Question 1

Where are YV classes and meetings held?

Accepted Answer

Our classes and meetings are strictly virtual and held on Zoom. The coaches will send the links before each class.

Question 2

What's the time commitment to YV?

Accepted Answer

Depending on how involved you are in classes, camps, programs, and sessions, the time commitment will vary. If you are involved in a competition-based prep class, it is expected that you attend all classes.

Question 3

How often are YV Club Meetings?

Accepted Answer

During the school year, club sessions are held once a month but during the summer, they are held once a week.

Question 4

What age do you have to be to start debating?

Accepted Answer

Our age range is between late elementary schoolers to early highschoolers (5th - 10th). However, younger students with a strong interest in speech or debate will benefit from our programming.

Question 5

What does it mean to be a student run 501(c)3?

Accepted Answer

We are a completely student-led nonprofit organization. This doesn’t just refer to our talented ensemble of high school volunteer instructors. It means that behind every lesson and every activity are the needs of our students. When you put your trust into the Youth Voices promise, we tirelessly work to deliver the best program possible. In two years, our team has helped 200 students across the program find their voices and use them.

Question 6

My child have some experience in speech and debate. What program should they join?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that every child starts with our Introduction to Debate class. Although many children start with speech and debate experience, it is important to note that NSDA speech and debate activities are very different from class debates and other informal actives. Our program will help correct bad habits and teach proper practices.

Question 7

What programs does YV offer?

Accepted Answer

Youth Voices offers top quality instruction for almost every NSDA speech and debate activity. 
We offer the following programs:
A free club program that meets regularly, led by volunteer high school instructors 
Many speech and debate classes that run by season (ie. fall/spring) that encompass multiple events and levels
Camps during breaks in the school year that also have multiple events and levels, such as Winter Boot Camp or Summer Camp
The Leadership Incubator Program for highly dedicated members

Question 8

Who are the coaches?

Accepted Answer

We have highly experienced coaches for all sorts of different speech and debate programs. For more information, visit our "Our Team" page.

Question 9

Do you offer classes for different experience levels?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer advanced, intermediate, and beginner classes. No matter how experienced you are with speech and debate, we have a program for you.

Question 10

How will Youth Voices help my child succeed in school?

Accepted Answer

YV builds communicative confidence by teaching you how to be persuasive, construct arguments, and be confident in your own voice. These kinds of skills can be applied to a multitude of activities in school like presentations or Socratic seminars.

Question 11

My child is already in a debate program. How will Youth Voices help them succeed?

Accepted Answer

YV offers some of the best championship-level coaches in the nation that have a proven track record of both competitive and instructional success. We will help you reach the highest level of success in speech and debate.

Frequently asked questions