Our Work
The Challenge
Across the country, education budgets have faced significant cuts, putting essential programs and students at risk. The expiration of COVID-19 relief funds has deepened financial uncertainty, forcing schools to make difficult choices about what to keep and what to cut.
Many districts have already reduced access to updated technology, arts education, and extracurricular programs. In some states, schools have even shortened the week to four days to save on transportation costs. These measures reflect a growing crisis in educational funding that threatens opportunities for millions of students.
The Impact on Students
Extracurricular activities like debate and speech are more than after-school pastimes—they’re vital for a student’s personal growth, academic success, and social well-being. They teach critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills that carry into adulthood.
When budgets shrink, these programs are often the first to go. Districts facing deficits—such as Newton, Massachusetts, which recently reported a $4.9 million shortfall—have been forced to cut staff and extracurricular activities. Nationwide, nearly half of superintendents have anticipated budget reductions of 5–10%, jeopardizing enrichment opportunities for countless students.
In Virginia, proposed state budget changes have redirected millions away from local public schools, further threatening extracurricular programs, teacher pay, and early education initiatives. These financial shifts disproportionately harm students from lower-income communities, who rely most on structured, positive after-school activities.
Why Debate and Speech Matter
Debate and speech programs provide more than just competitive experiences—they give students a voice. They help young people develop confidence, articulate ideas, and engage constructively with the world around them.
For many, these programs are a lifeline: a safe, structured environment that keeps them focused, inspired, and connected. Without them, students—especially those from under-resourced schools—lose critical opportunities to discover their potential.
As the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes, “Our country’s future depends crucially on the quality of its schools.” Cutting funding for programs that develop intelligence, creativity, and leadership undermines that future.
Our Commitment
We believe debate and speech programs are essential to a well-rounded education. They reinforce classroom learning, cultivate leadership, and help students apply academic skills in real-world contexts. By supporting and sustaining these programs, we ensure that every student—regardless of background—has the chance to find their voice and shape their future.