Home | Florida Civics and Debate Initiative

FCDI APPLICATION IS OPEN!

The application for the 2024-2025 school year is NOW OPEN! Start a debate team at your school today!

CURRENT COACHES:

Please confirm your membership for the 2024-2025 school year at the button below.

ELEVATING CIVIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND DISPOSITION FOR FLORIDA'S STUDENTS.

The mission of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative is to create access and opportunities for all students to have the best civics education including curriculum, debate programs, and high-quality teachers that are catalysts for students becoming great citizens who can preserve our constitutional republic for future generations.

OUR STORY

WINNERS

WE ARE THE STUDENTS

OF THE FLORIDA CIVICS AND DEBATE INITIATIVE

SEE UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS AND FCDI EVENTS

LEARN MORE

We're excited to host debate tournaments throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

About

BY THE NUMBERS

FCDI GROWTH AND EXPANSION

67 SCHOOL
DISTRICTS

3,406

FLORIDA
STUDENTS

405 FLORIDA
SCHOOLS

THE COACH CORNER

FOR NOVICE AND EXPERIENCED COACHES

For New Coaches

Learn More

Building

A Team

Learn More

Coach

Library

Learn More

AMERICA...

YOU'RE IN GOOD HANDS

In 2019, to implement the Governor's executive order, Commissioner Richard Corcoran, the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation recognized the success and potential of partnering with the Central Florida Debate Initiative to establish a statewide debate program that focused on civics education. The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative is the first of its kind to use debate specifically as a tool to enrich civics education and to have incredibly strong support from state leaders.

OUR STORY

2023 FCDI DAY AT THE CAPITOL

In April, more than 40 students from the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative visited Tallahassee, Florida for a day of advocacy and learning.

The 2023 GREAT DEBATE

In November 2023, over 400 students from 60 Florida schools and 7 states descended on Orlando for the inaugural National Civics and Debate Championship (NCDC).

FCDI TEACHER AWARDED FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

A Nassau County FCDI teacher was honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) as the Florida High School Teacher of the Year.

TO OUR PARTNERS

@philanthropyrnd ’s new Civics Playbook spotlights FCDI as a high-impact organization reflecting the Roundtable’s core values of liberty, opportunity & personal responsibility.

Learn how FCDI is transforming the lives of Florida youth >> https://bit.ly/4dCgtE2

FCDI is thrilled to welcome all new and returning civics and debate teams for the 2024-25 school year. We’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead!

Happy #LaborDay to all our incredible debate students,
teachers and coaches! We recognize the commitment and hard work you put into becoming and shaping the civic-minded leaders of tomorrow. #civicsanddebate
@educationfl

Debate isn’t just an extracurricular activity – it’s a life-changing experience. Camila Gimenez shared how participating in debate has transformed her life, giving her confidence.
#FindingYourVoice
#CivicsEducation

Thanks to @flgovrondesantis' leadership, civics education continues to be a top priority in Florida schools. FCDI is leading the way in promoting civics literacy through its speech and debate programs. The deadline to apply for the 2024-25 school year has been extended to August 22. For more information and to apply, visit: www.civicsanddebate.com/teams

Schools in! And debate tournaments are just around the corner. Stay up-to-date on FCDI’s Fall 2024 Tournament Schedule – event details and registration information are available here: www.civicsanddebate.com!

The deadline to submit an FCDI application for the 2024-25 school year has been extended to August 22!

To apply for your school or school district to participate, visit:
http://civicsanddebate.com/teams

#DidYouKnow? High school students participating in debate programs can earn
service hours for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Learn more: https://floridabrightfutures.gov

Welcome back to school, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative students, coaches and teachers! We wish you a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth and success. #BacktoSchool #FloridaCivicsandDebate

#OnThisDay in 1787, the Constitutional Convention accepted the first draft of the U.S Constitution.
#DidYouKnow? The draft of the U.S Constitution consisted of a preamble and 23 articles.

Save the Date!

Join us on Friday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m. to learn more about joining FCDI.

Find out how YOU can start an FCDI debate team at YOUR school!

Here’s the link to register: http://bit.ly/46xpBHE

Debate teaches students how to be critical and creative thinkers. We're thrilled to announce that the application for 2024-25 FCDI teams is LIVE! Apply now at civicsanddebate.com/teams. Public schools and public charter schools can apply!

FCDI Director John Duebel recently had the honor of sharing the incredible growth and achievements of FCDI during the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable in Orlando.

We’re gearing up to open the FDCI application for new schools to join us during the 2024-2025 school year. Stay tuned for more information!

#DidYouKnow? The Seneca Falls Convention, the first women’s rights convention in the United States, was held July 19-20, 1848, in New York.
Participants engaged in civil discourse on many relevant women’s issues at the time, including voting rights and property rights.

FCDI teaches students about the role of government and how citizens participate in a republic, which helps them develop important skills and encourages them to participate in civics.

Learn more about how Florida is leading the nation in civics education:

www.civicsanddebate.com

Michael Huan, 2024 FCDI State Champion, shares the impact debate has had on his life.

FCDI is equipping students across Florida with skills that extend far beyond the debate stage.

#OnThisDay in 1868, Congress ratified the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, defining U.S. citizenship & prohibiting states from reducing the privileges, immunities & rights of any American citizen without due process & with equal protection under the law.

