Debate

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Broward County Public Schools Debate Initiative is a partnership between local businesses and K-12 debate programs within Broward County. With over 15,000 students actively participating, it is the largest debate program in the nation.

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WHY DEBATE?

Speech and debate students learn research, logic, organization of ideas, manipulation of language, assessment of audience, self-esteem, and engagement in world events. These skills not only build better students, they build better citizens who become better employees and better citizens.

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PARTICIPATING IN DEBATE

• Increases literacy scores by 26%
• Increases GPAs by 10%
• 89% of debate students graduate from high school (compared to a 64% four-year graduation rate for all students)
• Helps students get into college and earn scholarships
• Increases the likelihood of graduating from college by 70%

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WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Contact Us:
Civic Engagement: 754.321.1844
Susan Cantrick, Director
Applied Learning
754.321.1859
browardschools.com/debate

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DEBATE

ETHOS • PATHOS • LOGOS
Broward County Public Schools

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NO DEBATE ABOUT IT

We Need Your Support
Broward County Public Schools
Debate Initiative

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Back Side

Professional Attire

BCPS offers two clothing distribution centers where debate students can receive free professional clothing. These sites are stocked with new and gently used donations received from community members and local organizations. Each year, more than 500 garments are provided to students to look and feel their best at tournaments.

Donations of professional clothing and shoes are always needed, especially for our elementary debate students. Donations can be received at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Building or by contacting Civic Engagement at 754.321.1844.

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Competitions

Students have opportunities to compete in local tournaments hosted by Broward County Public Schools in addition to national tournaments hosted by prestigious colleges and universities such as Harvard, Emory, University of Florida, and University of California Berkeley. Students also become members of organizations such as the Florida Forensic League and the National Speech and Debate Association, where they can qualify to compete for the titles of State and National Champion in either speech or debate category.

Broward County Public Schools is proud to celebrate two State Champions in 2022 & one 2022 National Champion.

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Donations Make a Difference

• A donation of $50 covers the entry fee for one student to compete in a single invitational tournament.
• A donation of $500 covers the entry fee for 10 students to compete in a single invitational tournament.
• A donation of $1,000 covers a team's three-month transportation expenses to local tournaments.
• A donation of $5,000 covers travel and entry fees for 10 students to compete in national tournaments.
• A donation of $10,000 covers travel and entry fees for 10 students to compete in the National Championship Tournament.

For more information on some of the ways you can support debate, please visit our website and see the benefits of donating to students competing in debate by visiting this link: browarddebatefoundation.org/debate

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Quote

"For me, debate was truly life-changing. It gave me the skills, the training, and the confidence to succeed in life."
— SENATOR GEORGE LEMIEUX

 

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Speech and Debate in Broward County Public Schools

The Broward County Public Schools Debate Initiative is a team effort between local businesses and K–12 schools. With over 15,000 students involved, it’s the biggest debate program in the country.

Why Join Debate?

Being part of speech and debate helps students:

• Learn how to research and organize ideas
• Think critically and speak clearly
• Understand their audience
• Build confidence
• Stay informed about current events

These skills help students become stronger learners, better college applicants, great employees, and active citizens.

How Debate Helps

• Raises reading scores by 25%
• Boosts GPAs by 10%
• 98% of debate students graduate high school
• 95% go on to a four-year college
• Helps first-generation college students earn scholarships
• Increases the chance of graduation by 70% for at-risk students

Competitions and Support

Students can compete in local tournaments hosted by Broward County Public Schools and in national tournaments at top colleges and universities.
BCPS also provides two clothing centers where debate students can get free professional outfits for competitions.

 

Debate Brochure 2025-2026

Thanks to a partnership with Pines Collegiate Academy 6–12, Lauderdale Lakes Middle School, and many community sponsors, the Broward Debate Initiative helps students in need get free professional clothing for debate tournaments all year long.

So far, the suit drive has helped hundreds of students dress for success in academic competitions. By providing the right clothes, this program helps students feel confident and make a strong first impression—changing lives one outfit at a time.

 

To find out how you can get involved and support the Debate Initiative contact:

Susan Cantrick, Director of Applied Learning
754-321-1859