for the Promotion
of High School Debate
“I hope that this organization will have the capability to sponsor and support the individuals who truly wish, but are economically powerless, to maximize their participation in debate. ”
We help by initiating educational programs and outreach efforts to high schools and middle schools trying to start teams.
Voices Foundation provides financially deprived students with scholarships for summer camp, tournaments, travel, and coaching.
Recent Activity:
Special Thanks to Glenbrook South HS and Menlo-Atherton HS
...for substantial contributions, from debate programs to assist other debaters...
see more »2012 Voices Scholarships for Summer Speech and Debate Camps.
The Foundation is now accepting applications from high school students for need-based financial assistance to attend 1- or 2-week summer camps in speech and debate. Online application is here (click for link). Early application is encouraged; applications submitted after May 12, 2012 will only be considered if uncommitted funds remain available. Earliest date for award notification is March 12. Past awards of financial assistance have generally been in the range $200-600. Applicants and their parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all information submitted on the application. Click here for further information.
Additionally, the Foundation will consider requests from full-time high school teachers for assistance to attend coaches' institutes; please direct inquiries to the Foundation at admin@voicesfoundation.org.
Debaters--band together! Voices Foundation debate wristbands available
For a limited time (like, until we run out), the Voices Foundation is making its signature wristband (displayed on our facebook page) freely available to debate teams (students and coaches). The wristband has been a symbol of the student-initiated, student-driven Foundation and its commitment to make high school debate inclusive for all who desire to participate. Wear them at meets to show solidarity with the goals of the Foundation! To order wristbands for your team, or to distribute at a sponsored meet, send requests to admin@voicesfoundation.org with (a) number needed (one per person) and (b) shipping address. (And, if you can convince an adult to make a modest tax-deductible donation, which will be matched, to assist with shipping costs, that would be great).
2011 Voices Round Robin
The seventh annual Voices Foundation Round Robin was held after the Harker meet March 6-7. Fourteen debaters participated in two pods;Harvard-Westlake debaters Ben Sprung-Keyser and Jake Sonnenberg rose to the top of their respective pods and closed out the meet.
More recent activity »Donate
Through December 31, 2012, John McKay's family will match all donations up to a cumulative sum of $5000 in donations.
Donate »Get Involved
Voices is run entirely by volunteers. Your help will assist financially disadvantaged high school students to participate in debate.
Get involved »About Voices
The Founder:
John McKay
The mission of the Voices Foundation is to make high school debate accessible to all students regardless of financial circumstance. The Foundation strives to address shortfalls of resources and support that impede participation by financially disadvantaged individuals and teams.
