​Our Mission

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​Every student has the right to a happy and healthy childhood. We're using speech and debate to fulfill that right.

Be the Light Youth Association is a youth-run, youth-supported organization that seeks to use speech and debate to empower children across Texas. We host a variety of events every year in order to both enrich the community with knowledge about speech and debate and to raise funding for disadvantaged, underserved, abused, and/or neglected children. We have members from all across North Texas, including Plano West, Plano Senior,  Jasper, and Lovejoy High School.

We offer classes for a variety of speech and debate events, including Public Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, Professional Communications, and Public Forum Debate. Through these courses, which happen both during the school year and during the summer, students can gain valuable knowledge to boost their everyday confidence and their competitive appeal.

We Offer a Variety of Programs Every Year:

1. Workshops
Every fall/spring, we host a series of weekly workshops that last for several months. Here, students can learn in a consistent classroom environment and gain in-depth speech/debate knowledge.

2. Summer Camp
Every summer, BTL hosts a comprehensive summer camp that gives students knowledge about many styles  of speaking over the course of 2 intensive weeks.

​3. College Seminars
Every year, BTL gathers a group of successful high school graduates attending elite universities to share advice on the college admissions process.
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4. Tournaments
Twice a year, BTL hosts its own speech and debate tournament, where students can gain valuable competitive experience as well as comprehensive feedback from our knowledgable judges. 

We are entirely founded and organized by high school students passionate about helping their communities. Learn more about the team here!

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Instructors