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.
2023 Winners
AAUW California congratulates its 2023 winners who spoke on:
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?
2023-2024 Topic
If an educated population is essential to a nation’s prosperity, then how can we ensure a robust public school curriculum that is accessible to all and teaches historically accurate information?
1st Place: Teddy Garcia (Camarillo)
2nd Place: Elizabeth Ma (Alhambra-San Gabriel)
3rd Place: Ameya Ravi (Fremont branch)
The 2023-2024 Branch Toolkit and the 2023-2024 Student Toolkit will be available late spring/early summer. For more information, please email the AAUW California Speech Trek Program Director at speechtrek@aauw-ca.org.