j.w. Patterson Foundation for Academic Excellence in Speech and Debate

the patterson foundation was founded for the purpose of making educational opportunities in the fields speech, debate and leadership accessible to all students, regardless of income accessibility. the foundation’s primary goal is the enhancement of academic training in the practice of speech, debate and leadership development on both the intercollegiate and inter-school levels. the mission of the j.w. patterson foundation for academic excellence in speech and debate is to promote the academic study of persuasion, debate, and public speaking, the major instruments for resolving differences and making decisions in a free society. the “patterson fellows program” identifies twelve of the top rising senior high school debaters in the nation each year and provides a fully funded opportunity to study together at the university of michigan summer debate institute. the “patterson fellows” are intended to serve both as students and teachers, helping with instruction and acting as role models to