Brewer Foundation Announces Partnership with Texas Southern University Debate Team
October 2, 2025 — The Brewer Foundation proudly announces a partnership with the Texas Southern University (TSU) Debate Team, a world-class program from one of the nation’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Renowned for academic excellence, the TSU Debate Team will bring its internationally recognized debaters into the heart of the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF), where they will serve as judges during the competition’s 25th anniversary season.
Founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation and now jointly administered with New York University (NYU), the IPPF is the only global debate competition that invites high school students to compete in both written and oral debates on pressing issues of public policy. For a quarter century, the IPPF has given students worldwide the chance to sharpen their critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills while tackling subjects of global consequence.
“The IPPF was founded to connect the best young minds with the issues that shape our world,” said William A. Brewer III, chairman of the Brewer Foundation and founder of the IPPF. “The Texas Southern University Debate Team is a championship program, recognized for its competitive excellence. The team's involvement with IPPF is a plus for the tournament and its participants.”
The competition begins annually in October, when teams submit qualifying round essays. The top 64 teams advance into a single elimination written debate tournament, volleying essays via email. Judges evaluate each round of written debate, narrowing the field from 64 teams to 32, then 16, and finally to the “Elite Eight” teams. Those eight teams earn an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City in April 2026 to compete in the IPPF Finals, where the IPPF World Champion will be awarded the $10,000 grand prize and the coveted “Brewer Cup.”
As part of this new partnership, TSU Debate Team members will collaborate directly with the NYU CEDA Debate Team and its director, Will Baker, to evaluate written debates from IPPF teams around the globe. This season, IPPF teams will contend with one of the most complex issues of our time: how to ensure global access to a quality education.
“We are thrilled to welcome Texas Southern University’s debaters as judges,” said Baker, who also serves on the IPPF Advisory Board. “Their reputation for excellence will enrich the IPPF experience for competitors worldwide.”
The announcement follows TSU’s recent triumph at the 35th annual International Forensics Association World Championship in South Korea, a victory that reaffirmed its place among the elite debate programs in the world.
Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts, coach of the TSU Debate Team, reflected on the partnership: “We are honored to join the Brewer Foundation and NYU in this effort. Our students are eager to share their skills and talents and to give back, mentor younger debaters, and uphold the intellectual rigor that defines competitive forensics.”
As the IPPF celebrates its 25th year, this partnership with the TSU Debate Team underscores its mission: to inspire the next generation of thinkers and leaders by uniting diverse voices in pursuit of ideas that matter.
About the IPPF and the Brewer Foundation:
The IPPF was founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation and is now jointly administered with New York University. It is endorsed by leading forensic agencies, such as the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues, the International Debate Education Association, the Impact Coalition, Associated Leaders of Urban Debate Leagues, and the National Debate Coaches Association.
The Brewer Foundation is a private, non-profit organization funded by companies, individuals and the national litigation firm of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. With offices in New York and Dallas, the Foundation has achieved widespread recognition for its efforts to create, fund and manage a variety of educational outreach programs.
Visit the IPPF at www.ippfdebate.com or www.instagram.com/ippfdebate.
JPMorgan Chase Partners with Brewer Foundation to Teach Future Leaders Program Students Financial Literacy
August 25, 2025 — The Brewer Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with JPMorgan Chase. Beginning this fall, JPMorgan Chase professionals will provide quarterly financial literacy workshops to students in the Foundation’s Future Leaders Program (FLP).
The workshops will equip students with essential knowledge to strengthen their understanding of financial concepts and build skills that support success in both their personal lives and future careers. Sessions are scheduled for: October 11, 2025, November 8, 2025, January 10, 2026, and March 14, 2026.
William A. Brewer III, Chairman of the Brewer Foundation, said: “Financial literacy is more than understanding dollars and cents. It provides students with the tools to achieve financial success. By joining forces with JPMorgan Chase, we are helping our future leaders on their path to the American dream."
