Young Americans may not be able to vote, but their voices are powerful and they’re already dreaming of the world they’ll someday lead. Their ideas on topics from education to energy could shape our democracy and even influence today’s decision makers. We’re excited by the creative power that can only come from young minds, so, we’re passing them the mic and asking students to tell us the future they want to inhabit.
This year, in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, USA TODAY has partnered with SUNN – a non-profit organization publishing the nation’s best student journalism and civic media – to launch a series of three contests calling on middle and high schoolers to share their vision of America.
Make Your Speech, the second of these
non-partisan contests, invites young Americans to step up to the political podium. We’re asking them to imagine that they’ve just been elected as president and they’re delivering their first inaugural address in a 2-3 minute video. We want to be inspired, educated, and motivated by their agenda for the next four years – and called together across political divides.
Our judges include some of today’s most influential creators and thinkers, including award-winning authors Jason Reynolds & Angie Thomas and writer and speaker Bartunde Thurston. Together, we’re not just looking for the next generation of great orators, we’re looking for courageous speech, provocative questions, and rare vision.
This contest is not just an opportunity for the rising generation, but also for adults to learn from the dreams, worries, and priorities of young voices that often go unheard. After all, it’s the world they build that will be honored another century from now when America celebrates its enduring democracy.
Quick Contest Facts:
- Our contest portal is open for submissions starting September 8, 2026 closes at midnight Pacific time on October 23, 2026.
- To enter, students or a parent/guardian submit a 2-3 minute video of the student delivering an inaugural presidential address and the written text of the speech via the submissions portal.
- Entrants must be in grades 5-12; a parent/guardian must submit for students aged 12 and younger.
- Entries will be judged in two categories, middle school and high school.
- 1st place winners will receive $1,000
- 2nd place winners: $750
- 3rd place: $500.
Inaugural speeches: a unifying message
Presidential speeches are milestones in political history. We study them, quote them, and sometimes even make fun of them. When they directly talk to the American public, presidents educate us about national events, console us after tragedies, and spur us to action. Their words can be like those of your best teachers: they lift us up, they push us forward, they remind us who we are and who we can become.
Presidential inaugural speeches are nearly as old as the USA itself: George Washington gave the nation’s first inaugural address after being sworn in, and every president since has done the same. It’s an important moment. They’ve spent months connecting to their bases as a candidate; this speech is their moment to speak to everyone – including those who voted against them – as their leader.
President Donald Trump closed his first inaugural address, which came after a divisive campaign season, by reminding Americans of their commonalities. He said, “whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams.”
George H.W. Bush spoke of a shared future at his 1989 inauguration, saying "I do not mistrust the future. I do not fear what is ahead. For our problems are large, but our heart is larger. Our challenges are great, but our will is greater."
These reminders of a collective identity and commitment to America continue to be relevant today. After all, a great political speech meets the moment and also stands the test of time.
While inaugural speeches are directed toward all, their words can have a personal effect.
In 1961, John Kennedy said in his inaugural address: “And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country.”
Kennedy’s words hit 19-year-old Donna Shalala“like a splash of water” and changed the course of her life. The next year, Donna joined the Peace Corps. She became a professor. She served as US Secretary of Health and Human Services and as a congressperson. Later, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Presidents have used this opportunity to address young people directly.
Richard Nixon stated: “We see hope in the youth of today. I know America's youth. I believe in them. I can be proud that they are better educated, more committed, more passionately driven by conscience than any generation in our history.”
Although he said this in 1969, it feels as relevant now for Gen Z and Gen Alpha as it did then for Baby Boomers.
In 2009, Obama spoke of the next generation carrying “forward that precious gift, that noble idea… that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”
We’re excited to see how different American students carry this “precious gift” forward in their speeches.
Meet Our Judges
- Jason Reynolds
- Angie Thomas
- Baratunde Thurston
https://www.kidizenship.com/make-your-speech-tn-gallery
We are ready and listening!
Tips and guidelines for filming your video:
- Your speech should be your own words, with little to no adult input.
- 2 minutes is the minimum and 3 minutes is the maximum! Aim for that sweet spot between 2-3 minutes!
- Film in front of a clean, simple background without a lot of visual distractions.
- Make sure we can see you clearly! Good lighting helps a lot.
- Be sure you (or someone else) is holding the camera level with your eyes (not from down below) so you’re looking directly at viewers.
- It’s ok to read from a script but please record without headphones and make sure the audio is clear before you send!
- You don’t have to stand on a stage or be in front of a microphone, but we do want you to speak like you are addressing the country. Remember, you are the President, and presidential speeches are important events. Practice a few times before you make your video.
- You don’t have to wear a suit or any other kind of costume, but do so if you want! We will be listening to your words, not looking at your clothes.
- Please don’t use profanity or words intended to hurt other people.
Tips & guidelines for developing the ideas in your speech:
- Specific examples of changes you want to implement are essential to a strong speech
- Notice how presidents and other leaders explain problems, solutions, and potential benefits, for example when they discuss topics like job creation, in their speeches
- Be sure any facts you share are accurate by using verifiable, authoritative sources
- Three or four specific topics with examples makes for a more powerful speech than one with lots of underdeveloped ideas
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Make Your Speech: Students invited to share their vision for America
