The J.W. Patterson Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding speech, debate and leadership programs in middle schools and high schools.

Our Mission is to make speech and debate opportunities accessible for students and schools where participation would otherwise not be possible.

Through both individual student scholarships and partnerships with other 501 (c)(3)'s, we assist with team participation costs, tournament travel expenses, and school resources necessary to grow competitive programs.

High tournament fees, hefty travel expenses, and the absence of staff training frequently make competitive speech and debate prohibitive for many students and schools. And exorbitant camp tuition leaves behind countless students who can't afford to attend.

 

Our goal is to break down these barriers and even the playing field, so students have the support system and schools have the resources to grow programs and compete.

 

By working with school coaches, tournament and camp directors, and Title 1 schools, and partnering with other speech and debate foundations and leagues, we help to subsidize and bridge the gap to bring these invaluable skills to students across the nation. 

Your tax-deductible donation will ensure that generations of students will enjoy and reap the life-long intellectual and professional benefits afforded by competitive speech and debate.

 

Join Our Mission!

"Debate opens an intellectual awareness to students that forever changes their world view. Our goal is to provide for those who acquired a world view of problem-solving through public speaking and debate to provide an equal opportunity for future leaders."

Dr. J.W. Patterson