Mission: 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.
SquashSmarts students are selected in 6th-8th grades based on commitment, effort and attitude, not athletic or academic ability. Students are recruited in 6th-8th grade from our three partner middle schools: Roberto Clemente Promise Academy, Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, and Overbrook Educational Center. Operating out of two facilities, the Lenfest Center (North Philadelphia) and Drexel’s Daskalakis Athletic Center (West Philadelphia), students attend practices three days each week focusing on SquashSmarts’ Five Pillars: (1) Academic Support, (2) Squash Instruction, (3) Fitness and Nutrition, (4) Personal Achievement, and (5) Leadership. Students also participate in competitive squash opportunities, community service projects, cultural outings, and special events.