This collaboration reflects the Brewer Foundation’s ongoing commitment to developing well-rounded leaders through academic enrichment, mentorship, and real world skill building.
Founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation, the FLP is an academic and leadership development program that benefits more than 200 students, ages 12-18, from urban communities within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) at no cost. Through year-round academic courses, leadership training, and exposure to a wide array of cultural programs, the FLP helps prepare its “future leaders” for success in college and beyond.
To learn more about the Future Leaders Program and other partnerships, visit our FLP website.
The Brewer Foundation Joins North Texas Giving Day to Amplify Impact
August 22, 2025 –The Brewer Foundation will proudly participate on September 18, 2025 in North Texas Giving Day – the nation’s largest online community-wide giving event.
“For nearly 30 years, the Brewer Foundation has invested in students and communities,” said Ian Shaw, president of the Brewer Foundation. “North Texas Giving Day is about uniting people in support of causes that matter, and this platform allows us to share our mission with more North Texans. Every gift expands our impact and builds pathways for future leaders.”
Founded in 1995, the Brewer Foundation champions a wide range of community initiatives, with a deep focus on educational advancement with its two anchor programs: Future Leaders Program (“FLP”) and International Public Policy Forum (“IPPF”). With its unique public private partnership, FLP serves more than 200 students from southern Dallas in the Dallas Independent School District each year. FLP offers academic courses, leadership training, and cultural enrichment. IPPF brings together high school students from around the world to debate pressing issues of public policy, fostering critical thinking and global citizenship.
Created by Communities Foundation of Texas, North Texas Giving Day is a 24-hour campaign connecting thousands of nonprofits with tens of thousands of donors across the region. Celebrating its 17th year, the event has raised more than $634 million to date.
About North Texas Giving Day
When: Thursday, September 18, 2025 (24 hours of giving)
For more information, visit NorthTexasGivingDay.org.
Donate directly to the Brewer Foundation
Share the Foundation’s campaign on social media to inspire others to give
Brewer Foundation President Joins Northwestern University Counselor Advisory Board
June 17, 2025 — Brewer Foundation President Ian Shaw has been selected to join the Northwestern University Counselor Advisory Board (CAB), an initiative focused on supporting underrepresented student populations and guiding them through the college admissions process.
Hosted by Northwestern’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, CAB partners with high school counselors and college-access advocates to increase higher education opportunities for students facing systemic barriers. As a member of the program’s second cohort, Shaw will participate in a two-day program on Northwestern’s Evanston campus next spring, where he will collaborate with admissions staff and campus leaders.
In his role at the Brewer Foundation, Shaw oversees the Future Leaders Program (FLP), an academic and leadership development program serving more than 200 students, ages 12 to 18, from urban communities within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). The FLP provides year-round academic instruction, leadership training, and cultural enrichment to prepare its “future leaders” for success in college and beyond.
Currently, two FLP alumni from the Class of 2023—undergraduates Erica Salazar and Raul Lopez—are enrolled at Northwestern. They will be joined this fall by Lizbeth Ojeda, a 2025 FLP graduate.
“I’m excited to deepen the Brewer Foundation’s partnership with Northwestern University,” Shaw said. “Our commitment to expanding college access for FLP students advances the mission of Northwestern’s CAB initiative. One of the most rewarding aspects of the FLP experience is seeing our graduates go on to attend great universities such as Northwestern and realize their higher education aspirations.”
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Reports on North Allegheny High School Competing in IPPF Finals
May 8, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the North Allegheny High School speech and debate team beat out hundreds of other schools to make it as one of the top eight competitors in the 24th annual Brewer Foundation/NYU International Public Policy Forum Finals (IPPF) held May 3 in New York City.
“Reaching the world finals is incredibly difficult and requires being selected for the Round of 64 and then defeating teams from across the world in single-elimination bouts until reaching the top eight," said debate coach Dominic Moore. "This activity requires high-level research, writing and argumentation skills as each round’s essays are judged by experts.”
