When Richmonders talk about The Richmond Forum, most think of the sold-out nights under the marquee lights at the Altria Theater where big-name world leaders, activists and storytellers share ideas that shape history. What many people do not realize is the Forum’s biggest impact often happens offstage.
Beyond the spotlight, a growing network of Richmond-area middle and high school students are learning to debate, moderate and lead through the Forum’s youth programs. These initiatives are designed to empower local students and help the next generation by finding and using their voice in meaningful ways through dialogue, debate and mentorship.
A Mission Rooted in Voices
At the heart of The Richmond Forum’s work is a mission that balances global ideas with local impact. The team believes that the conversations shaping the world should also inspire the next generation of Richmond’s leaders.
“Our mission is twofold,” said Maggie McVicar, the Forum’s communications director. “It is to present powerful voices so Richmond can learn, and to empower local voices so Richmond can lead.”
That philosophy has guided the Forum since its beginning, and has evolved beyond global speakers to include a generation of local leaders in the making.
“When you’re a subscriber, you are part of the community, you’re part of the decision-making,” McVicar explained. “We do an annual survey to hear who people want to see and what conversations Richmond needs right now.”
While the public sees household names like Tracee Ellis Ross or John Green, the Forum’s heart beats just as strongly in classrooms, student rooms and debate halls across the region.
Creating Access with Student Room
For many high school students, the Forum experience begins in the Student Room, a space designed to make world-class conversations feel within reach. Each season, more than 500 students attend Forum programs for free, hearing speakers up close and even engaging in private Q&A sessions before the main event.
“It’s a really great opportunity for students to be able to come to these things without having to pay an entry fee,” McVicar said. “It democratizes access.”
Sandra Wheeler, the Forum’s director of student programs, said accessibility remains a central goal.
“Anybody is welcome to the student room,” Wheeler explained. “We recruit from our Speech and Debate initiative, but if you are 16 or older, you can even come without a chaperone. That is really special because it allows students to feel independent and confident while participating.”
The energy in Student Room mirrors what happens on stage. Student’s talk with one another and guest speakers, ask questions, jot down notes and share reflections. For The Forum team that excitement represents the true purpose of the work, which is sparking curiosity and showing students that their voices belong in every conversation.
Richmond Forum Scholars
Each year through the Richmond Forum Scholars program, five standout high-school juniors are selected to work directly with the Forum team. Scholars moderate sessions, meet world leaders and see what it means to run a major civic institution.
“We get to showcase five of our region’s brightest or most motivated students to our speakers and VIPs,” Wheeler said. “Our speakers are always so impressed by them. They bring energy and professionalism that make Richmond proud.”
For many students, the experience becomes a defining moment in their personal and academic growth. The program not only helps student’s gain confidence but also gives The Forum team a glimpse of Richmond’s future leaders in action.
Building Confidence Through Speech and Debate
If the Scholars program offers a glimpse of leadership, the Richmond Forum Speech and Debate Initiative builds it from the ground up. Started in 2018, the initiative now reaches nearly 1,000 students across more than 42 schools.
“At the first tournament of the season, you might see a student in tears after a round because they’re so nervous,” Wheeler said. “By the fourth tournament, they’re completely changed. They’ve learned from mistakes, found confidence and they can’t wait to compete again.”
The Forum is even conducting a longitudinal study with James Madison University to measure how speech and debate participation impacts critical thinking, communication and civic engagement.
“Our students are learning how to use their voices, organize thoughts, and participate in their communities,” Wheeler said. “We’ve seen kids go from shy to outspoken advocates at school board meetings and community rallies.”
Beyond tournaments, the initiative’s greatest success is measured in how students carry themselves long after the season ends. The confidence, curiosity and communication skills they build become tools they use in classrooms, careers and communities.
Looking Ahead
A new chapter in the Forum’s story is already taking shape. In 2026, Richmond will host the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament, one of the largest academic competitions in the country. The event will bring thousands of students, coaches and judges to the city for a week of debate. For the Forum, it is both an honor and a call to action.
“We’re already seeing a sense of urgency from principals and administrators,” Wheeler said. “If you can drive to the national tournament, you should have a team that can go.”
Hosting the national tournament will shine a spotlight and position Richmond as place for intellectual exchange and youth leadership while inspiring schools to invest more in communication education.
“Hosting the tournament helps schools realize how important these programs are,” she said. “It keeps theatre programs alive, motivates coaches, and brings visibility to students who might never otherwise compete nationally.”
With a wide range of programming and exciting events, as the Forum prepares for its 40th season, its mission feels as relevant as ever.
“When I look five to 10 years out, I see us supporting schools across Virginia, not just in our region,” Wheeler said. “We are already training coaches, providing grants and hosting free tournaments. The next step is advocacy and helping everyone see the value of speech and debate. People underestimate how many students and coaches benefit from the Forum’s work. It takes hundreds of hours, but seeing those students grow makes it all worth it.”
How You Can Support
To sustain this growth, the Forum depends on community investment.
Visit Support Our Student Programs to support the Forum and all its programs. Each donation helps ensure that Richmond’s next generation not only listens to great conversations — but join them.
