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The NSDA is the only organization with the scale, experience, and infrastructure to expand access to speech and debate nationwide.

Coach sitting with their students on a bench working together

Our Scale

4,000 Schools - 100,000 Students Map

We are the largest speech and debate organization in the country, with a team and budget three times the size of any peer. We’re also the only one with a goal to reach 100,000 more students over the next five years—because every student deserves access to the tools to think critically, communicate clearly, and engage confidently. We know what works, and we’re ready to scale it. We currently support:

  • 4,000 schools
  • 1,000+ rural schools
  • 100,000+ students
  • 1,000+ urban schools

Our Experience

We’ve been the national leader in speech and debate for over 100 years. Here’s what that looks like today:

  • Hosts Nationals: the largest academic tournament in the country
  • Sponsors USA Debate
  • Oversees the largest honor society for speech and debate
  • Thousands of educators trained annually
National Speech & Debate Association 100 Years A Centennial Celebration

Our Infrastructure

Students and coaches sitting in bleachers waiting at the National Tournament

We’re the only organization with the infrastructure to scale speech and debate nationwide. Here’s how we make it happen:

  • National teams focused on recruitment, curriculum, and coaching
  • Advocacy work in state legislatures to secure support and funding
  • Trusted by coaches, teachers, principals, superintendents, and state associations
  • Scalable model reaching hundreds of thousands of students annually

Why It Matters Now

Students are losing their ability to think critically and communicate effectively, threatening our democracy’s future. NSDA ensures these essential skills reach every student.