HE TEACHES FELLOW TEENS THE POWER OF DEBATE

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Spencer Chaisanguanthum. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

When Spencer Chaisanguanthum’s parents signed him up for a week-long debate camp, the New Jersey teen wasn’t eager to participate. However, it was the best thing that could have happened.

Struck by how much he enjoyed it, Spencer asked to join a debate club on a more consistent basis. It was then that he saw how much the experience improved his life. Not only was he more confident, but his critical thinking and analytical skills improved. The tools he learned in debate benefited his academic performance, particularly in English and history classes. But most of all, it kicked off a mission to bring debate to students who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to participate.

“For me, debate has just been such a transformative activity,” says Spencer. “Because of all those factors, I was inspired to start the organization to spread access to more youth, especially in historically excluded areas.”

Now 15 years old, Spencer is the founder and CEO of Eloquence Academy, an organization that offers free online debate classes and biannual tournaments. Founded in 2022, EA expands access to public speaking and academic debate opportunities for students who may not have the opportunity otherwise, particularly due to their location. By breaking down these geographical barriers, students have a greater opportunity to reach their potential.

Spencer is always working to expand the organization’s reach, whether it’s through recruiting new volunteers to coach classes and judge at tournaments or curating a dedicated social media following. He tackles everything from writing grant applications and organizing the programming to writing the debate curriculum and meeting with the board. Currently, he’s creating a free, online debate course that provides access to video modules, quizzes and interactive worksheets, leveling the playing field so debate is an endeavor that anyone with access to the Internet can pursue.

While Spencer’s mission is an ambitious one for a high school sophomore, he‘s utterly dedicated to the cause. He has spent over 2000 hours volunteering to foster educational equity, which has resulted in working with 2100 students and 50 partner schools.

“I’ve had the opportunity to observe his leadership firsthand and work closely with him on Eloquence’s initiatives,” says Conray Tseng, a member of Eloquence Academy’s Board of Directors. “His leadership and dedication to Eloquence follow naturally from his love of debate.”

While Eloquence Academy has blossomed tremendously, it all started with Spencer’s goal of helping other young people find their strength and confidence through debate, just like he did.

“I’ve learned that everybody can make an impact in their local community,” he shares. “Even impacting one person for the better is still very worth it.”

Eloquence Academy currently serves students in person and virtually throughout the United States, but Spencer hopes to take the programming further. He dreams of expanding to other countries, giving students in Canada and Asia the chance to participate as well. But in the meantime, Spencer will be working hard on the home front. Next year, he’ll be the captain of his high school’s debate team.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Spencer? Find local volunteer opportunities.