MetroSquash

Mission Statement: For Chicagoland youth who desire and deserve more, MetroSquash combines academic support, competitive squash, and enrichment to empower students to realize their potential and make their mark. The first MetroSquash class consisted of 10 students in 5th grade. The program operated out of space rented from the University of Chicago. In 2015, the MetroSquash Academic and Squash Center was opened, which now allows MetroSquash to serve over 400 students and families per year. In Fall 2018, MetroSquash opened its first satellite location in Evanston to serve underrepresented students on the north side; it started with a group of 20 6th graders and will add a class every year. MetroSquash operates seven days a week during the school year and offers a robust summer camp. By taking a pathway approach from 5th grade to post-secondary completion, we ensure our students receive the support they need at every level of the pathway. Our program is comprised of four key pillars: squash & fitness, academics & enrichment, social work & supportive services, and college & careers. On average, students dedicate 10 hours per week to MetroSquash and that time is equally divided between academics and squash. We focus on four main outcomes: 1) increasing academic achievement, 2) improving health and wellness, 3) providing career and life skills training, and 4) engaging families in support of student success. By taking a long-term approach to support, we feel that we are better equipped to help our students address the multitude of obstacles they face in their community. To date, MetroSquash has experienced a 100% high school graduation rate, 100% college acceptance rate, 98% college enrollment rate, 100% post-secondary matriculation rate, and 88% of students are on track to graduate college. Please see below for a more detailed description of our Pathway Program.