Chess Programs

Chess offers students an opportunity to participate in a positive peer group-focused activity that fosters creativity, develops decision-making skills, and improves both reading and math performance. Learning to play chess can equip children with life-long skills such as decision-making, improved self-confidence and self esteem, critical thinking, social interaction, patience, and planning ahead.

EducationWorks sponsors more than 10 chess teams during the school year and summer, making it the largest school district league in Philadelphia. Students attend chess club twice a week. In order to participate they are required to attend school regularly, display good behavior and cooperation, and maintain good grades.

In addition to teaching children the game of chess, staff and AmeriCorps members mentor students to make sure their homework is completed and work with students who voice concerns.

In 2009, the EducationWorks All-Girls Chess Team won two first place trophies (for participation and for achievement) at the 2nd Annual Philadelphia Girls Play Chess Tournament held at Drexel University. Twenty-one students from Cleveland, Steel, Reynolds, Kenderton, and Clymer Elementary Schools defeated 12 other teams to walk away with the top prizes. All 21 EW girls were also among the 60 gold, silver, and bronze individual performance prizes awarded.

2008-09 ASAP tournament medals: 16 gold medals, 15 silver medals, 37 bronze medals — the most medals earned by any of the 227 competing chess teams.

ASAP Saturday Chess Tournament, September 20th 2008: 175 students in attendance, 44 from EW. 1 gold medal, 4 silver medals, 10 bronze medals