Emanuel Community Center DBA Cincinnati Squash Academy

Emanuel Community Center runs an urban squash program that serves many under-privileged students. The mission of this program is to change the trajectory of disadvantaged youth residing in the Over-the-Rhine community by helping them reach their full academic and athletic potential. Urban squash is a nationally tested youth development program overseen by the National Urban Squash Association. The program combines academics, mentoring, fitness, community service, cultural enrichment and college placement for participating students. It is an intensive, year-round program that takes place after school, on the weekends and in the summer. It engages students from the time they join in elementary school or middle school until they graduate from college. Cincinnati Squash Academy, through its urban squash and its education programs, strives to have a transformative impact on the lives of its participants. Cincinnati Squash Academy goes through an extended tryout period before a student becomes a full member (achieves gold status). This tryout period goes on for several months where attendance, attitude and commitment are measured. Each student received more than 100 hours of academic tutoring and enrichment as well as squash training. Students compete in squash tournaments around the Midwest. Additionally, our students have achieved academic excellence which has resulted in some students being awarded scholarships or admission into highly competitive private schools. Further, the students are exposed to cultural and community enrichment (local arts, service and law enforcement engagement).Fiscal Year 2025 accomplishments:- 82% of students consumed at least 75% of the program hours offered- 73% of students had a 3.0 in squash REACH scores, and 92% of students improved in three out of eight or more skills testing categories- 3 CSA students took Top 5 placements at the A division at the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA) Individual Nationals- 5 CSA students took Top 5 placements at US Squash tournaments- 100% of CSA high-performance squash players improved in four out of eight skills testing categoriesIn academics:- 85% of students have a GPA above a 3.0, and 100% of students have a GPA above a 2.0- 100% of CSA high school students sought two external opportunities per year that will assist them in building leadership skills- 92% of CSA high school students increased their knowledge of how to apply to college- 100% of CSA high school students participated in a lecture/tour/activity on at least two career fields per year- 100% of high school seniors applied to at least three postsecondary programs, and 100% enrolled in a postsecondary program at the University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, Notre Dame, and Yale University.