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Ronald Reagan Civil Discourse Project

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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 Debate Series - 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.

Regional Topic - Resolved: The US education system should primarily be managed by the states, not the federal government.

Debate Schedule

Date City, State Site 
3/1/2025 Dallas, Texas Southern Methodist University
3/8/2025 Fulton County, Georgia Northview High School
4/5/2025 Thousand Oaks, California Oaks Christian High School
4/5/2025 Tuscaloosa, AL Northridge High School
4/12/2025 Nashville, TN Lipscomb Academy & University
4/12/2025 Salt Lake City, UT University of Utah
4/19/2025 New York City, NY Collegiate School
4/19/2025 Richmond, VA Collegiate School
4/26/2025 Eureka, IL Eureka College, IL
5/2/25-5/3/25 Rockhurst High School/Truman Presidential Library Independence, MO
5/10/2025 Orlando, FL Colonial High School
TBD Darlington, SC  
5/31/2025 National Online Tournament  

*Click on location in order to register for the competition.

 

Debate Structure

Debate Evaluation Ballot

Judges Video

2024 National Championships Debate

 

SIGN UP to be notified for 2025

Questions? Contact us at education@reaganfoundation.org.

 

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.

Teachers: by having your class participate in this competition, YOU have the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Download the 2024 program flyer to share with your students.

Prizes:

  • Middle School Students (5th-8th): The top 5 winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., along with a discount on future Reagan Education Programs.
  • High School Students (9th-12th): The top 5 winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with the chance to compete for a grand prize of $1,000.


Details:

FREE participation in 3 easy steps:

  • Click on the link below to enroll and create an account for yourself and each of your students
  • Create a username and password
  • Complete all required sections (make sure you and each of your students put the correct school name)
  • The Championship round will be held on February 15 in Washington, D.C.

More About the Competition:

  • 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 for 2024 is now closed

NOTIFY ME FOR 2025

Questions? Contact us at education@reaganfoundation.org.

“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