A Strategic Plan Through 2032
Why This Strategy, Now
SquashBusters’ strength has always been depth. Long-term, relationship-centered programming that delivers strong academic, postsecondary, and life outcomes for young people across Boston, Lawrence, and Providence. The model works because it is intensive, consistent, and grounded in trust among students, families, staff, and the squash community.
This strategy builds directly on those strengths. We are protecting what makes SquashBusters distinctive, including high-dosage programming, whole-child development, and committed staff, while strengthening consistency, sustainability, and scale. At the same time, we see a clear opportunity to harness our facilities, alumni network, and community presence to expand access to squash, deepen neighborhood connection, and position SquashBusters as a stronger community anchor. By aligning people, programs, and resources, this plan ensures SquashBusters grows with intention and extends impact without diluting quality. Read the full strategic plan.
⭐Our Vision
SquashBusters envisions a world where every young person has the opportunities they need to fulfill their greatest potential and where squash strengthens communities and creates spaces for growth.
Our Mission
Deliver high-dosage, relationship-centered programming for youth from under-resourced communities, sustain support into adulthood, and expand community access to squash across Boston, Lawrence, and Providence.
Theory of Change
When SquashBusters delivers multi-year, whole-child programming that integrates academics, squash and fitness, social-emotional learning, enrichment, and postsecondary advising, along with sustained alumni support, young people develop character, health, career readiness, and transformative relationships.
By expanding SquashBusters’ role as a community anchor through greater access so more people can play and deeper unity so more people connect, youth thrive, achieve economic mobility and well-being, and contribute to stronger communities.
Outcomes by 2032
- Young people achieve lasting academic, social-emotional, and career success, grounded in trusted relationships and clear pathways to upward mobility.
- SquashBusters operates at full enrollment with high-quality, consistent programming across all sites, driving stronger post-secondary and alumni outcomes.
- Communities experience greater access to squash, wraparound services, and deeper connection, with SquashBusters serving as a vibrant community anchor.
- Staff are empowered to sustain excellence, supported by strong structures, professional growth, and efficient systems.
- A diversified and resilient funding model fuels long-term sustainability and growth, ensuring impact endures and expands.
Our Strategic Priorities
PERFECT OUR CRAFT
Goal: Elevate and standardize program quality, youth and alumni experience, and operational excellence so every participant benefits at full enrollment.
How we’ll get there:
- Expand the pipeline: Early exposure and a lower-dosage models to broaden access and strengthen recruitment
- Deepen whole-child supports: Integrate SEL and mental wellness supports
- Elevate postsecondary and career pathways: Stronger career networks and skill-building
EMBRACE OUR COMMUNITY
Goal: Expand squash access and community services that strengthen outcomes for youth and alumni while deepening neighborhood ties across all three cities.
How we’ll get there:
- Launch and scale access: Membership and community programming (youth and adult clinics, open play, junior academies)
- Strengthen alumni engagement: Build systems that provide ongoing mentorship, career development, and opportunities for connection across the SquashBusters community
CHAMPION OUR PEOPLE
Goal: Cultivate a high-performing, inclusive, mission-driven team so every staff member is set up to do their best work
How we’ll get there:
- Build a strong, aligned team: Design a highly effective structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities aligned to organizational priorities
- Invest in growth: Differentiated professional development, mentorship, and leadership
pathways; build internal advancement
FUEL OUR VISION
Goal: Fortify SquashBusters’ financial foundation with a diversified, resilient funding model that sustains today’s work and invests in what’s next.
How we’ll get there:
- Build a multi-year revenue strategy: Balance events, individuals, corporations, foundations, and earned income to reduce volatility