Eloquence Academy Recognized as One of 75 National Grantees by Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Feb 14

Eloquence Academy is excited to announce the recipient of a new grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Youth Service America through their groundbreaking Afterschool Service-Learning Experience Program. The grant places Eloquence Academy amongst 75 organizations nationwide committed to expanding youth-led service leadership.

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation began in 1926 in Flint, Michigan. Its founder, Charles Stewart Mott, was a prominent industrialist and one of the original investors and executives in General Motors (GM). Mott made his fortune through the Weston-Mott Company, which manufactured wheels and axles for automobiles. When GM purchased Weston-Mott in the early 20th century, Mott became a key shareholder, significantly increasing his wealth. He used a portion of that wealth to establish the foundation in 1926. The foundation has awarded $4.2 billion to nonprofit organizations in 73 countries that strengthen community engagement, improve educational outcomes, protect natural resources, and enhance the quality of life in Flint.

“I have long admired the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation in its unwavering commitment to creating a more fair, equitable, and sustainable society,” said Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Chief Executive Officer of Eloquence Academy. “I look forward to working with them to advance meaningful change. The challenges facing our communities today require collaboration, bold thinking, and sustained commitment, and we are proud to stand alongside an organization that has demonstrated those values for generations.”

Director of the Charitable Fund Kira Waldhalm will work to manage the grant funding, primarily dedicated to an in-person workshop at Middlebury College. Students at schools throughout Vermont will be invited to campus to bake cookies, discuss meaningful social issues in their community, develop and plan a service project, and demonstrate its measurable impact to a public audience. The programming is scheduled to take place on the week of May 26, 2025, with specific dates and event details to be announced in the coming weeks. For updates on the schedule and opportunities to participate, 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.