(FOX40.COM) — While candidates for California governor were debating in San Francisco on Wednesday night, some students in Sacramento were debating public officials as part of a Sacramento Urban Debate League event.

During the event at the Serna Center, participating students took on some of the most timely topics in the news, including health insurance, social media, artificial intelligence in classrooms and nuclear energy.

“There are over 20 leagues nationwide now that focus on bringing policy debate and other speech and debate activities to low-income schools throughout the country,” SUDL board President Stephen Goldberg said.

Participating public officials at the event included policy consultant and former Sacramento City Council member Katie Valenzuela; epidemiologist and Sacramento County supervisor candidate Dr. Flojaune Cofer; and Dr. Kristen Tudor, chief of staff to the president of Sacramento State.

Some student debaters who spoke with FOX40 said they did not want their opponents to go easy on them.

“They should bring their best,” West Campus High School sophomore Hadeeqah Khan said. “If anything, we’re going easy on them.”

The students came prepared.

“Researching, clicking online for stuff, finding articles; I use that knowledge to help myself prepare for today,” West Campus High School sophomore Daniel Khan said.

There were no judges, winners, or losses at Wednesday’s event, but rather spirited debate and a valuable experience. In some cases, the students argued points that might not reflect their personal beliefs, similar to what attorneys are sometimes tasked with.

“We actually had our public figures choose the side they wanted,” Goldberg said. “So we’re debating against them, and we got the side that we got.”

Wednesday’s event was one example of how the SUDL is preparing the leaders of tomorrow with skills that are in demand today.

“Policy debate teaches public speaking skills,” Goldberg said. “It teaches the ability to think critically and to think very quickly, to analyze an issue or issue area from all sides, and to articulate arguments from all sides. And then, hopefully, once you’ve looked at everything, reach reasoned opinions based on the best information in the field.”

“For me, it’s made me a better public speaker,” Hadeeqah Khan said. “It’s made me more comfortable in various spaces so I can share my voice. But I think most of all, it’s helped me understand different perspectives. Sometimes I have to advocate for a point that, beforehand, I might not have agreed with. But after debating it, I realize why certain people might think the way they do because I’m researching it and writing speeches about it, which really helps me understand different perspectives.”

Wednesday’s event also served as a fundraiser for the nonprofit SUDL.

“And I think it’s just a place we’ve really found a community in,” Hadeeqah  Khan elaborated. “And we’ve found people that we’ve made these amazing bonds with, and who we look up to, and who have taught us so many skills. And we’re just really grateful for this opportunity. And these fundraisers are what help us to continue to keep this program alive and helping debaters find their voice.”

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