Speak Up Youth is an organization dedicated to empowering the voices of future leaders through debate. We offer free workshops for kids grades 1-4; no prior debate experience is needed! Workshops will take place on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm. One registration covers all 6 sessions.

During workshops, students will...

1. Participate in guided instruction and interactive activities

2. Build confidence in their skills and in themselves

3. Develop essential skills including:

• Leadership

  • Take initiative, lead discussions, and express ideas in group settings

• Public Speaking

  • Grow more comfortable speaking in front of others

• Communication

  • Learn to communicate effectively, respectfully, and confidently

• Critical Thinking

  • Understand, evaluate, and support arguments with logic

  • Observe issues from multiple perspectives

• Teamwork

  • Collaborate with peers and learn how to agree and disagree with each other

Overview of Curriculum:

Session 1: What is Debate?

Session 2: Public Speaking

Session 3: Building an Argument

Session 4: Persuading an Audience

Session 5: Speech Delivery

Session 6: Showcase!

Parents will receive emails with additional information as workshops approach.

Meet the Founder!:

Hello everyone! My name is Lola Huang and I'm a junior at Conestoga High School. My passion for debate began after completing a summer camp with Capitol Debate in 2021. Since then, I've participated in numerous programs and competitive club leagues, won multiple championship titles, and even interned with Capitol Debate. Through these experiences, I've realized the importance of instilling skills like public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership in young students. These skills shine through not just in debate-related settings, but also in everyday environments like school, sports, and (in the future) the workplace! Outside of debate, my hobbies include playing ice hockey for Conestoga, competing on the violin, and hanging out with my little brother. Ultimately, I founded Speak Up Youth to ensure that our future leaders, through debate, can acquire the skills they need to make our world a better place.