Youth Service America Provides Generous Grant

Nov 5

Eloquence Academy is excited to announce the recipient of a new grant from Youth Service America (YSA). The grant recognizes Eloquence Academy as one of the leading youth-led organizations nationwide and offers supplementary funding for civic engagement initiatives before the 2024 presidential election.

Founded in 1986, YSA aims to make working together for the common good the expectation and experience of every youth aged 5-25. YSA offers grants, advocates for federal and state investment in national service programs, creates service project organization templates, and authors a weekly Youth Service Briefing highlighting developments in the field. In particular, YSA’s annual ServiceVote campaign encourages youth to register to vote, educate their peers, and call on public officials to create spaces at decision-making tables for youth voices. YSA is regarded as the pioneer of the academic service and leadership model.

“The ‘why’ behind Eloquence Academy's mission is simple: we aim to develop students that are academically proficient, while being analytical, thoughtful, eloquent, and civically engaged voices in our world,” said Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Chief Executive Officer of Eloquence Academy. “This upcoming election is the perfect opportunity for our community and nation at large to enact the very principles that activate our mission. How should we research the candidates and their platforms? How do we each personally decide the values, policies, and priorities that should shape the future of our country? Because they are bound to emerge, how do we navigate polarization or disagreements?”

Meanwhile, YSA encourages individuals of all ages to visit guides.vote. The site provides concise voter registration instructions and credible nonpartisan guides to the candidates in 2024 local and national races. There are Spanish versions available.

Chief Executive Officer Spencer Chaisanguanthum will work to manage the grant funding, which will be dedicated to the expansion of public policy classes and creation of new curricular resources. 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, 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 and YouT ube at @eloquenceacademy.