Skip to content

Programs

Programs

Dedicated to developing young people in Harlem, StreetSquash provides a transformative multi-year program centered on academic achievement, athletic excellence in squash and personal well being.

A tutoring session in the StreetSquash academic center

Academics

To help students transition from learning to leading, we provide dedicated opportunities for them to guide their own initiatives. This project-based approach builds upon StreetSquash's comprehensive youth development model by creating opportunities for participants to apply the leadership skills they develop through squash and broader programming to real-world challenges. Through hands-on learning, participants strengthen communication, collaboration, and problem-solving while taking ownership of meaningful projects.

Read more about Academics

STEM & Robotics: Middle school students design, build, and program autonomous robots, applying classroom math and coding concepts to solve complex real-world challenges.

Pathways Simulation: Students engage in a multi-week program where they step into prospective careers and map out the exact degrees and milestones required for their goals.

Nutrition & Food Access: Participants examine food systems, nutrient density, and balanced lifestyle habits.

Additional Academic Program Components:

  • Personalized tutoring
  • Project-Based learning
  • Financial Literacy
  • Robotics
  • Chess
  • Test preparation
  • Student-led community projects
I've seen my grades go up a pretty significant amount from tutoring. It's been very helpful and impactful towards my grade in a positive way.
Terry G. · Class of 2026

Questions about Academics? AcademicSupport@StreetSquash.org

StreetSquash seniors in their college sweatshirts

College Access

The College Access, Success & Alumni Support (CASAS) program is a core component of the after-school program.

Read more about College Access

CASAS programming extends to all middle and high school students. Through engaging workshops and speaker series, we're helping our younger participants begin exploring their future career paths.

Once participants are accepted into college, StreetSquash staff turn their attention to helping participants persist in their postsecondary education. StreetSquash staff work with high school graduates to prepare them for the expectations and realities of college life before arriving on campus.

After students matriculate, StreetSquash staff make periodic visits to each student. During these visits and throughout the year, StreetSquash staff support college students in building relationships with professors, advisors, deans, and squash coaches, and connecting to professional opportunities through career panels, mock interviews, and resume workshops.

CASAS programming includes:

  • Middle to High School Transition Support
  • College & Career Fairs
  • Career Development Speaker Series & Individual Career Development Sessions
  • One-on-One College Counseling to High School Seniors
  • At Least Four College Campus Visits
  • Alumni Visits on Campus
  • Hands-on Job and Internship placements
StreetSquash took my competitive nature and turned it into something I could use professionally. They weren't just focused on me getting into college but on being successful in general.
Joetta F. · Class of 2020

Questions about College Access? CASAS@StreetSquash.org

A StreetSquash player striking a backhand on court

Squash

StreetSquash students learn to play squash at our SL Green StreetSquash Center in Harlem under the guidance of experienced coaches who have competed at the highest levels.

Read more about Squash

All participants begin in the recreational track, learning to play squash, and developing a love for the game alongside discipline, fitness, and a sense of achievement. Structured practice and competition foster teamwork, perseverance, and goal-setting—essential skills for both squash and life.

By the time program participants reach high school, many move into our performance squash track and compete in regularly scheduled matches and tournaments, with a growing number of graduates playing squash at the collegiate level with the College Squash Association.

  • Fitness Tracking

    Students have skills and fitness data collected three times during the program year

  • Spear Physical Athlete Assessments

    Functional athlete assessments are administered through a partnership with Spear Physical Therapy to assess squash-specific physical weaknesses and development.

    100% of students are assesses and are then given individualized improvement plans

  • US Squash

    US Squash is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the only national governing body for the sport in the United States. US Squash is responsible for growth and success at all levels of the sport, from community grassroots development and school teams, to junior and college competition, adult amateur squash, and the U.S. National Team reaching for the podium on the world stage.

  • Bronze Tournaments

    Smaller, one day tournaments, which are aimed at locally based players to begin establishing their junior ranking while earning tournament competition experience. StreetSquash hosts Bronze-level tournaments at our facility and also sends students to compete in Bronze tournaments throughout the New York City area. Both newer and more experienced squash participants have opportunities to take part in these events.

  • Silver Tournaments

    Intended for players from across an entire region. Silver tournaments cater to intermediate players who are looking for increased levels of competition, higher ranking points opportunities, and player development. In addition to hosting Silver tournaments at StreetSquash, our more experienced squash participants have the opportunity to compete in Silver tournaments in New York City, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and occasionally other areas across the Northeast.

  • Gold Tournaments

    Advanced level of tournament, which attracts highly ranked players from many regions across the country. U.S. Squash accredits less than 30 of these tournaments each year. Only the most committed StreetSquash participants attain the level of skill required to compete in Gold tournaments, where they face some of the nation's top junior squash players and could travel as far as Texas to participate.

