Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced a significant change to the state’s premier high school debate award: it will now be known as the Charlie Kirk Prize. This prestigious honor will be bestowed upon the champion of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) State Championship, scheduled for April 2026 at New College of Florida.
The overall winner of the Charlie Kirk Prize will receive a generous $50,000 scholarship. The runner-up will be awarded $25,000, while two semifinalists will each earn $15,000, and four quarterfinalists will receive $10,000 each. Beyond financial aid, both the winner and runner-up will earn invitations to the National Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate in California. Governor DeSantis highlighted on social media that these scholarships would serve as a ‘great memorial to Kirk’s legacy.’
(Image: Ron DeSantis renames Florida debate trophy after Kirk with $50K prize.)
Florida Leads the Nation in Civics Education
The FCDI, first launched in 2019, aims to cultivate student debate and promote civic discourse throughout Florida’s classrooms. Since its inception, the initiative has seen remarkable growth, expanding from just 59 teams in 11 districts to approximately 330 teams across all 67 counties, with over 4,200 students actively participating in competitions.
Governor DeSantis proudly stated that Florida has set a national benchmark for civics education. The state’s efforts ensure students gain a deep understanding of America’s founding principles, the meaning of American citizenship, and how to actively and responsibly engage in civic life. Key measures include a mandatory civic literacy assessment for all high school students in U.S. Government courses, updated K–12 civics and government standards, and the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement, which offers teachers specialized training and stipends to enhance civics and founding principles instruction.
Furthermore, schools benefit from Regional Civics Literacy Directors and Coaches who provide on-site visits, personalized coaching, and professional development. All students entering Florida’s state universities or colleges are also mandated to demonstrate civic literacy competence.
Honoring the Legacy of Charlie Kirk
Governor DeSantis emphasized that renaming the trophy in honor of Charlie Kirk celebrates his dedication to patriotic civic dialogue, civil discourse, and open debate. DeSantis noted that the award reinforces the idea that ‘disagreement in a Republican system must be peaceful, principled, and constructive—values Kirk embodied during his lifetime.’
The Charlie Kirk Prize is integral to a broader strategy aimed at embedding real-world debate into school curricula and strengthening civic literacy at every educational level. This comprehensive initiative strives to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and mindset for active and responsible participation in society.
Celebrating America 250 in Florida Schools
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, several Florida universities have secured funding through the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics National Activities Grants. These grants will support programs dedicated to promoting civic education and foundational principles learning.
Notable grants include $4.7 million to Florida State University for programs focusing on the Founding Fathers and civic research, $2.9 million to Florida International University for advancing education on the American tradition via the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, and $2.1 million to the University of North Florida to improve civics instruction for 9th–12th grade teachers. Additionally, New College of Florida received $1.8 million for its ‘Invigorating Liberty and Self-Governance’ initiative, and the University of West Florida was granted $1.5 million to expand its Summer Institute for Civics Educators into a full-time civics center.
Through these impactful initiatives, Florida is committed to fostering a new generation of students who are not only ready to engage actively in civic life but also to uphold the principles upon which the United States was founded, all while honoring Charlie Kirk’s lasting legacy.