Description
Our program is the 10 th urban squash program in the nation and the first of its kind in the Southeast. Students in urban squash programs around the country have higher school attendance rates, higher GPAs and academic averages and achieve high rates of high school graduation and college matriculation than their peers. In fact, 100% of urban squash participants across the country graduate from high school, and 93% go on to college or university!!! More than $8 million has been awarded to urban squash participants in scholarships to elite colleges and boarding schools. We plan to have the same impact on Charleston’s underserved youth population.
How it works: Our program consists of three interworking components, "on the court," "in the classroom," and, "in the community." On the court, students practice squash drills, play competitive matches and work on their fitness. In the classroom, we deliver rigorous homework help sessions, academic tutoring, as well as enrichment workshops on life skills (financial literacy, health and wellness, leadership development, etc.). In the community, we promote civic engagement through volunteering and service learning projects in collaboration with other charity organizations in Charleston. As a result, our participants develop a sense of responsibility to themselves, their classmates and teachers, and their neighbors and communities.
Statement of need:For the 2010/2011 school year, Chucktown Squash will partner with Sanders-Clyde Elem./Middle. The school, located in a neighborhood characterized by transience, drug use and poverty, has a student population that reflects these challenges. Ninety-eight percent of Sanders-Clyde students are on a free or reduced lunch program. In 2010, fewer than 50 percent of students met statewide assessments (AYP). Chucktown Squash chose to pilot its efforts with Sanders-Clyde because of its history of poor academic performance and other challenges facing the student body.
As a member of the Chucktown Squash team, young people will be held to the highest standards for behavior, social conduct and commitment to the program. Otherwise, their participation in the program will be put under review and possibly revoked.
