SquashBusters

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What is SquashBusters?

SquashBusters was the first youth enrichment program of its kind – combining squash, academics, and community service. Beginning in September 1996, working with 24 public middle school students from Boston and Cambridge, we ensured the development of close relationships between staff and enrolled youth by starting small. Having proceeded modestly over the years, that first team of SquashBusters graduated from high school with an 84% matriculation rate to four-year colleges.

In July 2003, we moved into our youth center located on the campus of Northeastern University. This facility has allowed SquashBusters to increase its programming. Today, there are close to 110 total participating students in both middle and high school. Amongst these students a third are typically newly participating sixth graders who begin their seven year journeys.

In its fourteenth year of programming, SquashBusters has never operated at higher capacity than today. Our program continues to grow with the addition of a summer program in addition to the year-long. Furthermore, we have now increased program longevity – students may now participate in the program for up to seven years, as opposed to three. In addition to our growth, SquashBusters strives to maintain the ideals of its beginnings: close, personal relationships to help our kids grow to be happy, healthy, and responsible adults. 

SquashBusters is a member of the National Urban Squash and Education Association (NUSEA). NUSEA was founded in 2005 to help organize urban squash programs across the country, as well as assist newly developing programs. For more information on the national urban squash movement, click here.