# Project Soapbox

Mikva Challenge's national civic public-speaking program: students write and deliver a two-minute speech on the most pressing issue facing young people, with 12 finalists chosen for Soapbox Nation in Chicago.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Mikva Challenge |
| Category | community |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Hybrid (in person + online) |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Apply | https://mikvachallenge.org/our-work/programs/project-soapbox/ |

## About this program

# 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Project Soapbox?

Project Soapbox is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Project Soapbox online or in person?

Project Soapbox is a hybrid program with both online and in-person components (in-person portions in Chicago, IL).

### How do I apply to Project Soapbox?

Apply directly through Mikva Challenge's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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