Registration NOW OPEN! Students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in the 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Columbus State Community College. This citywide celebration encourages young voices to share original speeches inspired by the theme, “I Am a New Generation Leader: An Architect of Transformational Change.”

To apply online: Youth Oratorical Application 2026

For rules and regulations: Youth Oratorical Rules and Regulations 2026(PDF, 406KB)

Lunch and snacks will be provided. For more information, visit Columbus.gov/neighborhoods or call 614-645-1993.

To submit your registration via hard copy please contact Nicole Harper at 614-645-1991 or nnharper@columbus.gov.