Squash and Education Alliance
Project Title
For project support of the Carnegie Scholarships and Community Engagement Initiatives in selected regions
Date
Sep. 11, 2025
Duration
18 months
Description
In the United States, high school graduates from high-income families are twice as likely to enroll in postsecondary education compared to their low-income peers. To address this gap, the Squash Education Alliance (SEA) provides academic and college-focused support, helping 92 percent of its 1,700 participants pursue higher education since 2005. With previous support from the Corporation, SEA has awarded $180,000 in Carnegie scholarships to 100 students and launched the Carnegie Community Engagement Initiative in six locations, providing wraparound services to an estimated 4,000 individuals. Through this renewal, SEA will expand the initiative to twelve locations, reaching over 6,500 new community members, and award scholarships to 255 additional students, many of whom are first-generation college students. These efforts aim to strengthen college access and support for low-income families.
Website
Project Title
For project support to launch the Carnegie Scholarship Program and Community Initiatives in selected regions
Date
Jun. 06, 2024
Duration
12 months
Description
In the United States, high school graduates from high-income backgrounds are two times more likely to enroll in postsecondary education than their low-income peers. To support low-income high school graduates in the enrollment process and to close this opportunity gap, college preparation opportunities and support networks are critical. Founded in 2005, the Squash Education Alliance (SEA) leads a network of youth development organizations that work to tackle this enrollment gap, especially for low-income families. Since its inception in 2002, SEA’s core program model addresses academic inequities by emphasizing long-term and consistent student engagement through high-quality academic and college-focused support by responsive and trusted staff. Since 2002, nearly 1,600 SEA participants have obtained a high school diploma, and 92 percent of these students have pursued a postsecondary education. The Corporation’s support to SEA will make possible two initiatives: 1) Carnegie Community Engagement Initiative that will bring more than 2,000 new community members into SEA’s network of community centers 2) The Carnegie Scholarships will also increase college guidance and access opportunities for SEA students, many of whom are immigrant and first-generation students, enabling SEA to double the amount of scholarship and financial aid funding distributed to college students.
Website
Project Title
For general support
Date
Jun. 13, 2019
Duration
12 months
Description
In the United States, high school graduates from high-income backgrounds are two times more likely to enroll in postsecondary education than their low-income peers. In order to support low-income high school graduates in the enrollment process and to close this gap, college preparation opportunities and support networks are critical. Founded in 2005, the Squash Education Alliance (SEA) leads a network of youth development organizations that work to tackle this enrollment gap especially for low income families. Since its inception, SEA has increased from four member organizations to nineteen U.S. organizations and five international affiliates, serving over 5,000 families with its flagship program centered on an intensive, year-round youth development model combining squash instruction as a safe after school option for working low income families, academic tutoring, mentoring, travel, and college preparation. With support from the Corporation, SEA will provide middle and high school students with college preparation opportunities, provide support networks to college students and alumni, build career connections, and promote best practices across its network in order to support low-income students in their postsecondary journeys.