Governor Ron DeSantis announces upcoming Florida Civics and Debate Initiative State Championship to be held at New College of Florida in Sarasota
Sarasota, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis is shining a spotlight on the upcoming Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) State Championship, an event that aims to celebrate civic engagement, academic achievement, and the art of respectful debate. The statewide competition, which will take place on April 5, 2026, at New College of Florida in Sarasota, is expected to draw top high school debaters from across the state to compete for scholarships, national recognition, and a place in Florida’s growing civics legacy.
This year’s championship carries added prestige with the introduction of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate, a centerpiece of the event that will award substantial scholarships to the most skilled competitors. The winner of the debate will take home a $50,000 scholarship and the Charlie Kirk Trophy, newly named to honor Kirk’s contributions to civil discourse and patriotism. The runner-up will receive $25,000, while the two semifinalists will each be granted $15,000, and the four quarterfinalists will earn $10,000 scholarships.
“We have worked hard to make Florida the national model for civics education,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative reflects our commitment to fostering students’ appreciation for America’s founding principles. The champion of the next FCDI state championship will take home the Charlie Kirk prize, renamed in honor of a young man who embodied the principles of patriotism, civil discourse, and open debate. The generous scholarship awards for the winner and other top competitors will be a great memorial to Kirk’s legacy.”
A New Chapter for Civics Education in Florida
The scholarships were made possible through the generosity of philanthropist Patricia Duggan of Clearwater, who has pledged a ten-year commitment to continue supporting this initiative. Her contribution is being matched by the Florida Prepaid Foundation, effectively doubling the total financial impact for student competitors. Thanks to a collaboration with the Ronald Reagan Foundation, both the state champion and runner-up will also receive invitations to attend the National Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate in California, offering them a national platform to showcase their skills and civic understanding.
“Florida is modeling for the nation the impact of comprehensive civics education. With the addition of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate into FCDI, students have even more opportunities to showcase their civics knowledge while engaging in respectful discourse,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Through FCDI and the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiatives, we are ensuring the next generation understands our founding principles and is equipped to preserve them through active civic participation.”
The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, launched under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, has seen remarkable growth in just a few years. When the program began in 2020, it included only 59 teams in 11 districts. Today, that number has expanded to more than 330 teams across all 67 school districts, including over 125 newly formed teams. Thousands of students are now engaging in competitive debate, learning to analyze complex issues, and strengthening their civic literacy while developing confidence in public speaking and respectful disagreement.
The Spirit of Debate and the Future of Civic Literacy
Through these tournaments, students are doing more than competing — they are learning how to engage with opposing viewpoints constructively, a skill increasingly vital in today’s political climate. This year alone, FCDI students will participate in more than 30 debate tournaments statewide, tackling topics that span government, history, ethics, and public policy.
By combining academic rigor with real-world application, the initiative helps young Floridians better understand the values and principles that shape the United States’ democratic system. The inclusion of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate further elevates the program’s national profile, connecting Florida’s civics students to a broader tradition of debate and leadership rooted in American history.
Expanding Civic Literacy Excellence
Florida’s commitment to civic education extends beyond debate. Under Governor DeSantis’ Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative, the state has implemented a series of reforms designed to make civics a central part of K-12 education and beyond. These measures include:
• Introducing a civic literacy assessment for all high school students taking U.S. Government courses since the 2021–2022 school year.
• Requiring all college students entering state universities and Florida College System institutions since 2018–2019 to demonstrate civic literacy competency.
• Revising Civics and Government standards to provide comprehensive instruction across all grades, fully implemented in the 2023–2024 school year.
• Creating the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement, a rigorous professional training program aligned with Florida’s updated academic standards.
• Developing a K–12 Civics curriculum that serves as both a primary and supplemental instructional resource, launched in the 2023–2024 school year.
• Integrating civics learning into other subjects, allowing teachers to incorporate civic principles across disciplines.
• Expanding on-the-ground support through Regional Civics Literacy Directors and Coaches, who visit schools, provide training, and help educators strengthen civic engagement in the classroom.
Together, these efforts are designed to ensure that students not only understand the structure of government but also develop a deep respect for the civic process and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Building a Legacy of Civic Engagement
The upcoming FCDI State Championship at New College of Florida is expected to be both an academic and symbolic highlight of this growing movement. For many students, the competition will represent years of preparation and dedication. For educators, it will serve as a tangible sign that Florida’s investment in civics education is paying off — one debate, one student, and one idea at a time.
Governor DeSantis has often emphasized that civic literacy is essential to preserving freedom and self-government. By combining rigorous academic programs, scholarship opportunities, and statewide debate competitions, the state aims to cultivate the next generation of informed citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities.
As the April 2026 event approaches, Florida stands as a national example of how state-led initiatives can strengthen civic knowledge while inspiring young people to engage thoughtfully in the democratic process. Through programs like FCDI, the message is clear: civil discourse, respect for differing opinions, and an appreciation of America’s founding ideals remain central to the state’s vision for the future.
With thousands of students ready to compete and a growing culture of civic pride in classrooms across the state, Florida’s Civics and Debate Initiative is not just preparing champions for the stage — it is preparing citizens for a lifetime.
