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Ronald Reagan Debate Series – Regional Competition

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The Ronald Reagan Debate Series is a national high school debate competition that invites students in grades 9–12 to engage in thoughtful, civil discourse and compete for their share of $50,000 in scholarship prizes. Unlike traditional competitive formats, this debate series celebrates the art of effective communication by emphasizing civility, clarity, personality, humor, and storytelling — qualities exemplified by President Ronald Reagan in presidential debate settings.

Hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute and held at Simpson University, the Northern California regional invitational offers high school debaters the opportunity to showcase their speaking skills, engage with current civic topics, and compete in a format modeled on presidential-style debate. The 2026 resolution for this regional competition is:
“Resolved: As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of self-governance, the Electoral College should be replaced by the popular vote in presidential elections.”

Participants who advance through regional rounds may qualify for the National Championship, with finalists earning travel support and the chance to compete for additional scholarship awards.

This event offers a welcoming and engaging environment for both seasoned debaters and newcomers to develop and demonstrate their communication skills, build confidence, and connect with peers from across the region.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NORCAL REGIONAL COMPETITION

Scholarship Summit

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Simpson University proudly presents the Scholarship Summit, a celebration of academic excellence, leadership, and student achievement. This special event brings together our scholarship finalists — who are invited to participate in a day of presentations, networking, and recognition — to share their stories and accomplishments. While only contestants receive formal invitations, everyone is invited to attend and cheer on these outstanding students as they showcase their talents and pursue opportunities that will help shape their futures. Come be part of an uplifting community experience and support the next generation of scholars. For full event details and contestant information visit our Scholarship Summit page.

Student Research Symposium

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Event Schedule

Call for Proposals:

Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 is the date for the 16th annual Student Research Symposium (SRS ’26) on the campus of Simpson University. The organizing committee invites students from the traditional undergraduate program, the adult degree-completion program, graduate programs, and cooperating area schools to submit proposals for presentations. This event is a treasured tradition at Simpson, one that celebrates academic excellence, public scholarship, and the unique contributions of student voices across disciplines.

Symposium Theme: 

This year’s theme is INFLUENCE(R).

Every generation has its influencers. Some are household names. Others are teachers, caregivers, innovators, or storytellers—people whose ideas and presence leave a mark. In today’s digital age, the term influencer brings to mind curated content and social platforms, but the concept goes deeper. Who shapes our behavior, our language, our beliefs? And how do we, in turn, influence others? From the biological to the political, from marketing trends to moral imagination, influence is everywhere.

Students and their sponsoring faculty are invited to creatively explore how influence works within their field of study. Who gets heard? Who gets followed? How is credibility earned—or lost? How does influence move through networks, traditions, algorithms, or art? The theme Influence(r) is meant to be wide-ranging, welcoming both critical reflection and constructive vision. We encourage you to share how your discipline helps us understand the forces that shape us.

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Alexandria Arrieta is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Digital Media at Biola University whose work explores the intersection of internet culture, popular music, and emerging technologies. Her research focuses on viral short-form video platforms like TikTok, music creators, and the growing influence of generative AI in creative industries.

Dr. Arrieta’s scholarship has been published in leading academic journals, and she brings real-world industry experience through collaborations with organizations such as Warner Music Group and the Latin Recording Academy. In addition to her academic work, she is also a Christian R&B artist, offering a unique perspective that bridges research, creativity, and faith.

Submission Process:

The SRS ’26 committee welcomes presentations in four different formats: individual talk, panel discussion, poster/graphic, or performance/creative. Please see the official symposium website for descriptions of each format as well as proposal instructions and deadlines.

While priority will be given to projects that address in some way the concept of “Influence(r)” into their research question, proposals on any topic will be granted full consideration!

SUBMISSIONS will be open Nov 19, 2025–Feb 11, 2026.

Late submissions may be considered. 
Please ask your faculty mentor to email the SRS Committee today!
 

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

POSTER & INFOGRAPHIC GUIDELINES

SUBMISSION FORM

Scholarship Summit

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The Simpson University Scholarship Summit is an exclusive gathering designed for academically distinguished students that features enriching preview sessions and professional development workshops, aimed at enhancing career readiness in a dynamic campus environment.

Participants will not only gain invaluable insights but also be eligible for an additional $2,000 scholarship on top of their merit award. Additionally, the Summit presents the unique opportunity to receive a full-tuition Trustee’s Scholarship through scholarship essays. It’s a remarkable chance for students to elevate their academic paths and connect with like-minded peers. 

All essays are due Wednesday, January 15. For more information on the requirements, visit Scholarship Summit 2025.