debaters, we saw firsthand how access to speech and debate
was limited to students from affluent schools, leaving countless young minds without a platform to speak up and be heard. Determined to break down these barriers, we launched DDK, a free and accessible debate program tailored for middle school students.
Through engaging lesson plans, interactive workshops, and a comprehensive debate workbook, we make debate fun, approachable, and impactful. Our mission is simple: to foster a new generation of articulate, informed, and passionate young debaters who will redefine the landscape of discourse—both in the competitive circuit and in the world at large.
Join us in our mission to make debate accessible to all!
Meet the Team
Founder: Suraj Shah
Suraj Shah is a junior at Arnold O. Beckman High School in Orange County, California, with a passion for speech, debate, and civic engagement. An accomplished debater and advocate for education equity, he is dedicated to expanding access to public speaking and critical thinking opportunities for students. Beyond competition, he is actively involved in leadership, community service, and youth advocacy, working to empower others through education and discourse.
Founder: Courtney Tetteh-Martey
Courtney Tetteh-Martey is a senior at Sage Hill School in Orange County, California. A dedicated debater and advocate, she is passionate about social justice and expanding educational opportunities for all students. Through her leadership roles, she has worked to foster inclusivity, critical thinking, and meaningful discourse. She will be attending Stanford University in the fall, where she hopes to continue making an impact through advocacy and leadership.