Students try out during StreetSquash’s summer Discovery program. During the tryout period, students are evaluated not on grades or academic prowess but on effort and dedication. once accepted, “team members” commit to stay with the program through their high school graduation while attending four weekly sessions that exercise not just their muscles, but also their brains.
“In the end we’re trying to help these kids academically,” George polsky, executive Director and Founder of StreetSquash, said. “We’re not trying to create professional squash players. We’re tying to help these kids go to college. that’s the focus and that’s what it has always been.”
Toward that end, StreetSquash employs a full-time staff who cover four classrooms, a library and assist students with home work and college prep.
While half of the 150 enrolled students are hitting the books for an hour, the other half are hitting the courts on one of StreetSquash’s eight international size courts.It’s clear even from standing on the sidewalk that the $9 million dollar center is worth every penny. yet it’s the people inside the walls that make streetsquash truly priceless.
“I think the staff really cares about the kids in the program,” 15year-old participant Jazmin Matos said. “they really want us to succeed and go to college.”
Currently in the 10th grade, Jazmin plans to continue playing squash and go to college, hopefully doing both together. “If I’m good enough,” she adds.
With the tutelage she’s receiving at streetsquash, it’s quite possible she will be. What is certain for young Jazmin and the rest of the Harlem youth at StreetSquash is that they will leave the program with the tools to be successful in life, with or without the squash racket.
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Street Squash 40 West 116th street New york, Ny 10026, 212.289.4838, www.streetsquash.org
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