Speech Trek, an annual speech contest, began in 2007 and is AAUW California’s signature high school program. The contest is open to girls and boys who are actively enrolled in high school (grades 9-12). The contests begin at the branch level. First place winners’ videos from each participating branch are then uploaded for judging. The top three contestants advance to the state finals and compete for cash awards.
Contestants prepare an original 5-6 minute speech on a mission-based topic.
2021 Winners
AAUW California congratulates its 2021 winners who spoke on “Has social media helped or hindered the breaking down of barriers for women and girls?”
1st Place: Lilian Chang (California Online)
2nd Place: Halle Schaffer (Del Mar-Leucadia)
3rd Place: Lauryn McGuire (La Mesa El Cajon)
2021-2022 Topic
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” School children have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for nearly a century. What began as an advertising lark in 1923 has evolved to a patriotic act in 46 states.¹
Has the US lived up to its pledge of liberty and justice for all?
Would requiring the study of diversity, equity and inclusion in a high school setting help ensure liberty and justice for all?
¹ “How the Pledge of Allegiance Went from PR Gimmick to Patriotic Vow”, by Amy Crawford, Smithsonian Magazine, September, 2015
The 2021-2022 Branch Toolkit and the 2021-2022 Student Toolkit will be available late spring/early summer. For more information, please email Marlene Cain, AAUW CA Speech Trek Coordinator at speechtrek@aauw-ca.org.