  • Squash & Education Alliance (SEA)

    Founded in 2005, the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA) serves as the national umbrella organization for a network of urban squash programs across the United States and internationally. As a proud SEA member, StreetSquash offers its participants the opportunity to compete against players from other programs—both at our Harlem facility and at other SEA sites across the country. Each year, SEA hosts two large-scale tournaments that bring together the majority of its member programs. These events are typically held in Pennsylvania and/or Massachusetts.

Squash is similar to a lot of sports like football and basketball in that it teaches you the same lessons. You learn the importance of discipline, sportsmanship, practice, and invest your time into areas of improvement.
Kamali W. · Class of 2015

Questions about Squash? Squash@StreetSquash.org

A one-to-one social work session at StreetSquash

Social Work

The Social Work program supports the physical and emotional well-being and personal growth of StreetSquash participants. Every student who comes through the facility receives a one-on-one personal intake to assess their mental well-being and determine if additional counseling is needed. Any student requiring weekly counseling is provided with that consistent, dedicated support. Furthermore, there is a strong focus on building community leaders through various community service initiatives.

Read more about Social Work
  • Mental Health

    Five key pillars serve as the foundation of the program: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. In addition to group workshops on topics such as mental toughness, resilience, and mindfulness, students receive individual counseling, school support, health education, crisis support, and conflict prevention.

  • Volunteerism

    StreetSquash provides participants with meaningful volunteer experiences and leadership development opportunities to deepen their connections to the community and strengthen the pipeline of leaders for a prosperous Harlem. Every student has the opportunity to participate in up to three service projects each year. High school participants can also choose to serve as peer mentors to middle school participants and volunteers on the squash court.

  • Leadership

    The Student Leadership Committee (SLC) empowers participants, who have been nominated by their peers, to direct certain aspects of StreetSquash programming, plan activities for participants, and organize volunteer events in the community.

  • Caregiver Engagement

    The Social Work team also works with participant caregivers to develop the inner strengths, life skills, and network of resources they need to lead strong families. Through the Parenting Journey program, StreetSquash staff work with caregivers using strengths-based, trauma-informed approaches to increase confidence and resilience, and establish the framework for a strong family dynamic in which all members of the family can thrive.

I feel like it's working and it's nice having someone to hear me out. I now know what to do when I'm stressed and know how to find ways to help me chill.
Taylor S. · Class of 2028

Questions about Social Work? info@streetsquash.org

Summer Discovery campers on a field trip, in matching program shirts

Summer Discovery

StreetSquash's FREE six-week Summer Discovery program offers rising 5th through 8th graders in Harlem an exciting summer experience.

Read more about Summer Discovery

Participants will explore the sport of squash, receive swim instruction, engage in academic enrichment, and take part in college and career exploration. The program also provides cultural experiences and field trips throughout New York City, creating a well-rounded and compelling summer adventure.

  • Squash

    Our summer squash program introduces campers to the exciting, fast-paced world of squash. In the U.S., access to courts is often limited to expensive private clubs, but we are committed to making the sport accessible to all. Many of our participants experience squash for the first time at our facility, and countless players develop a passion for the game, aspiring to compete at higher levels.

    Through our multi-year pathways program during the fall, winter & spring, our world-class coaches have guided students to compete at the collegiate level, with some even earning scholarships through the sport. Our summer camp provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals, giving participants an advantage if they choose to continue through our school-year pathways program.

  • Academic Enrichment

    Through interactive activities like games, art, scavenger hunts, and more, our campers continue learning in a fun and dynamic environment. We also collaborate with partners to introduce students to STEM, local culture, history, and other exciting topics—sparking curiosity and inspiring a love for learning.

  • Swim Instruction

    Through a partnership with Lehman College & Galaxy Swim, we provide comprehensive swim instruction as a core part of Summer Discovery. Campers begin with a swim assessment and are grouped by skill level to ensure they learn at a pace that suits them. As an essential life skill, swimming is a crucial part of our program, and we’re proud to offer this mandatory instruction at no cost to participants.

  • Field Trips

    At StreetSquash, we believe in giving our campers the opportunity to experience New York City beyond Harlem. Every Friday, participants embark on exciting trips to destinations across NYC and the surrounding area. A highlight of each summer is our annual visit to an amusement park. Other past adventures have included:

    • Concrete Safari – Outdoor exploration and environmental learning
    • Bowlero – Bowling and arcade fun
    • The Color Factory – A vibrant, interactive art experience
    • Jungle Gym – Indoor play and obstacle courses
    • SpyScape Museum – An immersive look into the world of espionage
    • Urban Air – High-energy trampoline and adventure park excitement
    • Escape Rooms – Team-building through thrilling puzzles and challenges

    These trips provide our campers with unforgettable experiences, fostering curiosity, teamwork, and a sense of adventure!

Enroll

Participants are recruited to StreetSquash beginning in fifth grade, and commit to at least three days of programming each week through high school graduation.