Earlier this year, Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Eloquence Academy, sat down with Amy Meuers, Chief Executive Officer of National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC), for an episode of NYLC’s Power of Young People Podcast.

Founded in 1983, NYLC works to advance civic engagement, youth voice, and youth leadership. In collaboration with educators, schools, and community organizations, its primary goal is to equip youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead meaningful social change by connecting community service with academic learning and reflection. To this end, NYLC provides leadership development programs, youth advisory councils, educator training, and national conferences focused on community service. Over the past four decades, NYLC has partnered with thousands of youth and educators nationwide, helping integrate service-learning into schools and communities.

Sponsored by the Buser Family Foundation, each episode of the Power of Young People features a conversation between Amy and a young changemaker sharing their story, idea, or project for making the world a better place. Youth listeners gain a connection to other young people who are using their ideas, creativity, and passion to address issues like climate change, educational equity, poverty, and mental health. Adult listeners are inspired by stories of youth as change agents and gain practical advice on how to partner with youth and how to incorporate service-learning into their classrooms, afterschool programs, or homes. Educators learn how they can utilize the power of service-learning to redesign education.

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Spencer begins by sharing the organization’s founding story, noting that “based on the price tag but also my love of [debate], I came to the conclusion we could do more to democratize the activity, and that’s why I started Eloquence Academy all the way back in 2022.” He then demonstrates how partnerships, community support, and mentorship help bring debate education to underserved students. Finally, Spencer shares bold plans for international growth.

Head to Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to your podcasts and search for “The Power of Young People.” Tune in today!

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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, 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.