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FDI Scholarship Presented by AT&T Application

The Florida Debate Initiative (FDI) and AT&T have partnered to empower the next generation of skilled communicators and future leaders. This program will award ten (10) $2,000 scholarships to Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) 12th-grade students who plan to continue their formal education after high school.


This scholarship is made possible through FDI’s strong partnership with the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, which shares our commitment to fostering civic engagement and academic excellence among Florida students.

Scholarship Timeline & Award Ceremony

  • Application Period: March 14 – March 27, 2025

  • Notification of Recipients: April 2, 2025

  • Award Ceremony: Recipients must attend the State Civics and Debate Championship Awards Ceremony in person to accept their award. This event, hosted by our partner organization, the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at New College in Sarasota, Florida.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. High School Senior Status

    • Applicant must be a current high school senior in Florida.

  2. Speech and Debate Participation

    • Must be an active competitor in the FCDI 2024–2025 speech and debate season.

  3. Higher Education Intentions

    • Must plan to pursue post-secondary education at a college, university, or accredited institution.

  4. Geographic Preference

    • While students attending any accredited institution may apply, preference will be given to those enrolling in colleges within Florida or the Gulf States Region (Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana).

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

✔ Commitment to Speech & Debate

✔ Academic Excellence

✔ Community Service

✔ Overcoming Adversity

✔ Intellectual Curiosity

✔ Good Citizenship

✔ Recommendation from Speech & Debate Coach

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the full application and submit responses to the two required essays (150-500 words each):


Essay 1:

  • How has speech and debate influenced your academic and personal growth?

  • Share experiences that showcase leadership, community service, and your vision for the future.


Essay 2 (Choose ONE Prompt):

  • In what ways do the principles and values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution remain relevant today? How does the Constitution continue to guide the nation?

  • How can young Americans demonstrate patriotism in meaningful ways in the 21st century?

  • Choose an American ideal (e.g., liberty, justice, the pursuit of happiness) and explore its evolution. What challenges and triumphs have shaped it?

Application Guidelines

✔ Submit the application only once.

✔ Direct all questions to Info@floridadebate.org.

✔ Submission Deadline: March 27, 2025.

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