Street Squash Newark

Bruce Czachor, Writer|June 2, 2015

Bruce Czachor

Youths at the Street Squash program.

Founded in July 2012 and modeled after StreetSquash, Inc. located in Harlem, NY, StreetSquash Newark is a comprehensive after-school youth enrichment program that combines intensive academic support with squash instruction, one-on-one mentoring, service learning, college access and preparation, and professional development for young people from adolescence through college graduation. StreetSquash Newark’s mission is to provide consistent, long-term, and reliable support to the children, families, and schools in Newark. By exposing participants to a wide range of opportunities and by maintaining the highest standards, StreetSquash Newark aims to help each child realize his or her academic and personal potential. After School Program structure and offerings entail the following (I have also attached the information):

  • After school and Weekend Sessions – Focus is primarily on homework help, literacy enrichment, community service, squash instruction, and competition.
  • Community Service – Students participate in (at minimum) 22 hours of community service annually.
  • Squash Competition – Each student will be afforded multiple opportunities to travel and compete in matches against other urban squash, club and private school teams.
  • Teacher Meetings – StreetSquash Newark staff will visit each school weekly, meeting with teachers and administrators to gather information on grades, homework assignments, attendance records, and general academic/school concerns.
  • Parent Involvement – StreetSquash Newark will host three major events for families and students and four parent board meetings throughout the year. Parents are asked to volunteer as chaperones for trips, cultural outings, and community service events.
  • Early College Awareness – Beginning in middle school, students will understand and know that they are expected to go to college. Students will participate in StreetSquash alumni college panels, field trips to colleges, early college awareness camps, and activities throughout the school year and summer.
  • College Prep – Beginning in 9th grade, the college prep curriculum is focused on writing skills, test preparation, vocabulary building, college knowledge, and college visits.