We are officially less than 24 hours from the first virtual American Dream Debate of the season! Good luck to all of our students competing for a win!

Antonella Oyola shares that FDI’s American Dream Debate is about stepping into a new version of herself every time she takes the podium. After competing, Antonella found that growing as a speaker meant growing as a person too. As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re celebrating the voices and stories that make programs like American Dream Debate so meaningful. Thank you to participating schools, Pembroke Pines Charter School - West Campus and Franklin Academy Charter School! Learn how your school can get involved with American Dream Debate at floridadebate.org.

📣Calling all high school SENIORS! Speech and debate has prepared you for what’s next. Now, we have a scholarship to help you get there. We’re excited to be partnering with @ATT to offer 10 graduating high school seniors a $3,000 need-based scholarship. We can’t wait to hear more about how your experience participating in speech and debate has impacted your life. 🚨Apply by Nov. 20 at floridadebate.org/att-schola… !

Today, we’re spotlighting Shreeya Mudusa! As a participant in a tournament where students compete in both Spanish and English, Shreeya gained a new appreciation for the challenges and courage it takes to navigate a language and culture that isn't your own. FDI is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Thank you to participating schools, Pembroke Pines Charter School - West Campus and Franklin Academy Charter School! Learn how your school can get involved with American Dream Debate at floridadebate.org.

The Florida Debate Initiative + @AT&T Scholarship is now open! Graduating seniors heading to college next fall can apply for one of 10 need-based $3,000 scholarships to help power their next chapter. Speech and debate builds confident communicators, critical thinkers, and civic leaders. This scholarship celebrates students who have done exactly that and are ready to take those skills to college. 🚨Deadline: November 20 Apply here: floridadebate.org/att-schola… Know a senior who should apply? Tag them below! 👇 Thank you to AT&T for investing in Florida's next generation of leaders.

Join us in January for the National Civics and Debate College, Career and Leadership Showcase! Organizations will have the unique opportunity to showcase their products, services, educational programs and career opportunities while building meaningful relationships with over 650 competitors from across the nation. Secure your spot at civicsanddebate.com/tgdpartn…!

For Riley, FDI’s American Dream Debate is about more than winning rounds. It's about words and their power. Riley put it simply: with the right words, we have the power to change everything about the world. Competing in a tournament that challenges students to debate in both Spanish and English, Riley walked away with a deeper belief in language itself as a tool not just for argument, but for real change. FDI is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Thank you to participating schools, Pembroke Pines Charter School - West Campus and Franklin Academy Charter School! Learn how your school can get involved with American Dream Debate at floridadebate.org.

One week to go! 🇺🇸 The first virtual American Dream Debate of the season is October 17. It's a free, bilingual World Schools tournament for Florida students, with English and Spanish rounds. 🚨 Registration closes tomorrow, October 10! Register today at speechwire.com/c-info.php?to… !

Wishing all students the best of luck this weekend at FCDI Regional Qualifier #1 in the Northwest, Central, North Central, and Gulf Coast regions.

There’s LESS THAN ✌🏻 WEEKS to submit your Veterans Day Speech! This year’s prompt is: What three qualities do you think are important for someone serving in the U.S. military? Explain why each quality matters and how you can show those same three qualities. Submit your speech for the opportunity to win a CASH PRIZE at floridadebate.org by October 21, 2026!

Meet Julian Pairison, a former American Dream Debate participant. Competing in debate in both Spanish and English has pushed him to grow as a speaker and deepened his connection to his Dominican roots. FDI is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Thank you to participating schools, Pembroke Pines Charter School - West Campus and Franklin Academy Charter School! Learn how your school can get involved with American Dream Debate at floridadebate.org.

Meet Your FCDI + FDI Regional Tournament Coordinators! We're pumped to introduce this stacked roster of speech and debate rockstars. These are the people who make it all happen. They help run tournaments in their regions and are your first stop for questions, whether you're a student, coach, or judge. Got a question? They're your MVPs. Swipe to find your region and meet your coordinator! Contact your regional tournament coordinator at floridadebate.org/team

Meet the Pro: Brett O’Donnell, Coach to Candidates We’re thrilled to introduce another one of our Pro Camp instructors, Brett O’Donnell. He’s a coach presidents call when the debate stage is on the line! Before becoming one of the nation’s most sought-after political strategists, Brett spent 18 years as Director of Debate at Liberty University, leading his teams to 18 national ranking championships. He went on to prepare candidates for presidential debates across multiple election cycles and served as Director of Messaging for a major presidential campaign. Time Magazine twice named him to its list of the “Five Most Important People Not Running for President,” and he has been called the best political debate coach in the country. At Pro Camp, you’ll learn directly from someone who has helped shape the messages and debate performances of leaders at the highest levels. Pro Camp begins October 24! Learn more: floridadebate.org/pro-camp

It can’t always be New York or LA. Someone has to hold it down at the Florida speech and debate tournaments.

The thing is… we really don’t hate anything at all about speech and debate!

⏰ TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO APPLY TO CIVIC IMMERSION ACADEMY! This year-long, all-expenses-paid program takes students beyond the classroom with immersive experiences in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, and even a U.S. military base. Explore the places that shaped our country, learn from leaders doing the work, and put your own leadership into action. Don’t miss your chance. Apply at floridadebate.org by midnight on September 30!

Hey FDI! 🚨 TOMORROW (9/30)🚨 is the deadline to apply for FDI’s Pro Camp! An incredible opportunity to work with @speakupedge’s Rachel Warnecke, students will learn everything from communicating under pressure and thinking strategically, to setting goals that prepare them to lead well beyond speech and debate. Apply now before its too late: floridadebate.org/pro-camp. Are you ready to level up?

Become a partner for the 2027 National Civics and Debate Championship: The Great Debate! This year, we are offering a variety of partnership and exhibitor opportunities designed to align organizations with the nation’s premier academic championship. We hope you’ll join us by investing in tomorrow’s civic leaders while showcasing your organization’s commitment to educational excellence and community impact. Learn more at CivicsandDebate.com/TGDPartn….

Pro Camp's all-star lineup of debate experts is ready to take your skills to the next level. Rachel Warnecke (@speakupedge) is joining our roster and we couldn't be more excited. Don't miss your shot. Applications close September 30. Work alongside experts like Rachel and walk away a sharper debater, a stronger leader, and a more powerful thinker. Apply now at floridadebate.org/pro-camp