CHSAA Speech & Debate State Championships
Colorado High School Activities Association's annual state speech and debate tournaments (3A, 4A, 5A) covering Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional Debate, Original Oratory, Informative Speaking, Extemporaneous, Interpretation events, and more. Compete for a state title via your high school's team.
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National High School Mock Trial Championship
Annual national mock trial tournament; only the winning team from each state, territory, or country qualifies. 2026 nationals: May 7-9 in Des Moines, Iowa. To compete, students join their state's mock trial program through their high school team and win at the state level.
NSDA National Speech & Debate Tournament
Largest academic competition in the world, organized by the National Speech & Debate Association. 2026 tournament held in June in Richmond, Virginia (Altria Theater, Greater Richmond Convention Center, area high schools). To compete, students must be NSDA members with at least 25 honor-society points and qualify through district tournaments.
9th Circuit Civics Contest
Essay or video contest on "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," analyzing one core right historically and today.
Denver Mayor's Youth Commission
Civic leadership board for Denver high school residents (or Denver Public Schools high schoolers) who advise the director of the Office of Children's Affairs on issues impacting Denver youth. Meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings each month, September through May.
Young Americans Center Youth Advisory Board
Leadership board that advises Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education's nonprofit programs. Members (rising 8th-12th graders from any Colorado school) gain hands-on knowledge of banking, business, philanthropy, and PR; volunteer at Young Americans events; and develop presentation, networking, and leadership skills. Monthly meetings on the second Saturday of each month, August through May. Application + interview process; applications open April 1 - June 26.
Lighthouse Young Authors Collective
Free weekly writers' group for teens at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver where students exchange written pieces and give and receive feedback. Drop-in academic support and writing groups are also available year-round, with a special focus on LGBTQIA+ teens and young people of color.