National Speech & Debate Association Launches Initiative to Increase Access to Speech and Debate Nationwide

Effort aims to bring critical thinking, communication, and civil discourse to more schools across the country

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) has launched the National Speech & Debate Initiative, a nationwide effort to dramatically expand access to speech and debate programs for students across the United States.

The initiative aims to double the number of schools and students participating in speech and debate nationwide, with a goal of reaching 8,000 schools and 200,000 students by 2030. Today, 80% of U.S. high schools do not have a speech and debate team, leaving millions of students without access to this powerful learning experience.

"As schools and communities navigate this rapidly changing educational landscape, it's vital to increase skills that depend on uniquely human abilities, like critical thinking, creativity, ethical decision-making, empathy, and meaningful dialogue," said Wunn. "Speech and debate is the answer. It is the best way to provide students with a place to develop the life-changing skills needed for today, tomorrow, and the future."

Speech and debate teaches young people to think critically, listen actively, engage in civil argument, and develop empathy for those who view the world differently. During a time when AI is changing how students learn and how adults work, speech and debate teaches the durable skills young people will need to succeed.

Students involved in speech and debate show an 87% increase in analytical skills and a 36% increase in reading test scores. Yet, access to this educational opportunity is limited. Many schools and communities lack resources, coaching, funding, or infrastructure needed to establish and sustain a program. The National Speech & Debate Initiative is designed to help close that gap by bringing speech and debate to schools and communities with limited access to the activity.

The NSDA has expanded the ways it supports new programs and administrators. This work includes resources for integrating speech and debate into classroom curricula and advocating for state-level policy reforms that make speech and debate central components of middle and high school education.

The NSDA currently offers a number of free resources to schools and students including online competitions, teaching curriculum, judge training, coaching resources, and more. To learn more about starting a team at your school, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

About the National Speech & Debate Association

The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. The Association builds the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world by providing topics, educational resources, and training for students and coaches. For more than 100 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has built a platform for youth voices that culminates in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. For more information, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

SOURCE National Speech & Debate Association