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Speak-Off

A poster for a 2024 high school speech competition about agriculture's role in meeting California's climate goals.

Your Voice, Your Victory

Ready to showcase your speaking skills and win big? The IERCD's annual Speak-Off competition is your chance to shine! High school students are invited to prepare a 3-5 minute speech addressing the annual prompt and compete for cash prizes. This year's competition is kicking off virtually, so submit a video of your speech by midnight on Friday, September 27th to be considered. The top 3 contestants will be invited to present their speeches live in front of judges on Thursday, October 16th, where the winner will be announced. 

The winning student will take home $1,000 and advance to the regional contest. The regional winner will be required to participate at the state level against top students from other regions during the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts' conference in Sacramento from December 10th through 12th, with flights and accommodations covered by IERCD! At the conference, you'll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself among conservation professionals and learn from the best in the field. The state contest will be live in front of 250 attendees- without notes! State-level winners will earn anadditional cash prize of $300. 

Don't miss your chance to speak up, stand out, and make a difference!

 

This year's prompt is: 

What is the role of agriculture in meeting California’s climate goals?

 

Rules and Important Information

Contestants must:

  • Complete registration form below by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 27th, 2024
  • Complete attached photo waiver
  • Be a high school student, grades 9-12
  • Live in and/or attend school in the IERCD service area
  • Not have won 1st place at previous Speak-Off District competitions

Speech Details:

  • All contestants are required to submit a video presenting your original 3-5 minute speech addressing the prompt above.
  • Notes will be allowed at the District competition and the Regional competition, but will not be allowed at Statewide competition if contestant is to advance to that level
A person holding a certificate of participation.

 

​​​Prizes! 

District-Level (IERCD): 

  • 1st place: $1,000
  • 2nd place: $500
  • 3rd place: $250
  • Everyone who enters will receive a $20 gift card! 

Region-Level (SoCal Inland):

  • $200 for first place, plus an all-expenses-paid trip to the CARCD Annual Conference in Sacramento!

State-Level (CARCD):

  • 1st place: $300
  • 2nd place: $200
  • 3rd place: $100​

 

 

 

Required Documents (submit below)

ApplicationPhoto Waiver

 

 

Submissions for 2024 are now closed.

 

FAQs

How are speeches judged and scored? 

 

Additional Resources: