Project Soapbox

# Project Soapbox Project Soapbox is Mikva Challenge's civic public-speaking program, built on a single prompt: what is the most pressing issue facing young people today, and what should be done about it? Students research an issue they care about, build a short persuasive speech around it, and deliver it - first to classmates, then, if they choose to compete, at school, citywide, and national levels. ## What You'll Do - Pick a community or national issue you care about and gather evidence for it - Write a two-minute speech with a clear argument and a concrete call to action - Learn speech structure, rhetorical devices, and delivery technique through the Soapbox curriculum - Deliver your speech to classmates, then optionally at school-wide, citywide, or regional competitions - Compete for one of 12 national finalist slots at Soapbox Nation, the annual mainstage showcase in Chicago ## Who Should Apply Students from kindergarten through 12th grade participate, most commonly through high school social studies and English classrooms, though any subject area works. Competition is optional - teachers can run Soapbox purely as a classroom or family-night activity. Schools access the program through a Project Soapbox curriculum site license. ## Outcomes Participants leave with a polished persuasive speech, real experience arguing a policy position to an audience, and - for national finalists - a mainstage platform in Chicago in front of a national audience of educators, funders, and civic leaders.