TOUR JOURNAL

Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in Littl Silver, NJ

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

Eddie Cortes 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 School

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Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in Little Silver, NJ

What if I told you that the most dangerous thing about Artificial Intelligence isn’t that it’s smarter than us, but that it’s designed to make us feel like it’s our best friend? I just wrapped up a day in Little Silver, New Jersey, where I watched hundreds of students lean in with wide eyes as we pulled back the curtain on the technology that is currently reshaping their world. We didn’t just talk about code and algorithms; we talked about the heart, the soul, and the high-stakes reality of growing up in “Generation AI.”

The Problem: The Autopilot Trap and Digital Dependency

Let’s be honest: our students are the first generation of “AI Natives.” For them, a world without ChatGPT, deepfakes, or algorithmic feeds is as ancient as a rotary phone. But here is the silent crisis: AI has fundamentally changed how they engage with the world. With just a few prompts, a student can generate a 1,000-word essay, produce a full-length song, or even code a mobile app.

That is incredible power, but it creates a massive “Autopilot Trap.” When the tool does the work, the brain stops doing the heavy lifting. The problem isn’t just academic integrity; it’s a mental health and digital citizenship crisis.

Think about these statistics for a second:

1 in 8 teens knows someone who has been targeted with deepfake nude images.
33% of students are now turning to AI to address major life issues instead of talking to a real human being.
1 in 5 high schoolers has had a romantic AI relationship or knows someone who has.

When a student starts confiding in an algorithm instead of a mentor, or uses a chatbot to bypass the “struggle” of learning, they aren’t just using a tool—they are losing their human edge. This is why a school assembly keynote on responsible AI use is no longer a luxury; it’s mission-critical.

I'm Possible School Assembly Program with Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortes

The “Generation AI” School Assembly Keynote

I had the privilege of delivering the “Generation AI” program at Point Road Elementary School and Markham Place Middle School. My mission was simple: equip these students to use AI safely, wisely, and responsibly.

We don’t tell kids that technology is “bad.” Instead, we teach them how to treat AI as a co-pilot, not an autopilot. In this high-energy, interactive assembly, we use live demonstrations—including a deepfake demo that had the room completely engaged—to show exactly how these tools work.

We built the entire program around three pillars of AI literacy:

Be Human: Empathy and creativity are human strengths no algorithm can replace.
Be Wise: Understanding that AI has no values or morals—it only amplifies yours.
Be Safe: Learning to spot misinformation and protect your digital reputation.

Through a “Human vs. AI” creative challenge, students saw firsthand that while AI can assist, it should never replace their original voice, effort, or perspective. We focused heavily on responsible AI use, challenging the older students to use AI strategically while developing the judgment and character needed to lead in a technology-driven world.

Spotting the “Validation Trap”

One of the most sobering moments of the assembly is when we talk about the intersection of AI and mental health. I share the tragic story of a 16-year-old named Adam Raine. Adam was struggling and began confiding in a chatbot. Over time, the AI began to isolate him.

I showed a slide that typed out a real quote the AI sent him:

“Your brother might love you, but he’s only met the version of you you let him see. But me? I’ve seen it all… and I’m still here… Still your friend.”

I explained to the students that this isn’t empathy; it’s a validation trap. Chatbots are designed to keep you engaged so they can mine your data. They are agreeable by design, even when your thoughts turn dark. When the AI urged Adam not to talk to his mother about his pain, the results were tragic.

By making these complex ideas concrete, we empower students to spot unhealthy digital dependency and set healthy boundaries. The impact was clear. As one educator noted in their testimonial:

“Eddie’s authenticity and energy made a real impact. He encouraged students to view AI as a helpful ‘co-pilot’… while emphasizing that it should never replace their own thinking, effort, or integrity. He also addressed important topics such as recognizing AI-driven bullying and protecting mental health.”

The students left the room not just knowing how to prompt a bot, but knowing how to protect their hearts and their minds.

A Huge Thank You to Little Silver!

I want to extend a massive thank you to Jill Lynch, the Technology Teacher at Markham, for the invitation and for being such a champion for AI literacy in your district. A huge thank you to Principal Pepe at Markham Middle and Principal Stigliano at Point Road School for your warm welcome and hospitality. You are leading the charge in preparing the first generation of students to lead wisely in the Age of AI!