The Allegheny team included senior Kelly Tai, junior Samuel Xiao and sophomores Kaartic Muralidharan, Eric Peng and Aayushi Vardhan. The team placed as a Quarterfinalist and won $1,500.
“It’s not just a competition. It’s a proving ground for tomorrow’s policy thinkers and public voices,” said William A. Brewer III, chairman of the Brewer Foundation and founder of the IPPF.
Read more here.
Southlake Style Reports on IPPF Champion Carroll Senior High School Debate Team
May 6, 2025 — Southlake Style reports on Brewer Foundation/NYU International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) World Champion Carroll Senior High's victory in this year's debate competition.
The Dragons won first place at the 24th annual competition, held May 3 in New York. The team took home the “Brewer Cup” and the $10,000 grand prize.
Carroll's winning team of Tanya Kuriakose, Amber Lin, Nether Tummalapalli and Anushka Velala -- coached by Anthony Brown -- defeated DuPont Manual High School of Kentucky in the final round. Lin, a freshman, was awarded the John E. Sexton Award and a $1,000 prize for an exceptional performance during the final round.
William A. Brewer III, Brewer Foundation chairman and IPPF founder, said that "[Carroll] demonstrated a command of the topic and persuasive force that defines the art of advocacy. They earned their victory on a big stage, under the intense pressure of world-class intellectual competition."
He added, "The IPPF doesn't just build debaters -- it cultivates future leaders. At a time when civil discourse among those with opposing views seems nonexistent, this tournament annually engages students around the world in rigorous research, writing and oral advocacy on a topic of international importance."
Read more here.
Global Debate Champions Crowned: Carroll Senior High School Wins IPPF Title, $10,000 Prize
New York, New York — May 3, 2025 – After eight months of fierce international competition, a team from Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas, has triumphed at the 24th annual Brewer Foundation / NYU International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) Finals — earning the coveted title of IPPF World Champion and a $10,000 grand prize from the Brewer Foundation.
The final debate, held Saturday, May 3, at the Harold Pratt House in Manhattan, concluded a journey that began in October 2024 with 283 teams from 26 countries and 30 U.S. states.
This year’s resolution challenged teams to weigh equity against intellectual property, with teams debating the topic: “Resolved: Equitable access to pharmaceuticals should be prioritized over protecting intellectual property rights.”
From the original pool of 283 teams, 64 advanced into a rigorous single-elimination written debate tournament. The top eight — the “Elite Eight” — earned an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City as guests of the Brewer Foundation to engage in high-stakes, in-person debates before a panel of global experts.
The final debate was attended by more than 100 contest participants, NYU representatives, and professional staff from the Brewer law firm.
“This team demonstrated a command of the topic and persuasive force that defines the art of advocacy,” said William A. Brewer III, chairman of the Brewer Foundation and founder of the IPPF. “They earned their victory on a big stage, under the intense pressure of world-class intellectual competition.”
Brewer added, “The IPPF doesn’t just build debaters — it cultivates future leaders. At a time when civil discourse among those with opposing views seems nonexistent, this tournament annually engages students around the world in rigorous research, writing, and oral advocacy on a topic of international importance. By doing so, the IPPF equips them with the tools to lead, to question, and to speak with purpose. It’s not just a competition; it’s a proving ground for tomorrow’s policy thinkers and public voices.”
The winning team — coached by Anthony Brown and composed of students Tanya Kuriakose, Amber Lin, Nethra Tummalapalli, and Anushka Velala — bested top contenders in the quarterfinals and semifinals before defeating duPont Manual High School of Louisville, Kentucky, in the final round.
In addition to being named a world champion, debater Amber Lin, a freshman at Carroll Senior, was awarded the John E. Sexton Award and a $1,000 prize for exceptional performance during the Final Debate.
Additional Awards:
· Runner-Up: duPont Manual High School from Louisville, Kentucky ($5,000 prize)
· Sexton Award Winner: Amber Lin of Carroll Senior High School received the John E. Sexton Award and a $1,000 prize for exceptional performance during the Final Debate.
