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Goal

The goal of the program is provide students with the critical thinking and communication skills needed to actively and effectively engage in the democratic processes of American society. 

What will be done with my students

Immokalee High School is expanding its highly successful Debate program in the Fall of 2022. This program will consist of classroom instruction and participation in local, regional, and state-wide debate competition. Additionally, we anticipate up to five students participating in the National Civics & Debate competition held in Orlando. Students will learn the fundamentals of the major styles of competitive debate such as Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, and Congressional. Students will learn to conduct research, think critically, and express their informed viewpoint in a civil manner.

Immokalee High School debaters will participate in a series of competitions within three different debate leagues and will host tournaments including the state championships for Incubate Debate in April of 2023 at our new Innovation Center building.  

Benefits to my students

Participation in competitive debate was chosen as an area to expand due to its direct link to academic success and civic engagement. Robert Litan, a respected economist and public policy analyst, summarizes the benefits to students in his recent book: Resolved - Debate Can Revolutionize Education and Help Save Our Democracy. He posits that when students learn how to research, think logically, speak with civility that they gain the ability to see arguments from multiple perspectives and become better citizens. Litan's view is supported by Beth Eskin, Director of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, when she states that “These [debate] programs help students develop problem solving, communication, teamwork and analytical skills...." Debate has been shown to enhance the probability of future student success for a diverse student population including those whose first language is one other than English as demonstrated in the writings of Bo Seo (2022) a two time World Debate champion. 

Budget Narrative

Immokalee High School is a Title 1 School in rural, eastern Collier County serving approximately 2000 students who have great potential, but few material resources. Grant funds would be utilized for the equipment necessary for students to learn and practice oral communication skills for debate competitions, travel to various competitions throughout the state, and host tournaments at its recently opened Innovation Center.  

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