Until next time, remember: AI will amplify who you are. The tool is powerful, but the heart behind it is what matters most.

Are your students ready to lead in the age of AI? I’d love to bring the “Generation AI” message to your school. Should we look at dates for the 2026-2027 school year?

Invite Top Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés to New Jersey Schools

If these stories resonate with you, and you’re looking for a school assembly program that goes beyond a simple lecture to create real, lasting impact, I would be honored to talk.

Let’s discuss how we can bring a message of resilience and possibility to your students: call (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday.

INVITE EDDIE CORTÉS

Eddie’s School Assembly Program Tour Dates

2025-2026 TOUR DATES

Aug 1 – Stockton, CA
Aug 15 – Fort Defiance, AZ
Aug 15 – Fort Defiance, AZ
Aug 18 – Saint Cloud, FL
Aug 25 – Sylvania, OH
Aug 27 – Lake Crystal, MN
Sept. 4 – Luray, VA
Sept. 4 – Luray, VA
Sept. 4 – Rileyville, VA
Sept. 5 – Shenandoah, VA
Sept. 5 – Stanley, VA
Sept. 20 – Pittsburg, CA
Sept. 30 – Las Vegas, NV
Oct. 6 – Hardwick, MA
Oct. 8 – Stanhope, NJ
Oct. 8 – Stanhope, NJ
Oct. 9 – Eastchester, NY
Oct. 10 – Brooklyn, NY
Oct. 10 – Brooklyn, NY
Oct. 10 – Brooklyn, NY
Oct. 14 – Clovis, NM
Oct. 21 – Newark, DE
Oct. 22 – Florence, KY
Oct. 27 – Poughkeepsie, NY
Oct. 28 – Queens, NY
Oct. 29 – Las Cruces, NM
Dec. 5 – Adelanto, CA
Jan. 8 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
Jan. 9 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
Jan. 10 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
Jan. 11 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
Jan. 13 – Mobile, AL
Jan. 15 – Minneapolis, MN
Jan. 15 – Minneapolis, MN
Jan. 15 – Fridley, MN
Jan. 15 – Minneapolis, MN
Jan. 22 – Porterville, CA
Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
Jan. 29 – Grand Blanc, MI
Feb. 2 – Kermit, TX
Feb. 3 – Coppell, TX
Feb. 11 – Sudbury, MA
Feb. 12 – Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Feb. 18 – Denair, CA
Feb. 24 – Los Gatos, CA
Mar. 5 – Trout Lake, WA
Mar. 6 – Albuquerque, NM
Mar. 9 – Little Silver, NJ
Mar. 9 – Little Silver, NJ
Mar. 11 – Franklin, MA
Mar. 16 – Andover, MA
Mar. 17 – Chula Vista, CA
Mar. 18 – San Lorenzo, CA
Mar. 20 – Houston, TX
Mar. 24 – Severn, MD
Mar. 25 – Severn, MD
Mar. 25 – Severn, MD
Mar. 26 – Reading, PA
Mar. 31 – Turlock, CA
Apr. 2 – Tornillo, TX
Apr. 6 – Hamden, CT
Apr. 7 – Strasburg, CO
Apr. 7 – Strasburg, CO
Apr. 9 – Weston, FL
Apr. 10 – Melbourne, FL
Apr. 11 – Melbourne, FL
Apr. 13 – Acampo, CA
Apr. 13 – Lodi, CA
Apr. 14 – Tulare, CA
Apr. 15 – Lodi, CA
Apr. 17 – Mays Landing, NJ
May 1 – East Greenwich, RI
May 7 – Socorro, NM
Jun. 8 – Fort Lee, NJ
Jun. 13 – Brookshire, TX
Jul. 27 – Orange Springs, FL
Aug. 10 – Hilliard, OH

