Eloquence Academy 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 amongst 200 organizations nationwide.
Founded in 1890, Ashoka is a global leader in social innovation. The organization offers resources, grants, and competitions, through which they have pioneered the concept of social entrepreneurship, built a network of over 3,800 fellows in 90 countries, and empowered top-tier leaders who can solve deep-rooted social problems. In particular, the Time for Change Youth Challenge identifies promising, system-changing ideas in Title 1 schools.
“I have long admired Ashoka as a pioneering organization in the field of social entrepreneurship,” said Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Chief Executive Officer of Eloquence Academy. “This funding allows us to create meaningful opportunities for our students, many of whom are historically overlooked and underserved. We are deeply honored to receive Ashoka’s support and are proud to stand alongside so many powerful initiatives bettering their respective communities, from school assistive technology maker spaces and mental health awareness campaigns to community health eating programs and litter prevention initiatives.”
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 2,500+ students across 35 states and 17 countries. Ultimately, Eloquence Academy aims to prepare youth for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact through the transferable skills gained from debate. Follow Eloquence Academy on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
