While playing squash is a key element in an urban squash program like Mile High Squash, the real focus is on helping kids from an underserved population prepare for college.
The point of these programs is to change lives, not forehands. As Tim Wyant, Executive Director of CitySquash, once said, “Squash is just the vehicle that allows them to look past the initial barriers in our society.”
Mile High Squash relies on funding from grants from foundations and corporations and contributions from the general public. Grants from foundations and corporations will be in the form of unrestricted grants and not earmarked for any particular activity or project. Solicitations for donations from the general public will be done primarily though personal contact.
Mile High Squash aspires to meet the same high goals and accomplishments of other regional urban squash programs.
The first urban squash program, Squashbusters, was started in Boston in 1996. In just seven years it moved from its humble headquarters in the Executive Director’s apartment to a $6.5 million dollar facility that features 8 international squash courts, locker rooms, classrooms and administrative spaces. Northeastern University donated the land for the facility, but Squashbusters raised the money to build it.
Other programs, such as CitySquash in the Bronx and StreetSquash in Harlem, have had similar success. CitySquash’s main annual fundraiser, “The Bash”, which features exhibition matches between many of the greatest players in the game, has grown from raising $15,000 in 2004 to raising over $250,000 in 2007. StreetSquash has also generated tremendous support for its program. In its eight years it has grown from 28 kids, two staff, and 20 volunteers to a program that serves 140 kids with 8 full-time staff and 120 volunteers. StreetSquash has raised more than $13 million dollars for a 19,000 square foot clubhouse that will be the largest squash facility in New York when it is completed in 2009.
The impressive fundraising and facilities only tell part of the story. The real success can be seen in the accomplishments of the program attendees. At Squashbusters and StreetSquash, over 90% of their graduates have attended college – as compared to only 40% of their peers. At CitySquash, where over 90% of their kids are eligible for the federal free lunch program, over 40% of its first two classes have been offered admission and full financial aid to top boarding schools. And there are exceptional opportunities available to urban squash players in the summer; at StreetSquash, 50 kids participated in 15 different summer programs last year, ranging from squash camps to Outward Bound.
