MetroSquash
For Chicagoland youth who desire and deserve more, MetroSquash combines academic support, competitive squash, and enrichment opportunities to empower students to realize their potential and make their mark. MetroSquash was founded in 2005 as an out-of-school-time program for Chicago Public School students on the south side. The first class consisted of 10 students in fifth grade attending a local neighborhood school. Each year, a grade level was added to realize a pathway of service from 5th grade through college completion. In 2018, MetroSquash opened its first satellite site location in Evanston, serving a sixth grade class from two middle schools in the community. The organization will celebrate its first high school graduating class in Evanston in 2025. MetroSquash currently supports 300 students 5th grade through college with plans to significantly grow the number of students served as the organization builds a permanent home in Evanston.
MetroSquash’s unique model helps to ensure that every student receives the individualized support needed to meet their needs. Key components of the program model include Squash & Fitness, Academics & Enrichment, Social Work & Supportive Services, and College & Career programming. Daily after school services include squash instruction, academic support, and enrichment, while weekend and summer programming include competitive squash opportunities, travel, internship placement, and so much more. MetroSquash provides continued support for up to 14 years of a student’s educational career.