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CHESS CHALLENGE in DC…
                Encouraging success with each move

Chess Challenge in DC is an educational after-school program designed to increase academic success and teach important life skills through the game of chess. Our goal is to enable children to acquire, through the game of chess, the tools necessary to succeed in adolescence and adulthood. We provide this in a fun and safe environment.

Chess Challenge in DC

  • improves concentration, reading & math skills
  • increases problem-solving & decision-making skills
  • builds self-esteem and teaches discipline
  • inspires children to succeed, fosters positive social skills & encourages leadership

Chess Challenge in DC is a unique curriculum using chess, but it is not a "chess program." Chess Challenge in an educational program that encourages children to use their brains in new ways. It is taught by professionals who are trained to use our lesson plans. When coupled with our unique reading and math literacy curriculum, Chess Challenge in DC is a winning strategy for underserved children in DC!

Chess is a proven educational tool that gets results. Our program attracts both girls and boys and shows success in working with children whose primary language is not English and with children who have special needs. A study funded by Congress in 2006 showed that chess club participants, compared with other students, exceeded standards in math by 17% and in reading by over 10%.

Chess Challenge in DC is free to participants. We supply all necessary equipment for the program and participants receive chess sets to take home. Chess Challenge meets twice a week during the academic year and will include at least one tournament.

Summer '08:
 We partnered with "Project My Time" (a city-wide initiative through the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation) to successfully implement pilot programs at Kelly Miller (Ward 7) and Lincoln (Ward 1) Middle Schools.
Fall '08, Winter and Spring ‘09:
  Through "Project My Time," Chess Challenge in DC is offered at Hart and Kelly Miller Middle Schools on Mondays and Wednesdays, at Jefferson and Lincoln Middle Schools on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Cesar Chavez Public Charter School (Parkside Campus) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and at KIPP DC : Aim Academy on Saturdays. We are in conversation with other DC Public and Charter Schools and with Community Based Organizations, including the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (Richard England Clubhouse), providers at THE ARC, and Higher Achievement. We have also been vetted by the DC Public Schools Office of Out-of-School Time.


HOW WE NEED YOUR HELP

  • Volunteer – Volunteers will be needed to assist coaches. Retirees, high school and college students are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom! We are not looking for chess masters – rather, caring individuals who are committed to helping DC youth succeed.
  • Invest – We have received a generous seed grant from a local DC family and many other gifts as well. All contributions should be made payable to Chess Challenge in DC/CFNCR and mailed to The Community Foundation of the National Capital Region, 1201 15th Street, NW, Suite 420, Washington, DC 20005.

WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO MAKE THIS VISION A REALITY!


If you are interested in supporting this youth development program, please contact:

Suzy Hirsch, Executive Director
5185 MacArthur Blvd., NW #620 · Washington, DC 20016
202.363.2008 (V) · 202.560.1603 (C)
Suzy.hirsch@chesschallengeindc.com

Jan Gordon, Program Director
202.363.2008 (V) · 202.560.1467 (C)

Board of Directors
Douglas Benson · Anne Dickerson · Richard England, Sr. · Meg Hauge
Lester Kanis · Eduardo Romero · Kevin J. Sullivan · Herbert Tillery