My love of debate began while in middle school with a five-day summer camp at the New York City Urban Debate League.

There, I discovered the excitement of researching issues, forming arguments, and engaging in spirited discussions with peers who were just as curious and determined as I was. I then joined weekly debate classes at the Bergen Debate Club and, throughout the pandemic, spent hours debating virtually from my bedroom. Those experiences set the trajectory for my next several years.

Debate has been an all-encompassing, transformative activity for me. It sparked a passion. I found a community. I found my voice. More importantly, I saw a need to make the activity more accessible. All students—regardless of socioeconomic background or geographic location—should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Over the past five years, leading this nonprofit has been the most rewarding of experiences. My responsibilities include writing grant applications, curating social media content, recruiting volunteers, organizing tournament logistics, and developing partnerships with schools and nonprofits. One of the most meaningful parts of my work is seeing debate flourish in unexpected places. Thanks to a creative approach to outreach, our programs have now extended across borders, hosting online workshops at the Kaabe Schools in Somaliland and the Jay Pritzker Academy in Cambodia. Previously, through our partnership with the Latino Education Advancement Fund, we launched a program teaching debate to elementary students who are native Spanish speakers.

Above all, I hope for Eloquence Academy to offer other students the same sense of confidence, drive, and belonging that debate has given me. Whether laughing with students on a late-night Zoom call or seeing their pride after a successful round, my everyday interactions are the constant and best reminder of why this work matters.

If our mission resonates with you, I’d love to stay in touch. Always feel free to reach out via email (spencer@eloquenceacademy.org) or connect with me on Linkedin!

Yours in partnership,
Spencer Y. Chaisanguanthum

Welcome

Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Founder & Chief Executive Officer

“Eloquence Academy aims to address the United Nations’ fourth sustainable development goal: quality education. Our students are always seeking to learn more about themselves, their peers, and the world around them. On this journey of inquiry, we support each student holistically.”

Take a moment to hear from Spencer Chaisanguanthum as he shares insights into Eloquence Academy, its mission, and his team, all of whom he is proud to lead everyday. To learn more and stay connected with our ever-expanding community, please explore our website and follow along on our social media.

Spencer Y. Chaisanguanthum was named Chief Executive Officer in February 2022 and assumed his responsibilities in September 2022. During his tenure, Eloquence Academy has launched all of its existing programs to serve 2,500 students nationwide. Spencer has crafted two strategic plans that integrate innovation, pedagogical excellence, diversity, and an emphasis on civics, earning Eloquence Academy recognition as one of the nation’s leading debate academies and a top 75 youth afterschool program for service learning in the United States.

Previously, Spencer worked at a number of nonprofit organizations and cultural institutions. Amongst these were the public programs department at the New-York Historical Society, constituent services and communications at the New York City Council, and public service roles at the New York State Supreme Court and Civics Unplugged.

In addition to working with students privately as a public speaking coach, Spencer has taught debate and evidence-based civil discourse to upwards of 3,000 students of all ages at the City Tutors, Dalton School, New York City Urban Debate League, Rural Debate Initiative, Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, and Volunteer Tutors Organization. For more than a decade, Spencer competed on and led the debate team at Dalton. In Public Forum Debate, he was ranked as high as top 1% in the nation and fourth in New York City. Spencer qualified twice for both the New York State Championships and the Tournament of Champions, notably placing first at the University of Michigan Tournament and second at the Lakeland Invitational and University of Kentucky Invitational. 

  • Spencer remains a highly sought-after leader. In 2024, he was elected to a two-year term on the Student Leadership Council of the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). His signature accomplishments at the NSDA include introducing a more accessible pricing and revenue structure, expanding the unconscious bias training course for judges, creating a new onboarding program for students, and piloting a peer-to-peer mentorship program for over 150,000 student members. For five years, Spencer has advised the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, where he provides student-centered feedback to Trustees and the President on the institution’s evolving resources, educator programs, and collections. 

    Spencer’s impactful work has been recognized globally by the AmeriCorps We Serve to Remember Grant, Ashoka Changemakers Time for Change Youth Challenge, Bill of Rights Institute MyImpact Challenge, Cornell University National Contribution Project Award, Daily Points of Light Award, Karma for Cara Microgrant Award, President’s Volunteer Service Award, New Jersey Department of State Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, New Jersey State Governor’s Volunteerism Award, and Youth Service America ServiceVote Challenge. Spencer is a two-time Hershey Heartwarming Hero and an Everyday Young Hero. He spoke on the National Youth Leadership Council’s Power of Young People Podcast and was recently featured in the NSDA’s Rostrum Magazine in recognition of “a life of service and leadership.”

Recognition

  • 2025 New Jersey Department of State Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, Governor Mikie Sherrill

  • 2025 MyImpact Challenge Honorable Mention, Bill of Rights Institute

  • 2025 We Serve to Remember Grant, AmeriCorps

  • 2025 New Jersey Governor’s Office of Volunteerism Award, Governor Phil Murphy

  • 2025 Time for Change Youth Challenge Finalist, Ashoka Foundation

  • 2025 Daily Points of Light Award

  • 2025 Hershey Heartwarming Young Hero, Hershey Company

  • 2025 Power of Young People Podcast Guest, National Youth Leadership Council

  • 2024 Microgrant, Karma for Cara Foundation

  • 2024 National Contribution Project Winner, Cornell University

  • 2024 ServiceVote Challenge Winner, Youth Service America

  • 2024 Hershey Heartwarming Young Hero, Hershey Company

  • 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award

  • 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award