working to Make a Difference

Total Awarded: >$3,000

Programs Supported: 5 student teams

Students Reached: More than 50

Additional Coaching Grants Pending: ~$2000

• Amount: $800
  
• Purpose: Registration fee for the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), required for participation in all tournaments.
  
• Impact: Ensured the team could compete during the 2025–2026 season despite loss of University funding.
  
• Students Served: 42 

• Amount: $1,138 for lodging, plus $200 gas reimbursement.
  
• Purpose: Covered travel and housing costs for the University of Puget Sound Logger Invitational CARD Tournament - October 2025.
  
• Impact: Enabled in-person participation at the first major tournament of the season, supporting both competitive preparation and team development.
  
• Students Served: 9 

• Amount:  $500
  
• Purpose:  On-site coaching and judging at the University of Puget Sound Logger Invitational CARD Tournament - October 2025.
  
• Impact: After the University of Oregon administration eliminated its Department of Forensics and froze student funding, the Debate Team suddenly lost access to its regular support for coaching and travel. The Oregon Forensics Foundation stepped in to ensure the students could still compete. This grant provided on-site coaching and student assistance during the University of Puget Sound Tournament—giving the team the guidance and structure that the university no longer provides. The Foundation’s goal is to make sure students can continue learning, competing, and representing Oregon at the highest levels, regardless of administrative decisions beyond their control.
  
• Students Served: 9 

• Amount:  Pending
  
• Purpose:  Support for student safety and participation

• While traveling to the University of Puget Sound Tournament, the University of Oregon Debate Team encountered unexpected lodging complications that required immediate relocation. Late that night and early into the morning, Foundation officers worked directly with team leadership to secure safe accommodations and ensure that all students were accounted for and supported.

• Beyond authorizing emergency funds for hotel costs and travel reimbursements, the Foundation provided real-time guidance and logistical help—remaining in communication with students until the situation was fully resolved. This hands-on response reflects the Foundation’s core purpose: to protect and sustain student opportunities in forensics when institutional systems fail to act quickly or effectively.

UO Debate – October Coaching Stipend: $1,100 to replace compensation eliminated by the University.
UO Debate – Online Judging Support: $400 for virtual judging and feedback for students.