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The Civil Discourse Project was founded to develop engaged, informed, and skilled 5th-12th graders who model civil discourse as a hallmark of American democracy.

We support students who can effectively use logic, evidence, and personality to communicate their ideas and respectfully persuade others, just as Ronald Reagan did throughout his life.

Through our Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition, student participants in grades 5-12 will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of President Reagan’s legacy and inspire them to continue developing their public speaking skills by submitting their online video submissions.

The Ronald Reagan Debate challenges students in grades 9-12 to emulate the style of presidential debates of old, avoiding the use of jargon and speed, instead emphasizing practical communication skills like civility, personality, humor and story telling.

RONALD REAGAN ORATORY COMPETITION

We are excited to share with you an exciting new and free opportunity that builds public speaking skills and civic engagement. The Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition brings President Reagan’s words back to life through today's youth.

Ten students in both the Middle School (grades 5-8) and High School (grades 9-12) divisions will earn: Round-trip travel costs for the student/one chaperone, hotel, meals, transportation, and VIP/red carpet treatment to the finals.


Details:
Submission Window: Monday, September 9, 2024 - Friday, November 15, 2024

FREE participation in 3 easy steps:

  • Participants are provided excerpts of address given by President Reagan, selected by the Reagan Foundation.
  • Students can read from the script/notecards-just as President Reagan used-and focus on emulating his distinctive speaking style.
  • Students will record their presentation and submit through our Learning Management System (LMS).

Competition closes on November 15th at midnight (pt)

LEARN MORE and submit presentation

Questions? Contact us at education@reaganfoundation.org.

RONALD REAGAN Debate - Preseason Tournament

The Ronald Reagan Debate, formerly known as the Great Communicator Debate Series, challenges students in grades 9-12 to emulate the style of presidential debates of old, avoiding the use of jargon and speed, instead emphasizing practical communication skills like civility, personality, humor and story telling.

The top 4 students will receive competition medals and Reagan Foundation care packages. The second place student will also receives a $100 Amazon gift card, and the winner receives a $200 Amazon gift card.

Date: Saturday, October 19th, 8am-3pm PT

Grade Level: 9th-12th Graders in the 2024-25 School Year

Cost: $10 per entry

Topic: Resolved: Teachers should integrate generative AI in their teaching and learning. Learn more about this topic from our resource packet.

Purpose: Opportunity for high school students to hone their civil discourse skills, and get familiar with the Reagan presidential debate style (while potentially winning a cash prize!)

Format: This Preseason tournament will be run in a "Swiss" format, meaning that every student will debate in every round, with winners being decided by top cumulative record at the end of the tournament. The amount of rounds will depend on total entries (32 or fewer students = five rounds, 33-64 students = six rounds). Learn more about the debate style here.

Then What?: In the Spring, students can compete at our regional qualifiers, where winners will be invited to compete at the the National Finals, hosted at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley, California.

SIGN UP NOW

Want to watch what a winning debate looks like? View our past National Championship Rounds here.

Questions? Contact us at education@reaganfoundation.org.

RONALD REAGAN Debate - regional competitions

The Ronald Reagan Debate, formerly known as the Great Communicator Debate Series, challenges students in grades 9-12 to emulate the style of presidential debates of old, avoiding the use of jargon and speed, instead emphasizing practical communication skills like civility, personality, humor and story telling.

Want to be alerted for when the Topic and Schedule is available for the regional competitions? Signup to be notified.

SIGN UP to be notified for 2025

 

“The Friday we spent at the museum, with tour guides and fellow competitors; I learned so much about President Reagan not only as a leader but as a man, and I feel like such insight is hard to come by.”
- Laurel Holley, National Champion 2021

“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