Leadership
Public Speaking
Competition
Coolidge National Declamation Contest 2027
Offered by Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation
A national asynchronous public-speaking contest for U.S. high-school students that serves as the sole declamation qualifier for the 2027 Coolidge Cup.
About this opportunity
The Coolidge National Declamation Contest asks high-school students to deliver assigned historical speech excerpts in a continuous recorded performance. The preliminary round is asynchronous and video-based, with top students invited to compete in person at the Coolidge Cup in Vermont. The contest emphasizes articulation, interpretation, audience connection and disciplined public speaking rather than original writing.
Who can apply
Open to legal residents of the United States, its territories and the District of Columbia who are current high-school students in grades 9–12 and have parent or guardian permission. Students do not need to belong to a school speech or debate club.
What you'll need to apply
Prepare the official assigned texts, record the required declamation video according to contest rules and submit the online entry by the 2027 deadline.
Key dates
- National Declamation Contest deadline11 Apr 2027
- Coolidge Cup arrival/travel day1 Jul 2027
- Coolidge Cup departure/travel day5 Jul 2027
Open to students from
United States
Tags
Individual
Accuracy
Verification status: Verified
Last checked: 6 Sept 2026 · Details can change without notice — always confirm on the organiser's official page before applying.
Originally sourced from coolidgefoundation.org
11 April 2027