QUESTIONS

What is SquashSmarts?
SquashSmarts provides academic tutoring, squash instruction, 1:1 mentoring and community service opportunities to urban youth.

How long has SquashSmarts been around?
SquashSmarts in Philadelphia was established in the spring of 2001 and follows highly successful similar programs in Boston and New York since 1996.

What is squash?
Squash is a racquet sport that was developed in England and now played worldwide.

Why squash?
Squash requires a high level of physical fitness, a quick wit and patience – all attributes of a successful student and person.

How many kids does SquashSmarts serve?
SquashSmarts serves twenty-four (24) kids at any one time who make three (3) year commitments to the program.

Where does SquashSmarts operate?
SquashSmarts partners with Drexel University and has access to their squash courts and classroom space for its operations. Due to Drexel’s location, SquashSmarts has primarily served kids in the Drew School (38th & Powelton) and the McMichael School (35th & Fairmount) in West Philadelphia.

How old are the kids in the SquashSmarts program?
Students are recruited in the sixth (6th) grade and commit to the program for three (3) years. After 8th grade, students are invited to remain with SquashSmarts as high school students if they are not going to play high school sports.

How are SquashSmarts team members selected?
SquashSmarts staff and volunteers introduce the program in all 6th grade gym classes at the Drew and McMichael schools. Students are invited to two days of try-outs in which they circulate through multiple athletic and academic stations. Students must then complete an essay of “Why I would make a great SquashSmarts team member” and also complete a month-long trial period in order to be accepted into the program.

Are SquashSmarts kids tested?
SquashSmarts uses the Wide Range Achievement Test –3 (WRAT-3) to pre-test the kids on reading and math skills and post-test at the end of the academic year.

How much time is spent with the kids?
The kids commit two and one half (2 _) hours two days mid-week and two (2) hours on Saturday. Mid-week sessions are half tutoring and half squash. Saturday sessions are all squash.

What kinds of tutoring does SquashSmarts provide?
Tutoring is provided two times per week on a 1:1 ratio on basic math and reading skills. Computers are available for projects.

Who are SquashSmarts mentors?
Each SquashSmartser is connected to a Drexel University student athlete mentor who provides direction and support to the kids on a one on one basis.

Does SquashSmarts sponsor special events?
Special events such as museum trips, squash matches and tournaments, theatrical or sporting events are set up throughout the year.

What is the SquashSmarts TEAM concept?
All kids in the program pledge to uphold the TEAM values of Trustworthiness, Effort, Attitude and Mindfulness to establish a commitment to the program and to their own betterment.

Is SquashSmarts a United Way organization?
Yes, SquashSmarts is a United Way sponsored program. Those who wish to support SquashSmarts through United Way rather than direct giving should designate SquashSmarts using United Way Program number 14586.