Ad Astra Debate Foundation

10/26/2025

Speech and debate is the foundation of the skills needed for students to be successful in the workforce and in life.

04/17/2023

It's been an incredible 2022-2023 for Ad Astra Debate Foundation as we have worked to support students, educators, and schools across Kansas. Thanks to everyone who has supported us, and especially to the United Way of the Plains for investing in our vision for speech and debate centered education.

12/29/2022

It's exciting to see students from Wichita Southeast High School and USD 259 getting the opportunity to benefit from programs offered by Ad Astra Debate Foundation.

This spring we are using resources from our United Way of the Plains grant to offer a six tournament virtual speech series, a six tournament virtual debate series, and our inaugural virtual middle school competition series.

All Wichita Public Schools will be welcomed free of entry fees this spring, and we look forward to hosting our second annual student workshops this summer.

Effective and ethical communication skills, built on critical thinking and collaboration, to prepare Kansas students for the future.

https://www.ksn.com/community/here-for-you-spotlight/speech-and-debate-preparing-kansas-students-for-life-out-of-the-classroom/

10/27/2022

This incredible gift has already been used to support student competitions for schools in Wichita and across Kansas. We also have exciting new opportunities on the horizon to help increase student accessibility and participation in speech and debate.

Impact on the Plains grant recipients received their checks!

10/20/2022

The 2022 "Digital Home on the Range" Virtual Policy Debate Series is finishing up its second week of competition. This series offers a zero entry fee after school competition opportunities for schools across Kansas. Here's our preliminary data

All 6 KSHSAA classifications
18 Kansas schools
112 students
56 entries
44 judges

Not a bad way to start the debate season for Kansas schools and students!

10/09/2022

We are proud to support Debate Centered Instruction on all classrooms. Helping students understand the world they live in, and find their voice to create positive change.

Join us 6 PM Thursday, Oct. 13th at The Brookings Institution for our upcoming Public Debate Showcase -- I-Resolve, cohosted with the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues.

Space is limited, RSVP Today: https://forms.gle/NHSsCTuAtgEvtAtQ9

09/07/2022

We are incredibly humbled to be selected as a finalist for the United Way of the Plains Impact on the Plains campaign. Through tremendous partnerships and vision, we've been fortunate to have the opportunity to work to improve educational outcomes in our schools and our Kansas communities. Thank you to everyone who has supported our mission!

07/28/2022

Today we concluded the second of two Ad Astra Debate Foundation camps this month, in two cities, that included nine Kansas school districts, and nearly 30 students. Keeping Kansas Kids Competitive!

07/26/2022

Incredible debate programs right here in Kansas!

Three Kansas public high schools won all four national policy debate championships this year, an unprecedented accomplishment in an arena dominated by private schools.

07/13/2022

Day two of our student workshop at the Wichita Art Museum included a private discussion of Beth Lipman's latest exhibit and time for the students to tour the galleries. It was a privilege to work with more than a dozen students from six schools, and we can't wait until our next event!