OUR MISSION

 

                              Public Speaking and Debate are critical skills essential for every child to succeed.  Unfortunately, the programs that teach these skills are often prohibitively expensive and inaccessible to many. Recognizing this disparity, the Silicon Valley Public Speaking Org (SVPSO) democratizes access to these essential skills by providing affordable and inclusive opportunities for students to develop their communication and advocacy abilities. 

                             SVPSO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation led by high schoolers in Silicon Valley. Our purpose is the advancement of public speaking and related foundational knowledge and skills among 6th - 10th-grade children. Our modus operandi is providing young individuals with a supportive, non-judgmental, and enriching environment to grow and thrive. All of our staff are well-versed high schoolers who have won awards at State and National Speech and Debate competitions.

​

Seasoned Instructors

Our instructors have honed their skills in years of competitive speech and debate. They are carefully chosen to create a holistic staff of proven success. Drawing from their own learning experiences, they build and promote an encouraging, non-judgmental interactive environment that focuses on improving public speaking skills. Our instructors will provide positive, constructive feedback to accelerate development and growth. We inspire our students to think and articulate and instill confidence in expressing their views.

 

Enhanced Accessibility and Resilient Curriculum

At SVPSO, our courses are conducted entirely online, ensuring accessibility to students from any corner of the globe utilizing the digital device of their preference. This approach makes education truly accessible. Our experienced instructors have meticulously crafted a curriculum that is not only accessible but also resilient, offering a distinctive and enriching learning journey. The curriculum is anchored on the development of crucial skills such as Communication, Collaboration, and Confidence. Students delve into various Speech and Debate formats, including Impromptu, D/I Extemporaneous, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, and Original Oratory, among others. Our courses comprehensively cover essential skills like evidence gathering, claim construction, persuasive speaking, active listening, argumentation, critical thinking, and cross-examination, providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success.

 

Helping Impacted Children

We donate our proceeds to children in need, and in 2022, we helped the children impacted by the war in Ukraine. In 2023, in addition to Ukraine, we raised and donated funds to Sudanese and Venezuelan children enduring hardships, including child labor, malnutrition, limited access to healthcare and education, violence, and homelessness. 

​

​