SquashSmartsMission & History |
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Mission
+ Vision + Theory of Change. Founded in 2001, SquashSmarts is a free intensive out-of-school time program supporting the lives of Philadelphia’s public school students. SquashSmarts is a 501c3 non-profit academic and athletic mentoring program with a proven track record of keeping kids in school, in shape, and on track for graduation. Through a partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts' Evaluation Capacity Building Initiative, and following the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, SquashSmarts has developed and is guided by the following Theory of Change, Vision and Mission Statements: Theory of Change: A Better World “SquashSmarts fosters a family of inclusive, civically and professionally engaged citizens who maintain healthy, resilient, pro-social lives.” Vision: Aspirational Success “SquashSmarts aspires to have 100% of its students graduate from high school, follow defined post-secondary paths toward college and/or career, and carry the values of the program forward into their lives and communities.” Mission: Dedicated Daily Focus “SquashSmarts is dedicated to improving the lives of underserved youth from Philadelphia public schools by providing intensive, long-term academic tutoring and squash instruction, while imparting high standards of personal integrity, health and fitness, and service to the community.” Model + Facilities + Pillars + Skills SquashSmarts Program Model recruits students to join our Core Program in 5th-8th grades based upon their interest, commitment, effort and attitude - not their athletic or academic ability. Students are recruited from one of five partner schools: Carver Engineering & Science Middle School, Esperanza Academy Charter School, E.W. Rhodes Elementary, Morton McMichael Elementary, and Overbrook Educational Center. SquashSmarts provides Daily Transportation to and from our two partners facilities: the Lenfest Center (North Philadelphia) and Arlen Specter US Squash Center (West Philadelphia) where students attend practices three days each week, year round, focusing on SquashSmarts’ Four Pillars and Seven Skills: 4 Pillars 1. Academic Learning 2. Squash & Fitness 3. Service To Community 4. Camps & Leadership 7 Skills 1. Communication 2. Goal Setting 3. Leadership 4. Organization 5. Physical Health 6. Positive Relationships 7. Self-Awareness SquashSmarts long-term, eight-year commitment is made to each child to ensure success by providing a team, a family, a safety net and a sense of belonging. Strong, hyper-intimate, one-on-one relationships with staff and volunteers is the key to fostering each child’s success and breaking the cycle of Philadelphia’s public school drop-out rate. Put simply, SquashSmarts is Giving Kids Their Best Shot! |
Watch This Is SquashSmarts
by Scott Whitman c. 2024 Watch SquashSmarts 20 Year Journey
by Scott Whitman c. 2021 Watch SquashSmartsEquals
by Alkemy X c. 2015 |