TOUR JOURNAL

Motivational Youth Speaker in California: Eddie Cortés at he Lodi Unified School District

Motivational Youth Speaker in Connecticut: Eddie Cortés at Hamden Middle School

Eddie’s energy and positive message was the perfect way to kick off our school year. Students and staff walked away from his interactive presentation energized and ready to take on the year.

Mr. Archambault

Principal, Thompson Middle School, Stafford, VA

A Student Book That Parents and Educators Love

I'm Possible Book - A Kid's Guide to Building Resilience by Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortes

Are you ready to help your students achieve the impossible? In his book, “I’m Possible”, a kids book about resilience, Eddie Cortés provides a roadmap for helping students become resilient problem-solvers and dream-chasers.

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Motivational Youth Speaker in California: Eddie Cortés at The Lodi Unified School District

Have you ever stood in a gym and watched 500 kids transition from a skeptical “Who is this guy?” to a deafening roar of “I CAN. I WILL!” in under forty minutes? That was my Tuesday in Lodi, California. I just wrapped up a mini-tour across the Lodi Unified School District—three schools, five presentations, and a whole lot of high-fives—and let me tell you, the future of the Central Valley is looking brighter than ever. Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and let’s talk about how we turned “face-plant” moments into “first-place” mindsets.

When Life Hits the “Undo” Button

Let’s get real for a second. We’ve all been there—that moment where you try something new, you stumble, and your brain immediately whispers, “I can’t do this.” For a 4th grader in Lodi or an 8th grader in Acampo, a setback on a math test or a social “face-plant” on the playground doesn’t just feel like a mistake; it feels like a stop sign.

The struggle I see in so many students isn’t a lack of smarts—it’s a resilience gap. Students are under immense pressure to succeed, and when failure hits, the instinct is often to retreat. Without a dedicated social emotional learning program framework, “impossible” becomes a permanent label rather than a temporary hurdle. The question for every leader in the Lodi Unified School District is the same: How do we help kids realize that their potential is greater than any “can’t” they’ll ever face?

A High-Energy Motivational Youth Speaker Meets Three Incredible Schools

That is exactly why I brought the I’m Possible Assembly Programs to the Central Valley. My goal as a high-energy speaker is to deliver an experience that feels less like a lecture and more like a breakthrough. Through humor, honesty, and a whole lot of heart, we leaned into the truth that success isn’t about avoiding the fall—it’s about how you get back up.

Motivational Youth Speaker in Connecticut: Eddie Cortés at Hamden Middle

Joe Serna Jr Charter School: Small but Mighty in Acampo

We kicked things off at Joe Serna Jr Charter School with about 120 incredible 3rd-8th graders. The culture here is focused on leadership, and it showed. A massive thank you to Alejandra Estrada (Principal) and Laura Aguirre (VP) for the warm welcome. Several students helped me share my childhood dream of playing for the New York Yankees, proving that even “small” schools have massive dreamers.

Lawrence Elementary: The 500-Student Powerhouse

Next up was Lawrence Elementary School in Lodi. Looking out at 500 faces (3rd-6th grade) is a rush! We talked about social emotional learning through the lens of honesty—admitting that even “pro” dreamers mess up. A huge shoutout to Christine Alberg (Principal) and Jennifer Allen (VP) for fostering such a thoughtful and friendly student body.

Leroy Nichols Elementary: Two Rounds of Resilience

We finished the tour at Leroy Nichols Elementary School with two back-to-back presentations (Grades 4-6 and Grades 1-3). Whether they were seven or twelve, the message of developing resilience landed perfectly. Thank you, Lindsay Streeter (Principal) and Fabiola Carter (Vice Principal), for your incredible hospitality and for prioritizing the “heart” of your 280+ All-Stars.

Why Every Elementary School Assembly Program Needs Grit

The shift across these five presentations was palpable. By the end of each session, students weren’t just inspired—they were equipped with a new mental framework for success.

Develop Resilience: We emphasized that when you stumble or fail, you don’t stay down; you get back up and chase your big dreams.
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Students learned that an “I can. I will!” attitude is the key to continuous improvement.
Reimagine the Impossible: We broke down the word “Impossible” until every student realized it actually spells “I’M POSSIBLE.”

As the assemblies wrapped up, the line for high-fives was out the door. Students were telling me their dreams—future artists, inventors, and professional athletes—all buzzing with the confidence to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.

The California Impact Continues

It’s been an incredible run so far—I have spoken at 16 different California schools during this 2025-26 school year, and we are just getting started!

I am especially thrilled to announce a massive partnership for next year. I have been officially booked to speak at 15 elementary and middle schools within the Kings Canyon Unified School District this coming August for the 2026-27 school year! We are going to kick off the year with a tidal wave of resilience.

Thank You Lodi Unified School District

I am so grateful to the Lodi Unified leadership for the invitation and the world-class hospitality. To the students of Joe Serna Jr, Lawrence, and Leroy Nichols: Keep being relentless. Keep being kind. And always remember: Impossible is just I’M POSSIBLE!

Think your students are ready to find their “I’m Possible” moment? As a motivational youth speaker in California, I’d love to bring this high-energy experience to your campus.

Invite Top Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés to California 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
Apr. 22 – Spring Lake, MI
May 1 – East Greenwich, RI
May 6 – Rochester, MN
May 7 – Socorro, NM
May 11 – Needville, TX
May 28 – Minneapolis, MN
May 28 – Minneapolis, MN
May 29 – Fridley, MN
May 29 – Minneapolis, MN
Jun. 8 – Fort Lee, NJ
Jun. 10 – Wesley Chapel, FL
Jun. 15 – Jersey City, NJ
Jun. 24 – Corvallis, OR
Jul. 27 – Orange Springs, FL
Aug. 10 – Hilliard, OH
Aug. 24-Sept. 4 – Reedly, CA
Oct. 16 – Stockton, CA
Oct. 26 – Long Valley, NJ
Mar. 2, 2027 – Osage Beach, MO

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

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.

LEARN MORE

EDDIE CORTÉS

Top Youth Motivational Speaker in CA

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.