• SpeakUP is a nonprofit dedicated to helping young students build public speaking, communication, and presentation skills through their voices. We partner with schools, student leaders, and community programs to provide engaging, research-based public speaking curriculum that meets students where they are and helps them grow in a fun environment.

  • Our mission is to empower students to speak with confidence, clarity, and purpose. SpeakUP works to make communication skills accessible to all students, not just those who naturally gravitate toward public speaking.

  • SpeakUP was founded by Jane and Kristen, two students with very different experiences growing up, but a shared realization. One of us had early opportunities to learn public speaking skills through school programs, while the other did not, despite being naturally strong at speaking. As we moved through high school, we noticed how many students struggled with public speaking simply because they had never been taught how.

    There are currently no public speaking education requirements across all 50 states until high school, despite communication being an essential skill for academic success, careers, and beyond. SpeakUP was created to close that gap!

SpeakUP

Group photo of young students and two teachers in a classroom, smiling at the camera, with a large screen and educational posters in the background.

Their Voices Can Change The World

About Us

SpeakUP™ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that teaches students essential public speaking, communication, and presentation skills which enable them to express their ideas and advocate for what they believe in.

We offer engaging and flexible lesson plans, interactive activities, and resources to high school students and teachers who want to bring public speaking into their schools. Our curriculum is research-informed and mentor-supported, ensuring students receive effective instruction at an age-appropriate level.

Whether you are a high school student or a teacher, SpeakUP™ has something for you!

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Our Program

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Screenshot of a digital course curriculum with six units on public speaking and communication skills, including visuals such as a handshake, a person climbing a pile of books, a strong person showing muscles, a speaker at a podium, a person surrounded by social media icons, and a group of diverse people engaged in discussion.

SpeakUP Portal™

The SpeakUP Portal™ acts as a central hub for all 200+ resources and education material SpeakUP provides. Through the Portal, teachers, clubs, and student leaders can access lesson plans, activities, workshops, and games designed to build public speaking, communication, and presenting skills. Lessons are easy to teach, fun to do, and super flexible!

  • "SpeakUP has helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and now I feel confident in my voice!"

    — 6th Grade Student

  • "I have learned so much about enunciating my words, using my hands, and making eye contact."

    — Former Student

  • "The reason why I joined the club was to become a confident public speaker, and I achieved this goal because of SpeakUP!"

    — 5th Grade Student

Why SpeakUP?

Waiting until high school to develop public speaking skills is too late. In all 50 states, national and state curricula don’t require public speaking instruction in grade school. While federal law, such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), promotes strong academic standards, it does not mandate public speaking curriculum until high school. Research shows that employers highly value oral communication skills, while schools often do not systematically teach it (Education Week). Public speaking skills benefit students throughout life, from classroom presentations and speeches to job interviews and beyond.

Our mission is to change that. SpeakUP provides well-researched, age-appropriate public speaking instruction to children of all ages, allowing them the tools and training they need to succeed, both in school and in life.

Text graphic stating, '77% of people fear public speaking,' with a dark blue background and mustard-colored text.
Survey results showing 92% of surveyed adults agree that excellent presentation skills are crucial to work success.
A graphic with a dark blue background displaying the text '61.3% of young students don't meet age-level public speaking proficiency' in large gold and white font.

National Library of Medicine Journal of Elementary School Education Novoresume