Supporting civic education and speech and debate programs at middle schools and high schools.
“A public speaking program in middle or high school would have been helpful in developing confidence in myself and coherently expressing my thoughts.”
“My high school prioritized “Science Olympiad” and “Chess Team” and “Robotics” and generally STEM-related activities above anything humanities related. There was little support for speech or debate programs, as they were deemed less important, which is a shame because I think that type of knowledge is crucial.”
64% of college students who did not participate in a public speaking or debate program in middle school or high school wish they had.
81% believed their critical thinking skills would have been improved.
77% believed they would be better writers.
58% believed it would have bolstered their research skills.