#CivicsandDebate
@educationfl

#ICYMI: More than 600 middle and high students competed in the 2024 State Championship in Orlando this past April, demonstrating that debate programs across Florida are flourishing! 🗣️🏆We are delighted to share the images from the day-long competition! 📸
https://www.civicsanddebate.com/state-championship

Congratulations to the champions!

#FCDIStateChampionship
@educationfl

Thank you, Governor Ron DeSantis, for prioritizing civics education in Florida.
Governor DeSantis signed the Focus on Florida's Future budget for fiscal year 2024-25 on June 12th, which included $1.5 million to support and expand FCDI. Additional civics education funding includes $6 million for civic literacy and civic professional learning initiatives, and $10 million for the Florida Civics Seal of Excellence Program. Learn more: https://x.com/FLVoiceNews/status/1800927611872543096

#OnThisDay in 1787, the Founding Fathers officially adopted the American Bald Eagle as the emblem of the United States. Bald eagles are symbols of strength, courage and freedom.

Today, we acknowledge our nation’s magnificent symbol. 🦅 🇺🇸

#CivicsFacts
#FloridaCivicsandDebate
@educationfl

We are so excited to have students join us for an epic Debate Summer Camp experience – and it’s just five days away!
At camp, students across Florida will enhance their civic knowledge and debate skills. Keep checking back to see what Florida debate students learn and experience this upcoming week!

Happy 249th birthday to the United States Army! Take time today to thank Army veterans or active-duty members in your life for their dedicated service to America.

Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸
#DidYouKnow? In 1949, President Harry S. Truman officially declared June 14 as Flag Day.
#CivicsFacts
#FloridaCivicsandDebate
@educationfl

Like Hunter Hayes, civics and debate offers students an opportunity to engage in meaningful civil discourse.

Today’s students are learning essential skills to think critically, articulate their ideas and make a positive impact in their communities.

#CivicsandDebate
#FutureLeaders

FCDI is teaming up with @FloridaDebate to facilitate speech and debate learning retreats for teachers this week in Hollywood Beach and Panama City Beach.

FCDI Director John Duebel emphasized the vital role teachers and debate coaches play in preparing students for civil discourse and providing meaningful civics education.

#FCDI #FDI #CivicsandDebate

The American flag serves as an everyday reminder of the long and beautiful history of our beloved nation. 🇺🇸

As we kick off National Flag Week, join us in honoring “Old Glory” and its symbolism of freedom for all Americans.

#OnThisDayInHistory

During World War II in 1944 – on a day that is now called D-Day – more than 150,000 American, British and Canadian soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy, France.

Today, we honor those who sacrificed their lives in Normandy and all World War II veterans for their selfless sacrifices. ❤️

Today is #NationalHigherEducationDay.

Under @flgovrondesantis’ leadership, Florida leads the nation in academic excellence.

In May, Florida’s education system was ranked #1 in the nation for education.

>>https://www.fldoe.org/newsroom/latest-news/florida-ranked-1-in-education-for-second-year-in-a-row.stml

Congratulations, 2024 FCDI grads! 🎓

From all of us at FCDI, we wish you the very best in your future endeavors.

May you take the civics and debate skills you have learned and apply them in your life and career for many years to come!

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FCDI APPLICATION IS OPEN!

CURRENT COACHES:

ELEVATING CIVIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND DISPOSITION FOR FLORIDA'S STUDENTS.

WE ARE THE STUDENTS

OF THE FLORIDA CIVICS AND DEBATE INITIATIVE

SEE UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS AND FCDI EVENTS

BY THE NUMBERS

FCDI GROWTH AND EXPANSION

67

SCHOOL
DISTRICTS

3,406

FLORIDA
STUDENTS

405

FLORIDA
SCHOOLS

THE COACH CORNER

FOR NOVICE AND EXPERIENCED COACHES

AMERICA...

YOU'RE IN GOOD HANDS

SPECIAL THANKS

TO OUR PARTNERS

BE SOCIAL

THE FLORIDA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

GET MAIL

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates about Florida Education Foundation.

Privacy Statement

CONTACT US

Lindsey Zander, Florida Education Foundation Executive Director

lindsey.zander@fldoe.org

John Duebel, Director, FCDI

john.duebel1@fldoe.org

FCDI APPLICATION IS OPEN!

CURRENT COACHES:

ELEVATING CIVIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND DISPOSITION FOR FLORIDA'S STUDENTS.

WE ARE THE STUDENTS

OF THE FLORIDA CIVICS AND DEBATE INITIATIVE

SEE UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS AND FCDI EVENTS

BY THE NUMBERS

FCDI GROWTH AND EXPANSION

67

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

3,406

FLORIDA STUDENTS

405

FLORIDA SCHOOLS

THE COACH CORNER

FOR NOVICE AND EXPERIENCED COACHES

AMERICA...

YOU'RE IN GOOD HANDS

SPECIAL THANKS

TO OUR PARTNERS

​

BE SOCIAL

THE FLORIDA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

GET MAIL

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates about Florida Education Foundation.

Privacy Statement

CONTACT US

Lindsey Zander, Florida Education Foundation Executive Director

lindsey.zander@fldoe.org

John Duebel, Director, FCDI

john.duebel1@fldoe.org

SCHOOL
DISTRICTS

FLORIDA
STUDENTS

FLORIDA
SCHOOLS