METROsquash - Path to Higher Education 
- Award Entered:
Sport Federation or Governing Body of the Year - Parent Organisation:
- Project Host Nation:
United States, Chicago: Woodlawn, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Washington Park, Bronzeville - Overview of Project:
METROsquash uses squash as a hook to engage students in academics, fitness, community service, mentoring, and cultural enrichment. In doing so, METROsquash tackles three social issues: Children from predominantly minority neighborhoods in Chicago are overweight at three to four times the national average. With a minimum of three hours per week on the squash court, students show fitness improvements over the course of the year as measured by mile times (average improvement of 2:35) and multi-stage fitness test results (average improvement of one full level). Only 3% of African American and Latino students graduate from college by age 25. METROsquash students spend over four hours per week focusing on homework completion, test prep, and high school and college readiness. College is the ultimate goal. Based on the results of sister organizations around the country, METROsquash is on track to achieve a 100% college acceptance rate in two years with the graduation of its first 12th grade cohort. The Chicago Public Schools school day is 45 minutes shorter than the national average. At METROsquash, students spend an average of 10 hours per week with the program, giving them the additional support they need to make significant strides athletically, academically and personally.
Comments
Add Your Comment
Gilles Demeulenaere: 21 Sep 2010 - 01:01 BST
This project is a tremendous benefit to community at large.
Family Sports Festival participant: 18 Sep 2010 - 18:31 BST
I'm at the World Sport Chicago Family Sports Festival right now and the METROsquash students are so enthusiastic! I can tell they really want to win this Award. Good luck METROsquash!
Paula Laverty: 09 Sep 2010 - 22:19 BST
MetroSquash has had an enormously positive impact on the children it works with. They are turning out nationally ranked junior squash players which is providing that extra hook which is so helpful in college admittances. One of their kids was accepted at every top prep school he applied to - all providing full scholarships. The program is still young and growing - please help it continue on its energetic path with your vote!
Hyde Park Resident: 05 Sep 2010 - 07:48 BST
I have been impressed from the very first day I attended the METROsquash orientation at Reavis Elementary School. I have Witness a growth in the level of dedicated and committed participants in the program. I am very proud of the great strides the students are making as a result of belonging to such an engaging organization. Minority communities benefit imensely from programs such as METROsquash and it is a pleasure and a privilege to have METROsquash in our community
Amandilo M. Cuzan: 04 Sep 2010 - 06:20 BST
I have come to know James Dodson and the MetroSquash program and it is first rate all the way. Despite the media's addiction to negative programming, there are dozens of organizations and hundreds, even thousands of individuals that are making a significant impact on the lives of our youth and their families. MetroSquash is worthy of the highest recognition and honoring in this regard. I wish them the best in their ongoing efforts.
Ned Edwards: 04 Sep 2010 - 03:36 BST
I know this program very well and think the variety of experiences, the mentoring and the support are remarkable. The impact on their young people's educational lives is astounding. So comprehensive. Asa result of the MetroSquash program these kids will have the skills and the substance the substance to make their own significant impact on society.
Walter Schmid: 02 Sep 2010 - 16:35 BST
I am very familiar with how METROsquash works close relationship they have with the kids in their program. I just hosted four of their students at my house for a week and have a good sense that the students are really benefiting from the METROsquash experience. MS helps the students develop their social skills, works on improving their academic performance and develop their athletic skills. The program really works.
anonymous: 02 Sep 2010 - 16:01 BST
Having seen this program at work I was very impressed. Committed and professional staff, high impact within the family and community and efficient in the commitment of resources. Good luck!