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The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & InstituteThe Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute Logo

Ronald Reagan Civil Discourse Project

Ronald Reagan Debate Series

The Ronald Reagan Debate Series challenges high school students grades 9-12 to compete for their share of $50,000 in scholarship awards! Our debate emulates the style of presidential debates of old, emphasizing practical communication skills like civility, personality, humor and story telling.

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Debate participants at the podium
Male debate participant at the podium
Female debate participant at the podium

2026 Competition Locations

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2026 Competition Details

Regional Topic

The topic for the 2026 Regional Competition Topic will be released February 2026.

Learn more about the debate style

In the video below, past debate finalists will teach you how to prepare and succeed in the Ronald Reagan Debate Series.

Ronald Reagan Debate Series Championship

The Ronald Reagan Debate Series Championship will take place on July 23-25, 2026 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

Testimonials

“This series was one of the most incredible experiences that I am so glad to have participated in. Everyone, including the staff, competitors, judges, and guests were all wonderfully kind and supportive. I really do feel like I became part of the Reagan Family. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. The Reagan Great Communicator Debates demonstrates what I believe debate is truly about: communication, education, and growth.”

Vienna Panossian

National Finalist 2021

Past National Championship Rounds

1/122025 National Championship Haiet Asher vs. Jayden Yu

2/122024 National Championship Richie Colosanno vs. Tyler Lee

3/122023 National Championship: Sahil Sood vs. Shrisha Raj

Resolution: “Advances in Generative Artificial Intelligence pose a threat to independent thought.” Sahil sood: $10,000 Scholarship Shrisha Raj: $7,500 Scholarship

4/122022 National Championship Patrick McDonald vs. Alex Lee

Resolution: “The benefits of NATO intervention in Ukraine outweigh the risks.” Patrick McDonald: $10,000 Scholarship Alex Lee: $7,500 Scholarship

5/122021 National championship Laurel Holley vs. Gabriel Frank-McPheter

Resolution: “The principle of “Peace Through Strength” is as valid today as it was during Ronald Reagan’s Presidency." Laurel Holley: $5,000 Scholarship Gabriel Frank-McPheter: $3,500 Scholarship

6/122020 National championship Anwesha Mukherjee vs. Caleb Knox

Resolution: “On balance, the philosophy of police departments must shift to better protect civil rights." Anwesha Mukherjee: $5,000 Scholarship Caleb Knox: $3,500 Scholarship

7/122019 National championship Aron Ravin vs. Ben Lux

Resolution: “On balance, a livable minimum wage mandate would harm small businesses in the United States.” Aron Ravin: $10,000 Scholarship Ben Lux: $7,500 Scholarship

8/122018 National championship John Michael Magloire vs. Michael Gormley

Resolution: “On balance, the freedoms guaranteed to the press benefit American Democracy.” John Michael Magliore: $10,000 Scholarship Michael Gormley: $7,000 Scholarship

9/122017 National championship John Michael Magliore vs. Shriyash Upadhyay

Resolution: “Social media strengthens American democracy.” John Michael Magliore: $10,000 Scholarship Shriyash Upadhyay: $7,000 Scholarship

10/122016 National Championship Katie Kleinle vs. Alex Zhao

Resolution: “The benefits of the two party system outweigh the harms to the American public.” Katie Kleinle: $10,000 Scholarship Alex Zhao: $7,000 Scholarship

11/122015 National Championship Barrett Young vs. Telyse Masaoay

Resolution: “The national interest of the United States demands that defending freedom from threats of tyranny take precedence over the sovereignty of foreign nations.” Barrett Young: $10,000 Scholarship Telyse Masaoay: $7,500 Scholarship

12/122012 National Championship Adam Revello vs. Nancy Fairbank

Resolution: “Introducing a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution.” Adam Revello: $10,000 Scholarship Nancy Fairbank: $7,000 Scholarship

Questions?

Contact us at education@reaganfoundation.org

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