News

Racquet Up Detroit Youth Program Launches Expansion and Facility Project

Nonprofit to build new 19,000-square-foot facility in northwest Detroit to increase access to its educational and youth development programs Racquet Up Detroit announces today its expansion to a dedicated new facility in northwest Detroit which will serve as the hub for the organization’s youth development program. With an emphasis on educational attainment, physical fitness, wellness and college and career preparation, ... Read More

Racquet Up Alum Recognized by the Skillman Foundation

Racquet Up alum Ed Brown has received special recognition as part of the Skillman Foundation’s 60th anniversary Detroit Genius initiative, which highlights 60 outstanding Detroit youth. Ed joined Racquet Up’s first class of students in 2010 when he was in 5th grade. He remained in the program learning squash and receiving academic support for eight years. In his senior year, ... Read More

COMMUNITY DOUBLES DOWN FOR RACQUET UP

Regardless of the great challenges posed by the current public health crisis, Racquet Up donors have stepped up to invest in the continued support of students. On May 1st, a re-invented Double Down was launched with nine teams raising funds for Racquet Up. This initiative replaced a planned two-month fundraising competition which was to culminate in a major event to ... Read More

RU STUDENTS REMAIN CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER AND THE COMMUNITY

Despite the challenges posed by remote programming and the broader impact of the public health crisis, Racquet Up maintains its deep commitment to staying connected with our students, engaging them in thoughtful ways with the community, and opportunities. While participating in Racquet Up programming from home, the middle school teams completed a virtual postcard making activity. They wrote encouraging notes ... Read More

Students enjoy mid-winter break college tour

Over the mid-winter break school holiday, Racquet Up 10th and 11th grade students traveled by bus to tour five colleges between Detroit and Washington D.C.! Amy Zeiter, our Director of College Access and Success, alongside Chanelle Davis, our High School Academic Coordinator, traveled with twelve students on this fun and inspiring tour. Students visited the University of Pittsburgh, Dickinson College, ... Read More

10 Years of Impact Recognized In the Detroit News

As it approaches its 10th anniversary, Racquet Up has been featured in the Detroit News. The story, which includes interviews with current student Alani Smith and Racquet Up alum Antwan Ramsey, highlights the 100% college enrollment rate of the first two classes to complete the 8-year program. Check out the full article here.

Racquet Up awarded grant of $15,000 by The Rite Aid Foundation

Racquet Up has been awarded a $15,000 Kidscents Regional Grant by The Rite Aid Foundation for its Student Recruitment and Engagement Program. The grant will help Racquet Up to recruit 5th and 6th grade students and support their engagement with the program throughout the 2019-2020 school year. The KidCents Regional Grant Program funds specific out-of-school time programs focused on children’s ... Read More

Two Major Grants Help to Drive College Success

Racquet Up Detroit is celebrating success in its college access program, which has been backed by two major grant awards from foundations based in metro Detroit. All of Racquet Up’s students who graduated from high school in 2018 enrolled in college and are now being supported to stick with it. These students had been in the youth development program for ... Read More

Record Breaking Racquet Up Tryouts

In October, Racquet Up hosted a series of six tryouts for the newest class of 5th and 6th grade participants. Over 80 students applied from four different partner schools: Schulze Academy, MacDowell Preparatory Academy, Detroit Achievement Academy, and University Yes Academy. The atmosphere throughout tryouts was full of energy and excitement as staff members and volunteers got to know the ... Read More

2nd Annual Detroit City Squash Championships

On October 26th and 27th, Racquet Up hosted the 2nd annual Detroit City Squash Championships at the Northwest Activities Center. Nearly sixty adult and youth players participated in the tournament. The event aims to promote camaraderie and fun competition, while also determining the undisputed Detroit City Squash Champions. After challenging matches, exciting rallies, and stunning comebacks, the Detroit City Squash ... Read More