EA Clinches Prestigious Ashoka Grant
c/o Ashoka
Eloquence Academy is excited to announce the recipient of a new microgrant from Ashoka Global, Ashoka Changemakers, and the FirstBook Foundation through their groundbreaking Time for Change Youth Challenge. The grant places Eloquence Academy among one of 200 organizations nationwide that is committed to youth empowerment and development.
Founded in 1890, Ashoka is a global leader in supporting social innovation and system-changing ideas. They have pioneered the concept of social entrepreneurship and have since built a network of over 3,800 Ashoka Fellows in more than 90 countries. The organization offers learning resources, grants, and competitions. In particular, the Time for Change Youth Challenge works to identify ideas that better Title 1 schools and their communities.
“I have long admired Ashoka as a pioneering organization in the field of social entrepreneurship. We are deeply honored to receive their support and stand alongside over 200 other powerful community betterment initiatives,” said Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Chief Executive Officer of Eloquence Academy. “This funding allows us to create meaningful opportunities for our historically underserved students and community members. We look forward to sharing the growth, stories, and successes that emerge.”
Chief Executive Officer Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Fundraising & Grants Coordinator Rudri Soni, and Director of the Charitable Fund Kira Waldhalm will work together to manage the grant funding. It will be dedicated to basic operational costs, the creation of new curricular resources, and the Fall Cup Debate Tournament—a two-day tournament to be held from October 18, 2025 through October 19, 2025, with divisions in Public Forum Debate for students in grades 4 through 12. For updates, please follow Eloquence Academy on social media (@eloquenceacademy).
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Eloquence Academy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and 509(a)(2) public charity dedicated to increasing equitable academic debate opportunities for rural and historically underserved students. The Academy offers debate classes, summer camps, workshops, tournaments, in-school programs, and online resources for 2,200+ students across 35 states and 15 countries. Ultimately, EA aims to prepare youth for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact through the transferable skills gained from debate. Follow EA on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
