The English-Speaking Union sponsors numerous programs to encourage the use of the English language for both native and non-native English-speakers.

Every year, the English-Speaking Union hosts the annual Shakespeare Competition hosted by the Minnesota Branch of The English Speaking Union at Eastview High School. Previous Eastview students to win the competition are Joe Filipas in 2001 and Ann Bowman in 2002.

The National Shakespeare Competition is a curriculum-based program designed to encourage students from public, independent and parochial high schools to develop their communications skills and appreciation of language and literature, while providing them with an unprecedented opportunity for personal achievement. Since its inception in 1983, the Competition has given nearly 130,000 young people the opportunity to explore both the beauty and scope of the language and the timeless themes embodied in Shakespeare's works. Currently, the program involves more than 14,000 students and about 2,200 teachers in 57 Branch communities nationwide. Since 1988, Branch winners have come together to compete in the National Competition finals held each April at Lincoln Center in New York. The national winner is awarded a two-week summer course in England.

Contact: Ms. Nancy Ericson