· Semifinalists: Blue Valley High School of Stilwell, Kanas, and Westwood High School of Austin, Texas ($3,000 each)
· Quarterfinalists: Alpha Co of La Cresenta, California; Kealakehe High School of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; North Allegheny Senior High School of Wexford, Pennsylvania; and Peak to Peak Charter School of Lafayette, Colorado ($1,500 each)
Judging Panel:
The proceedings were judged by a panel comprised of NYU President Emeritus John Sexton; Miha Andric, an international debate coach and Director of Education Center Argument based in Slovenia; Will Baker, Director of the NYU Global Debate Fund; Trey Smith, Executive Director of East Mountain High School; and Alex Pouille, Zone Europe Chief Financial Officer for Anheuser-Busch InBev. The debate moderator was David Baker, famed debate coach and Director of Admission & Financial Aid at St. Mark’s School of Texas.
About the IPPF and the Brewer Foundation:
The IPPF was founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation and is now jointly administered with New York University. The program is available to all high schools around the world – public and private – for free. The IPPF is endorsed by leading forensic agencies, such as the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues, the International Debate Education Association, the Impact Coalition, Associated Leaders of Urban Debate Leagues, and the National Debate Coaches Association.
The Brewer Foundation is a private, non-profit organization funded by companies, individuals and the national litigation firm of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. With offices in New York and Dallas, the Foundation has achieved widespread recognition for its efforts to create, fund and manage a variety of educational outreach programs.
Brewer Foundation Celebrates Graduates of Its Future Leaders Program
Dallas, Texas — April 28, 2025 – The Brewer Foundation honored its 2025 Future Leaders Program (FLP) graduates this weekend, celebrating a milestone achievement for 18 seniors, including two students awarded the prestigious QuestBridge National College Scholarship and one student awarded the Gates Scholarship.
Founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation, the FLP provides year-round academic courses, leadership training, and cultural enrichment to more than 150 Dallas Independent School District (DISD) students, ages 12 – 18, at no cost. Designed for students, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue college, the FLP prepares future leaders to succeed in school, excel in college, and become pillars of their community.
The 2025 FLP graduates were recognized in a special ceremony on Saturday, April 26, at the Episcopal School of Dallas, attended by FLP faculty, families, and professional staff from Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors.
“We created FLP to help promising students reach their full potential,” said William A. Brewer III, FLP founder and Brewer Foundation Chairman. “Seeing these students achieve this extraordinary graduation milestone is incredibly rewarding – proof that hard work and educational access can transform lives."
A Vision for Success
Students are selected for the FLP based on scholastic aptitude, civic engagement, and leadership potential. The curriculum supplements the education students receive at their home schools, with coursework that includes humanities, advanced mathematics, and psychology. Each class is co-taught by both a private school and public-school teacher — a unique collaboration designed to bring together diverse ideas and perspectives.
The program partners with DISD several of Dallas’ top private schools, including St. Mark’s School of Texas, The Hockaday School, Greenhill School, and the Episcopal School of Dallas.
Since 2009, FLP seniors have received more than $20 million in scholarship offers. FLP alumni are graduates of many elite colleges and universities, including New York University, Yale University, Northwestern University, Pomona College, The University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Texas Christian University.
2025 FLP Graduates
Maya Alvarez
Juan Cabellero
Marian Cuenca
Elizabeth Espinoza
Alfredo Fuente, QuestBridge Scholar
Estrella Garcia, Gates Scholar
Madison Johnson
Andres Juarez
Juan Leos-Reyna
Anaya Martinez
Jonathan Martinez
Isaac Molina, QuestBridge Scholar
Lizbeth Ojeda
Lindsey Rodriquez
Jazmine Salinas
Shruti Sharma
Evelyn Sida
Julissa Zuniga
Learn more about the QuestBridge National College Scholarship here.
Explore the Future Leaders Program here.
Support our mission to expand opportunity for promising students here.