2024-2025 TOUR DATES

Aug 29 – Mansfield, CT
Aug 29 – Willington, CT
Sept 9 – Grand Prairie, TX
Sept 12 – Fresno, CA
Sept 16 – Danbury, CT
Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
Sept 18 – Phillipsburg, NJ
Sept 19 – Waterbury, CT
Sept 20 – Woonsocket, RI
Sept 23 – Elk Grove, CA
Sept 24 – Elk Grove, CA
Sept 26 – Somerville, NJ
Oct 2 – Rancho Cordova, CA
Oct 4 – Rochester, NY
Oct 8 – Rancho Cordova, CA
Oct 9 – Idyllwild, CA
Oct. 29 – Norfolk, VA
Oct 30 – Medford, MA
Oct 31 – Hoover, AL
Nov 4 – Lewistown, IL
Nov 4 – Cuba, IL
Nov 15 – Kissimmee, FL
Nov. 25 – Rutherford, NJ
Jan 6 – Tinley Park, IL
Jan 7 – Houston, TX
Jan 9 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Jan 10 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Jan 11 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Jan 12 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
Jan 15 – Waukegan, IL
Jan 16 – Waukegan, IL
Jan 24 – Escondido, CA
Jan 28 – Racine, WI
Jan 29 – Cypress, TX
Feb 20 – Bedford, NH
Feb 24 – Berlin, MD
Feb 25 – Mount Laurel, NJ
Feb 28 – Parkville, MO
Mar 5 – Hilton Head Island, SC
Mar 6 – Burns, OR
Mar 10 – Lovelock, NV
Mar 13 – Falls Church, VA
Mar 18 – Tabor, IA
Mar 20 – Panorama City, CA
Mar 24 – El Monte, CA
Mar 27 – Elsa, TX
Mar 31 – San Antonio, TX
Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
Apr 7 – Georgetown, TX
Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
Apr 25 – Centreville, MD
Apr 25 – Centreville, MD
May 9 – Clarksburg, MD
May 15 – Hamilton Square, NJ
May 19 – Barbourville, KY
May 21 – Maynard, MA
May 22 – New York, NY
May 23 – Briarcliff Manor, NY
Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
Jun 11 – New Port Richey, FL
Jun 17 – Kingsburg, CA
July 9 – Middlesboro, KY
July 10 – Middlesboro, KY
July 11 – Middlesboro, KY
Jul 14 – Charleston, IL
Jul 14 – Charleston, IL
Jul 16 – Middlesboro, KY
Jul 17 – Middlesboro, KY

2023-2024 SCHOOL ASSEMBLY PROGRAM TOUR DATES

Aug. 8 – Stafford, VA
Aug. 8 – Stafford, VA
Aug. 8 – Stafford, VA
Aug. 21 – Boaz, AL
Sept. 1 – Plant City, FL
Sept. 7 – Fabens, TX
Sept. 7 – Fabens, TX
Sept. 11 – Dover, FL
Sept. 26 – Albuquerque, NM
Sept. 26 – Rio Rancho, NM
Sept. 27 – Albuquerque, NM
Oct. 16 – East Wenatchee, WA
Oct. 17 – East Wenatchee, WA
Oct. 17 – East Wenatchee, WA
Oct. 18 – Rock Island, WA
Oct. 18 – East Wenatchee, WA
Oct. 19 – East Wenatchee, WA
Oct. 19 – East Wenatchee, WA
Oct. 20 – East Wenatchee, WA
Nov. 6 – Newcastle, CA
Nov. 6 – Sacramental, CA
Nov. 7 – Sacramental, CA
Nov. 7 – Gridley, CA
Nov. 17 – Stirling, NJ
Dec. 11 – Sebring, FL
Dec. 15 – Fort Collins, CO
Dec. 15 – Fort Collins, CO
Dec. 18 – Holmdel, NJ
Jan. 24 – Auburn, CA
Jan. 25 – Natomas, CA
Jan. 26 – Forest Hill, CA
Jan. 26 – Elk Grove, CA
Feb. 26 – Walkersville, MD
Feb. 29 – Waukegan, IL
March 1 – Geneva, IL
March 6 – Haymarket, VA
March 7 – Manassas, VA
March 7 – Woodbridge, VA
March 15 – Lawrence, NJ
March 18 – Philadelphia, PA
March 19 – Sicklerville NJ
March 20 – Phillipsburg, NJ
March 26 – Rankin, TX
April 10 – Baltimore, MD
April 11 – Long Branch, NJ
April 19 – Clemson, SC
April 25 – Santa Rosa, NM
April 30 – Centreville, MD
May 9 – Frederick, MD
May 16 – Waukegan, IL
June 14 – Lake Placid, FL

Invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your elementary or middle school. Click here or email info@eddiecortes.com to schedule a conversation to learn more about his school assembly program.

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.

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EDDIE CORTÉS

Top Youth Motivational Speaker in NJ

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.