DeSantis Highlights Florida Civics Debate Championship With $100K Scholarships

Governor Ron DeSantis announced a significant scholarship program as part of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI), awarding $50,000 and a trophy named in honor of Charlie Kirk to the winner of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate. The initiative aims to promote civics education and respectful debate among Florida students, with additional scholarships for runners-up and semifinalists funded through a philanthropic donation and matched by the Florida Prepaid Foundation. DeSantis, alongside key education officials including Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas and New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran, held a press conference at New College of Florida in Sarasota, though the specific focus of the briefing was not disclosed. The event highlighted Florida's commitment to fostering civic literacy and active participation in democracy among the youth. Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins also joined the governor for the press conference, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on education and civics.