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.
2022 Winners
AAUW California congratulates its 2022 winners who spoke on:
Has the United States 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?
2022-2023 Topic
To guarantee equality, individual rights and social justice for a diverse and inclusive society, AAUW California advocates protection and expansion of voting rights.*
How can communities, organizations and citizens of all ages help protect and expand voting rights?
1st Place: Kristine Sy (Poway Peñasquitos Branch)
2nd Place: Rhea Jain (Fremont)
3rd Place: Sanjana Kumar (Del Mar-Leucadia)
The 2022-2023 Branch Toolkit and the 2022-2023 Student Toolkit will be available late spring/early summer. For more information, please email Marlene Cain, AAUW California Speech Trek Program Director at speechtrek@aauw-ca.org.