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:
2021 Voices Scholarships:
25 January 2021. Currently, we are not accepting applications for financial support for summer, 2021 debate camps. This information will be updated if we are able to accept applications at a future date.
2020 Voices Scholarships for Summer Camps in LD and PF Debate.
Update 22 June 2020. At this time, we are unable to accept and evaluate any additional applications for financial aid for Summer, 2020.
The Foundation is now accepting applications from high school students for need-based financial assistance to attend 1- or 2-week summer camps in the areas of Lincoln-Douglas and public forum debate. Online application is here (click for link). Early application is encouraged; applications submitted after May 10, 2020 will only be considered if uncommitted funds remain available. Earliest date for award notification is March 1. Past awards of financial assistance have generally been in the range $200-700. Applicants and their parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all information submitted on the application. Click here for further information and evaluation criteria.
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).
2018 Presentation-Voices Tournament and Round Robin
The Presentation-Voices Invitational tournament and round robins in Lincoln Douglas and Public Forum debate was hosted by Presentation High School, San Jose during October 5-8, 2018. The tournament was directed by Heath Martin and Brandon Garrett; the Foundation owes them both a debt of gratitude. 114 LD and 112 PF debaters participated. Full results can be found here. In LD finals, Santa Monica’s Rex Evans defeated Mountain View’s Varun Paranjp. In PF finals, Roshni Varma & Darya Kaviani of the Archbishop Mitty defeated Emma Kwan & Ashley Cai of Los Altos. Ronak Ahuja won the LD round robin, while Corona Del Sol Pattipati & Jiang championed the PF round robin. Congratulations and thanks to all debaters, coaches and judges for participating in this tournament and supporting the Voices Foundation.
More recent activity »
Donate
Through December 31, 2020, 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.
