(800) 799-1460 howdy@tysspeakers.com

TOUR JOURNAL

Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés

I'm Possible School Assembly Program with Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortes in Las Vegas, NV

“Eddie was engaging, high-energy, and extremely relevant for our students, who are growing up in the first generation where artificial intelligence is a part of everyday life.”

– Jill Lynch, Technology Teacher, Markham Place Middle

Download Eddie’s Program Guide & Speaking Rate

Top-Rated Youth Speaker for Students
All-Inclusive Speaker Fee — No Travel Expenses
The Best Speaker You’ve Ever Booked, or Your Money Back

Top 5 Youth Motivational Speakers for 2026-2027: Vetted Impact for School Assemblies

School leaders are currently facing an unprecedented flood of AI-generated pitches. While the tech has changed, the need for authentic human connection has only grown. I’ve spent my career on hundreds of stages collaborating with the industry’s best. To help you cut through the noise, I’ve vetted five specialists who go beyond the standard assembly to deliver lasting cultural transformation.

The 2026-2027 Authority List of Top Youth Speakers

1. Fabian Ramirez | Anti-Bullying & Educator Wellness

Regarded as the #1 anti-bullying speaker for school assemblies, Fabian has been trusted nationwide by event planners in all 50 states and Canada.

Fabian doesn’t just speak to students; he empowers Educators with funny, comedic keynote presentations. His message incorporates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) techniques that teachers can use immediately to help students foster positive relationships.

Learn More: Fabian Ramirez’s anti-bullying speaker program for middle and high school assemblies is an industry leader in resilience and humor.

2. Ketric Newell | At-Risk Youth & Identity

With 20+ years working in the trenches with under-resourced and at-risk youth, Ketric is a dynamic and deeply relatable speaker who helps students break free from limiting labels.

As the founder of the Teen Dream Center, Ketric’s message comes from lived experience, not theory. He creates safe, empowering environments where students feel seen and heard, combining humor and grounded wisdom to help them reframe their identity and embrace a future rooted in hope.

Learn More: Ketric Newell is a top-rated motivational speaker for at-risk youth and identity who helps students break free from limiting labels.

3. Nicki Joiner | Career Clarity & Future-Proofing

Nicki Joiner helps students navigate their future career with confidence and clarity so that they can change the world.

She leads students on a transformative journey designed to empower them with the tools they need to choose and thrive in their career paths. Her sessions provide the valuable insights and strategies necessary for students to make informed choices in an ever-shifting job market.

Learn More: Nicki Joiner’s career clarity presentation for high school and college students are a must for preparing students for the “Future of Work.”

4. Lasada “LP” Pippen | Communication & Leadership

A nationally recognized keynote speaker and communication coach, Lasada helps individuals and teams unlock their voice, lead with confidence, and create lasting impact.

LP’s mission is to help every audience “say it better, connect more deeply, and grow through clarity.” Beyond the transformative keynote, he offers coaching to strengthen presence and influence—essential for students learning to navigate a screen-heavy world with purpose.

Learn More: Lasada Pippen’s communication skills for student leadership program help students find their voice and lead with confidence.

5. Eddie Cortés | Generation AI & Digital Resilience

Let’s be real: I wasn’t going to curate a “Best of” list and leave myself out—that’s just bad marketing. Plus, when it comes to delivering a high-impact experience for students, I’ll let these testimonials speak for themselves:

“A MUST-have speaker for schools.” — Principal, St. Pius X Catholic School

“Best student assembly ever!” — Principal, Wilson Elementary School

“Eddie Cortés is a dynamic speaker!” — Principal, O’Donnell Elementary School

Regarded as one of the most engaging voices in the education market, I designed the “Generation AI” School Assembly Program to equip K–8 students for safe, wise, and responsible AI use.

This high-energy, interactive assembly uses humor, storytelling, and live demonstrations to turn complex tech into concrete lessons. Rather than just focusing on the dangers, the program emphasizes the human strengths that technology can never replace—helping students develop the judgment and character needed to lead in a tech-driven world.

Learn More: Eddie Cortés’ AI literacy and digital citizenship assembly is essential for teaching K-8 students digital wellness and character.

The 2026-2027 School Assembly Buyer’s Guide

When booking for the 2026-2027 school year, look for these six markers of a high-quality speaker:

  • The “Vetting” Test: Don’t trust a website bio. Ask for a “Sizzle Reel” from the last 12 months. If they can’t show you a video of them engaging a room of 500 teenagers, they aren’t ready for your stage.
  • Lived Experience vs. Theory: In 2026, students can spot “fake” from a mile away. Ensure your speaker has “in the trenches” experience (like Ketric or Fabian) rather than just a canned presentation.
  • The Interactive Factor: Does the speaker use live demonstrations or physical tools? For example, my Grit Squad trading cards provide a tangible takeaway that keeps the SEL conversation going in the classroom.
  • Post-Assembly Support: Does the speaker provide follow-up materials or classroom discussion guides? This ensures the message lasts longer than the 45-minute assembly.
  • The Average Cost: In 2026, professional national speakers typically range from $3,500 to $7,500 per day.
  • Comprehensive Scope: Can the speaker address both students and staff? Professional speakers offer Professional Development (PD) components to ensure the adults in the building are equipped to support the students’ new mindset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What grade levels do these speakers cover?
A: Most of the speakers on this list, including the Generation AI program, are adaptable for K-12 audiences, with specific versions of the message tailored to elementary, middle, and high school maturity levels.

Q: Are these programs compliant with school guidelines?
A: Yes. Professional speakers are highly experienced in honoring all public school guidelines, ensuring content is inclusive, age-appropriate, and focused on educational learning outcomes.

Q: How long is a typical school assembly?
A: Sessions generally run between 30-60 minutes, designed to maximize engagement without cutting too deeply into instructional time. Additionally, each speaker can and will customize their presentation to your school needs.

Q: How far in advance should we book a youth speaker?
A: Most top-tier speakers book out 4–6 months in advance, especially for “peak” times like Red Ribbon Week or Mental Health Awareness Month.

Q: Can speakers adapt their message for different grade levels?
A: Yes. Professional speakers like those listed above offer modified versions of their program tailored specifically to elementary, middle, high school and college maturity levels.

Q: Do these speakers handle their own travel?
A: Most speakers provide “All-Inclusive” quotes that cover flight, hotel, and ground transportation to keep your paperwork simple.

ABOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY

In his fun and interactive presentation titled “I’M POSSIBLE,” youth motivational speaker Eddie Cortés will help students realize that they are not defined by their limitations but by their potential. He uses humor, thought-provoking stories, and object lessons to teach elementary and middle school students to build resilience. Eddie empowers them to do hard things and chase their dreams.

Click here or call Top Youth Speakers at (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday to invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your next school assembly.

EDDIE CORTÉS

EDDIE CORTÉS

Top Youth Motivational Speaker in MD

ABOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER EDDIE CORTÉS

With over 20 years of experience, Eddie Cortés is regarded as one of the most engaging elementary and middle school speakers in the youth market. His mission is to empower students to build resilience and a positive self-worth. This mission is personal. As a middle schooler, Eddie stopped believing in himself. In fact, his negative self-view impacted his grades, relationships, choices, and ultimately his dreams. This experience is what fuels Eddie’s mission. He wants every elementary and middle school student to know that they are worthy of their dreams and have the tools to chase them.

To learn more about Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés click here.

Follow Eddie Cortés on social: Instagram | Facebook | Linked In

© 2020 Emerging Students | PRIVACY POLICY