Debate team sharpens incarcerated Anchorage teens' skills

Teens incarcerated at the McLaughlin Youth Center have been learning how to debate.

UAA Seawolf debate team member Adrian Schnyder has been mentoring the youth this school year.

"They have a chance to do something that they don't normally get to do", Schnyder said. " And I think that gives them incentive to push themselves a little bit harder. Push past some of those fears and really try to capitalize on their time."

This is the first school year that participants of the debate team have competed against other high schools off-site.

One teen participant told us that he appreciates UAA's involvement at the McLaughlin Youth Center.

"I thank them for that. Because we don't really have a lot of volunteers that come over as much anymore", he said. "I think it's beneficial not just to myself but everyone."