Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the winner of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate at the upcoming Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) State Championship will receive a $50,000 scholarship and a trophy named in honor of Charlie Kirk. The runner-up will be awarded a $25,000 scholarship, while two semifinalists will each receive $15,000 and four quarterfinalists will each receive $10,000.
“We have worked hard by to make Florida the national model for civics education,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative reflects our commitment to fostering students’ appreciation for America’s founding principles. The champion of the next FCDI state championship will take home the Charlie Kirk prize, renamed in honor of a young man who embodied the principles of patriotism, civil discourse, and open debate. The generous scholarship awards for the winner and other top competitors will be a great memorial to Kirk’s legacy.”
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas stated: “Florida is modeling for the nation the impact of comprehensive civics education. With the addition of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate into FCDI, students have even more opportunities to showcase their civics knowledge while engaging in respectful discourse. Through FCDI and the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiatives, we are ensuring the next generation understands our founding principles and is equipped to preserve them through active civic participation.”
The scholarships are funded by philanthropist Patricia Duggan from Clearwater with a ten-year commitment, with matching funds provided by the Florida Prepaid Foundation. This arrangement doubles their value. Additionally, both the winner and runner-up will be invited by the Ronald Reagan Foundation to attend the National Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate in California.
The FCDI State Championship is scheduled for April 5, 2026 at New College of Florida in Sarasota. According to officials, thousands of students across all 67 school districts participate in FCDI teams statewide—a significant increase since 2020 when there were only 59 teams in 11 districts. Now there are over 330 teams including more than 125 new ones this year alone.
Students are expected to compete in over 30 tournaments throughout this academic year as part of efforts to deepen their understanding of civic education through debate.
Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, several initiatives have been introduced or expanded as part of Florida’s Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative:
– A civic literacy assessment was introduced for all high school students enrolled in U.S. Government courses starting with the 2021-2022 school year.
– Postsecondary students entering any Florida College System institution or state university from 2018-19 onward must demonstrate competency in civic literacy.
– Civics and Government standards were revised for comprehensive instruction across K-12 grades with full implementation beginning during 2023-24.
– The Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement was created as a rigorous training aligned with updated standards.
– A K-12 civics curriculum was developed as either a primary instructional resource or supplemental tool available starting with 2023-24.
– Resources were provided so teachers can integrate civics education into other subject areas.
– Regional Civics Literacy Directors and Coaches offer support through school visits, coaching sessions, and professional development opportunities.
