Florida's Speech & Debate Surge: Over 330 New Teams in 67 Counties
Florida has witnessed a surge in speech and debate teams, with over 330 new teams and 4,200 student competitors since the state launched its civic and debate initiative. Governor Ron DeSantis, a vocal champion of civics education, has overseen these developments and more.
The governor has expressed concern about the nationwide decline of civics education, labeling it a 'lost art'. In Florida, he has taken steps to revive it. The state is commemorating America 250 by installing founding father statues and offering grants to schools, with several receiving over $1M from the U.S. Department of Education.
DeSantis has also reinvigorated speech and debate programs. Initially present in just 10 counties, these programs have expanded to all 67 counties. The Florida Education Foundation, through private donations, is funding the upcoming 2026 Speech and Debate Championship in Sarasota. This event, featuring the Charlie Kirk Prize, will offer scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to winners and runners-up, drawing over 600 participants.
To further bolster civics education, Florida has created a civics seal of excellence program. Teachers who complete the course receive a $3,000 bonus. The governor has praised these initiatives, cautioning against over-reliance on AI in classrooms and promoting technology-free instruction.
Florida's commitment to civics education is evident in its expanded speech and debate programs, commemorative initiatives, and teacher incentives. The upcoming Charlie Kirk Speech and Debate Prize, with its substantial scholarships, promises to inspire and reward student participation. Governor DeSantis' leadership has driven these developments, aiming to revitalize civics education across the state.
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