Check Matt's Availability
Member Since 2005
Education Empowerment Speaker
Admissions & Student Retention
Leadership
Team & Culture Building
Inspiration & Motivation
10 Most Inspirational Speakers
2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022
Programs for Conferences, Schools & Organizations
Delivered in-person or live, interactive, virtual experience
"Belief is our greatest power. Despite the challenges we face in higher-education, we must never waiver from believing in our immeasurable capacity to leave the world a better place. That, after all, is the true definition of a legacy."
- Matthew Schmoker
President's Award
2014
Our keynotes and workshops can be delivered in-person or in a live, interactive virtual event, and will be customized to make a lasting impact at your next corporate conference and convention, franchise event, association meeting, institution and organization.
Matt has also made appearances on:
Programs for Conferences and Organizations
Delivered in-person or live, interactive, virtual experience
Matthew Schmoker has been inspiring audiences from the stage since he was barely old enough to drive. Today, he is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, award-winning enrollment management and student retention expert, executive coach, educator, and school owner who has spent nearly three decades helping students, educators, and leaders unlock their full potential.
Matt’s message is rooted in both professional expertise and a deeply personal story of resilience. Overcoming abuse, neglect, serious health challenges, and addiction earlier in life, Matt transformed adversity into purpose—dedicating his life to helping others rise, succeed, and discover their own greatness.
His journey in education began humbly as an elementary school janitor. From there, he became an educator before transitioning into admissions as a high school recruiter and Admissions Representative. Then, he was elevated into leadership roles including campus executive, Executive Vice President of Admissions, President of a 37-campus franchise school system, and ultimately becoming a school owner himself. This rare, real-world experience allows Matt to connect with educators, admissions professionals, and leaders at every level while delivering practical strategies audiences can immediately apply.
Recognized for his ability to transform struggling institutions into high-performing campuses and reignite passion in educators and leaders, Matt founded Legacy School Solutions. Since its founding, Matt and the Legacy team have partnered with more than 750 schools across North America and internationally, helping institutions exceed enrollment and retention goals while building cultures centered on service and student success.
But it is on the stage where Matt’s impact truly comes alive.
A master storyteller with infectious energy, Matt blends hilarious and heartfelt real-life stories with powerful insights and actionable strategies that audiences never forget. His signature mission—“Support Dreams and Inspire Greatness”—guides every presentation, leaving attendees energized, empowered, and ready to make a difference in their schools, organizations, and lives.
Matt is now one of the most sought-after speakers in the education and leadership space, having delivered more than 2,900 keynotes and seminars and inspired over 3.55 million people across corporations, associations, high schools, colleges, universities, and faith-based organizations around the world.
His impact has earned him induction into the Washington Education Association Speaker Hall of Fame, recognition ten times by Beliefnet.org as one of the “10 Most Inspirational Speakers” of the Year, and most recently selection by the Global Forum for Education and Learning as one of the “Top 100 Visionaries in Education.” He also proudly serves as an executive board member for the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Profession (AACAP).
With his unforgettable “YO! Be Amazing Today!” message, Matt delivers an experience that audiences laugh through, learn from, and carry with them long after the event ends.
When Matthew Schmoker takes the stage, he doesn’t just give a keynote—he ignites possibility and empowers audiences to create a legacy of excellence.
Hall of Fame
2012
Education Consulting