WHO WE ARE
MISSION
To support and empower Detroit youth so they can achieve their full potential through a long-term, demanding, and inspiring mentoring program of squash, academics, and community service.
VISION
For youth in northwest Detroit to have access to quality athletic and educational opportunities which will support their college and career aspirations.
PURPOSE
Help Detroit students get to and through college and find a viable career.
THE PROGRAM
Racquet Up Detroit is 14 years strong in offering an intensive, holistic and long-term youth development program. Youth join in 5th grade and are supported through graduation from high school and college. Over many years in the program, students are provided with significant academic support, world-class coaching in the sport of squash, and a wide range of character-building exposure activities. Here is what students do during their time at Racquet Up:
Receive literacy development, homework help, and supplemental tutoring
Play squash and focus on physical, mental, and emotional health
Travel to squash competitions
Volunteer in the community through organized service projects
Visit Detroit’s cultural amenities
Tour colleges and universities
Visit local companies and organizations to gain career exposure
Travel in the summer to academic, athletic, and outdoor adventure camps
GOALS
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE
COLLEGE GRADUATION
OF STUDENTS
RECEIVE COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
PARTICIPANTS VISIT 2 COLLEGES, COMPLETE 2 SERVICE PROJECTS, AND RECEIVE 3 CULTURAL EXPOSURE ACTIVITIES PER YEAR
ENROLLMENT IN COLLEGE
PARTICIPANTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE IN THE SPORT OF SQUASH
SQUASH
Squash is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, and has been rated by Forbes Magazine as the healthiest sport over rowing and swimming. It is a rigorous racquet sport with extended rallies, making it necessary to have muscular and mental strength, flexibility, and endurance. Generally, it is a self-refereed sport, in which good sportsmanship, honesty, and etiquette matter. Our students strive to attain holistic educational growth, and squash is a fun, effective vehicle for this goal.
HISTORY
Racquet Up Detroit was established in the spring of 2010 through a concerted effort by the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA) and a team of five local board members. Vital funding came from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the Kresge Foundation, the McGregor Fund, and a challenge grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Having begun with 40 students, Racquet Up now works with 150 young people in 5th-12th grade from public schools in Northwest Detroit, 44 graduates who are pursuing higher education or embarking on their career journey.
A NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Racquet Up Detroit is one of 20 member programs of the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA). Since the first program of this type was founded in Boston 25 years ago, the results have been inspiring:
elementary, middle, and high school students across the U.S. enrolled in SEA programs
2,000+
high school graduates from our programs have played on college squash teams
270
of students who stay in our member programs graduate high school and enroll in post-secondary schools
94%
million dollars invested in SEA network students annually
20+
1,561
high school
graduates
of students earn a B.A. within 6 years, compared with the national average of 24 percent for low-income students
