Debate & Public Speaking Opportunities for High School Students
Browse 23 verified Debate & Public Speaking opportunities for high schoolers, matched by interest with real deadlines and eligibility.
Law Academy
One-week pre-college academy in Washington, DC covering criminal law, constitutional law, and Supreme Court cases through lectures and mock trials. Applying by the early deadline waives the application fee.
Northern California Leadership Seminar
Three-day residential leadership seminar for sophomores at Menlo College in Atherton. You can't self-nominate — a counselor or administrator submits you, and schools often cover the fee.
California Boys & Girls State
Week-long government simulation at CSU Sacramento where delegates run for office, draft legislation, and argue cases. There's no direct application — your school nominates you and a local Legion post sponsors the fee.
Stanford National Forensic Institute
Speech, debate, and public speaking institute run at Stanford since 1990, with summer sessions in Palo Alto plus online options. Enrollment is rolling and space-limited.
American Legion Oratorical Contest
Scholarship speech competition focused on the U.S. Constitution, civic knowledge, and prepared and extemporaneous public speaking.
Berkeley Model United Nations
Three-day conference on the UC Berkeley campus drawing roughly 2,000 high school delegates across 20 committees. Registration is first-come and requires an adult advisor from your school.
California Mock Trial
Statewide competition where school teams argue a hypothetical criminal case in real courtrooms before sitting judges, including Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Contra Costa counties. Join through your school's team.
Fed Challenge
School-team competition where students analyze economic conditions and present a monetary-policy recommendation to Federal Reserve judges.
Harvard Model Congress
Student-led congressional simulation in which delegates represent legislators, debate bills, negotiate amendments, and practice committee procedure.
Junior State of America
Student-led civic organization that ran conventions, seminars, and debate programs on public policy. It announced it would close and stop operating on August 31, 2024, and its website no longer loads. Kept for reference only.
Model United Nations
Model United Nations resources and conferences where students research countries, negotiate resolutions, and practice multilateral diplomacy.
National Honor Society
School-chartered honor society recognizing scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Membership is selected by a local faculty council, so requirements vary by chapter.
National Model Arab League
Academic diplomacy simulation where students represent Arab League member states and develop negotiated solutions to regional policy questions.
National Speech & Debate Association
National speech and debate community offering competitive events, resources, and a pathway from local school competition to national tournaments.
Optimist International Oratorical Contest
Speech contest run by local Optimist Clubs, with college scholarships at the district level.
Princeton Model Congress
High school congressional simulation featuring committee hearings, legislative debate, and public-policy research.
Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series
High school debate competition built around constitutional questions, public argument, and civic leadership, with regional events and scholarships.
The Congressional Award
Non-competitive, self-paced program where students set personal goals across voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition. Participants log hours toward Bronze, Silver, and Gold certificates and medals.
VFW Voice of Democracy
Audio essay contest on a patriotic theme. You record your essay and enter through a local VFW post, with scholarships at each level.
Victory Briefs Institute
Two- and four-week residential debate camps in Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, and World Schools at the University of San Diego and UT Austin. Registration is rolling once dates post.
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
Classroom-based constitutional civics program culminating in simulated congressional hearings where student teams present and defend policy positions.
Yale Model United Nations
International affairs conference where high school delegates simulate UN committees, research global issues, and negotiate resolutions.
Youth & Government
Year-long civic program where you join a local Bay Area delegation and take a role as legislator, attorney, judge, or journalist at statewide sessions. Fees and deadlines are set by each local YMCA.