Spencer Chaisanguanthum was 13 when he founded Eloquence Academy, a nonprofit that helps New Jersey schools sustain student debate programs.
In 2019, he began competing in academic debate and quickly realized that Title I schools were often excluded from tournaments due to cost barriers or lack of staff resources.
“From the beginning, establishing a nonprofit was difficult, especially as a young person,” he says. “But if you take the first step, you might impact or change at least one person’s life.”
Today, the organization has grown into a nationwide network of 150 youth volunteers and 39 regional chapters. In New Jersey alone, six schools receive fee waivers and curriculum support, and more than 1,000 students participate in classes and camps. Eloquence also hosts tournaments.
When not running the nonprofit, Chaisanguanthum—a rising senior at the Dalton School in Manhattan—is applying to colleges. He plans to remain CEO of Eloquence as an undergrad before passing the organization on. “Youth-led organizations should always stay youth-led,” he says.
