The Open Podium Project
Empower Student Voices

Meet Our Youth Council

Dylan Tobias, Founder

Dylan Tobias is a student leader and advocate for equity in education. As the founder of The Open Podium Project, he ensures all students have access to transformative opportunities in speech and debate, regardless of financial background.

A student at St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Dylan excels in academics and extracurricular activities. As one of the leaders of the Speech and Debate Team, earning national recognition with in Dramatic Interpretation at the Barkley Forum at Emory University. His experience includes local, regional, and national tournaments, honing skills in public speaking, critical analysis, and performance.

Through speech and debate, Dylan enhanced his critical thinking and engagement with complex issues, noticing that many talented students face financial barriers to participation.

This motivated him to establish The Open Podium Project, a nonprofit aimed at removing financial obstacles by providing funding, mentorship, and essential resources, empowering the next generation of speakers.

Beyond debate, Dylan is a committed leader and community servant. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Chaplain of the Black Student Union, and mentors peers. He received the 2026 Gentleman of the Year Service Award from Jack and Jill of America, highlighting his dedication to service.

Aspiring to be an attorney, Dylan advocates for access and youth voice. Through The Open Podium Project, he is working towards a future where every student can speak, compete, and be heard.
Empower Student Voices

Our Story

The Open Podium Project was founded by Dylan Tobias and was inspired by his personal journey in speech and debate.

Through this experience, Dylan found his voice, built confidence, and developed strong critical thinking skills—but he also recognized that not every student has access to the same opportunities.

He observed that many talented students are unable to participate—not because they lack ability or passion, but because they face financial barriers.

This inequity became the driving force behind his vision.

Determined to make a difference, Dylan created The Open Podium Project to help level the playing field. The organization is committed to ensuring that students who are ready to speak, lead, and compete are not held back by circumstances beyond their control.

The mission is clear: to remove financial and systemic barriers in speech and debate by providing funding, mentorship, and essential resources—so every student has the opportunity to be heard.

What We Do

We provide support to students through:

Tournament fee assistance

Travel support for competitions

Professional attire

Mentorship and coaching opportunities

Why It Matters

Speech and debate is about so much more than competition.

It helps students find their voice, build confidence, think critically, and learn how to lead and communicate with others.

These experiences help shape future lawyers, leaders, educators, athletes, and advocates.

But too many talented students never get the chance because of financial barriers.

That’s why we exist — to help open the door for every student who deserves the opportunity to be heard.

Our Mission

To remove financial and systemic barriers in speech and debate by providing funding, mentorship, and resources to students in need.

Our Vision

A world where every student has equal access to speech and debate opportunities and the ability to confidently use their voice.