FAQ

What is IMPACT?

IMPACT is a speech and debate club in Dayton Ohio, that competes in CCA. Our mission is best summed up in our name 

“Igniting Minds through Persuasion and Apologetics for Christ’s Truth”

What is CCA?

Christian Communicators of America or CCA is a Christian homeschool speech and debate league. CCA’s focus is on glorifying Christ and helping parents educate their students through the development of skills rather than just competition. For more information about CCA please visit their website Here.

How is the school year structured?

We follow a standard fall and spring semester format. 

The fall is centered on our novice classes, teaching the fundamental skills to compete in speech and debate. Cuminating in our local Round Robin competition. The novice class is required for all first year students.

The spring is centered on the 4 CCA tournament competitions. There is one tournament per month from February through May. With debate class and speech coaching between. 

Where are the tournaments?

The tournament schedule varies year to year. However, there are generally two “local” tournaments (Dayton and Columbus) and two “away” tournaments (generally a 3-4 hour drive)

What do tournaments look like?

CCA tournaments are a two day event. Running all day Friday and Saturday. There are generally 7 debate rounds and 3 speech rounds.

Who can participate?

CCA events are limited to homeschoolers ages 5-18 as of January 1st of the spring semester. In general tournament participation requires each family to have a student 9 years or older.

How are the age groups divided?

For speech there are three groups: Varsity (13-18,) Junior Varsity (9-13,) and Junior (5-8.)

Debate is limited to ages 14-18

How much does it cost?

IMPACT tuition per year is $125 for one student and $200 for two or more students.

Tournament costs vary but average $35 per student.

When is registration?

Final registration for the fall will be in late August at our orientation.

Final registration for tournaments is generally a month before each event.

What speech events are there?

There are three genres of speeches in CCA.

Public Address: A student written and memorized essay styled speech on a topic of the student’s choosing.

Oral Interpretation: A memorized and acted piece from a published source; book, play, movie, etc. depending on the event.

Limited Preparation: A speech given based on a previously unknown prompt.

For more details on the different events under each genre please see the CCA IE Criteria & Competitor

CCA cycles through speech events, offering a different set each year on a 4 year rotation. See the events for this coming year in the 2027 section of this Document.

What does the work load look like?

For students participating in both speech and debate, we recommend dedicating 2-4 hours per week to practice and research. However, with speech and debate, as much as anything in life, you get out what you put in. 

What do assignments look like?

Assignments are generally kept as simple and achievable as possible, with their main focus on being able to participate rather than a demonstration of knowledge.

IMPACT puts education above competition, meaning we do not grade or otherwise rate students’ homework. Though parents have the freedom to do so. 

If you have anyother question please reach out through the contact us form below.