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SquashSmarts
  • About Us
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Carol's Kids Scholarship

Closing the gap in funding for SquashSmarts' student-athletes on their path to college
Support Carol's Kids!
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​Inspiring Futures. Honoring Leadership. Closing the Gap.


At SquashSmarts, we believe in the long game—and no one has embodied that spirit more than Carol Jacobs. A beloved and steadfast volunteer, Carol has mentored and inspired our students for more than a decade, guiding them toward college with heart, wisdom, and unwavering support. In honor of her dedication, we established the Carol’s Kids Scholarship—a fund that reflects Carol’s commitment to seeing every student thrive.
About the Scholarship

​The Carol’s Kids Scholarship is awarded annually to graduating SquashSmarts student-athletes who, over the course of their seven-year journey with our program, have shown extraordinary leadership, perseverance, and promise. These scholarships help defray the final costs of college—often the last financial barrier standing between our students and their dreams.
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The scholarship specifically supports:
  • Graduating seniors recruited from the School District of Philadelphia
  • Students with 4+ years of active SquashSmarts participation
  • Seniors who have been accepted and committed to a post-secondary institution
  • Students and families working toward a “zero balance”—the ideal financial aid outcome where tuition and fees are fully covered

​Each Carol’s Kids award—approximately $1,000—is designed to close the final funding gap after all other resources have been exhausted. These final dollars often make the difference between enrollment and delay.

​Impact at a Glance

​Since its launch in 2019-2020:
  • $33,250 awarded
  • 38 deserving seniors supported
  • 100% impact, one student at a time

Why It Matters
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​College access is not just about getting in—it’s about having the financial freedom to stay in. SquashSmarts walks alongside every student and family during the college process, helping them navigate aid packages, federal grants, work-study, and scholarships. Carol’s Kids is a crucial piece of that puzzle.
Support Carol's Kids Today
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You can help us honor Carol’s legacy—and unlock a brighter future for our students.

Make a gift to the Carol’s Kids Scholarship Fund and invest in the next generation of leaders.

Every dollar you give helps close the college affordability gap for a SquashSmarts student who’s worked hard, stayed committed, and is ready to succeed.

Together, we can ensure that cost never stands in the way of a college education.
SquashSmarts' Carol's Kids Scholarship
By the Numbers


Since its inception, Carol’s Kids Scholarship has awarded $33,250 in scholarship funding to 38 seniors. 
School Year
Award
2019-2020
$2K to 2 Seniors
2020-2021
$4K to 5 Seniors
2021-2022
$4K to 5 Seniors ​
2022-2023
$5.25K to 7 Seniors ​
2023-2024
$11K to 11 Seniors
2024-2025
$7K to 8 Seniors
​2025 Scholars

Michael Boyer-Mayes
Temple University

Kimora Jackson
NC A&T State University
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Justin Lane
Franklin & Marshall University

Akayla McDonald
Mount Holyoke College


Noah Minor-Wright
Temple University

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Kenadee Poland
Community College of Philadelphia


Amil Thomas
Temple University

Jaiden Travis
Orleans Technical College


2024 Scholars

Levaun Barnes
Temple University

Axxel Castillo
Rowan University


Zachary Greene
Penn State University

Scarlett Gomez
Marist University


Kaylin Johnson
Drexel University


Kelsey Johnson
Drexel University


Ismael Kazzaz
Penn State Univeristy - Abington


Jackson Miller
Delaware Valley University


Giovanni Rodriguez
Temple University


Ahriell Romero
Drexel University

Lia de la Rosa
American University



2023 Scholars

William Batista
University of the Arts


Jasmin DeJesus
Indiana University of Pennsylvania


Niyanna Fields
Widener University

Jah’Seek’I Joslyn
Cornell University


Destiny McLeary
Millersville University


Antasia Polen
Kutztown University


Edward Rosario
Gettysburg College



​2022 Scholars

Dasha Hammond
Indiana University of Pennsylvania


Jon Hernandez
Manor College


Adel Kazzaz
Cabrini University


Diana Ramos
Rosemont College


Ramirrah Reid
Hampton University


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2021 Scholars

Kayla Dufort
St. Joe’s University

Ranson Gaymon 
St. Joes' University

Brandon Hines
University of Pittsburgh


Sir McDaniel
Community College of Philadelphia


Liz'e Simpson
Drexel University


2020 Scholars

Monisha Das
Drexel University


Aaliyah Galloway 
Chatham College
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SquashSmarts is Giving Kids Their Best Shot!
SquashSmarts, c/o Lenfest Center, 3890 N 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 I 215-221-6860 I [email protected] 
  • About Us
    • What Is SquashSmarts?
    • Mission & History
    • Impact
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • Graduates
    • Partners
  • News & Events
    • News
    • Clif Wright Scholarship
    • Carols Kids Scholarship
    • Press & Awards
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Job Opportunities
    • Young Friends
    • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Merch