Monday, October 22, 2018, 6-8 pm Internationally ranked chess master and author of Reality Check: What the Ancient Game of Chess can Teach You About Success in Modern Competitive Settings Click here to register for…
About Us
Mission Statement
Chess in the Schools fosters the intellectual and social development of low-income youth through chess education.
“Before, I thought chess was for people smarter than me but now I feel smarter than before knowing how to play chess. I also have more patience now. Thank you again for going out of your way to come every Tuesday to teach us to play chess.”
-Chess in the Schools Elementary School Participant
Why Chess?
At Chess in the Schools, we believe in the power of chess to change lives. To date, we have taught more than 500,000 of New York City's most underserved children, inspiring them to greater achievement. Each day, we are proud to help kids grow, one move at a time. Our impact is demonstrated by classroom teachers responses to our annual survey:
- 99% Chess had a meaningful positive impact on my students.
- 95% Practicing chess increased students' self-esteem.
- 96% Chess enriched students' social skills.
- 98% Chess developed students' analytical and logical skills.
- 96% Chess improved my students' math skills.
- 98% Girls and boys are equally interested in chess in my class.
- 99% Want Chess in the Schools in their class next year.
2018 Survey, 167 respondents.
Photo Credit: Erik Bardin
Featured Event
Frequently Asked Questions
A
New York City Public Schools which have been designated as Title I are eligible to apply for participation in our School Program. If you are interested in participating in our School Program, please click here to send an inquiry.
A
While any official staff member from a NYC public school can apply, the application process must be approved by and have the full support of the principal.
A
Individual students are not eligible to participate in our School Program independent of their school being an official partner. However, NYC students are welcome to register for our tournaments regardless of whether their school participates in our School Program.
A
Unfortunately, our programs are only available to NYC Public Schools in the 5 boroughs (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens).
A
Yes, we typically allow entrance to the College Bound Program to those who previously participated in the School Program. However, exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
A
No, Chess in the Schools is a NYC-based program. Please refer to the United States Chess Federation for information on nationwide chess programs.
A
There is no cost for students to participate in our programs. However, for schools that participate in our School Program, a fee applies.
Our Partners
Board of Directors
Mike Walsh Peissis
Chair
President, Vetta Inc.
Lewis B. Cullman
Chair Emeritus
Philanthropist
Mark E. Maher
Secretary
VP/Counsel, Showtime Networks Inc.
Cody Smith
Treasurer
Retired Partner of Goldman Sachs & Co.
Kwadwo Acheampong
Director
Director, Prudential Fixed Income
Nikita Bear
Director
Director, Olympus Capital Asia
Lawrence B. Benenson
Director
Principal, Benenson Capital Partners, LCC
Debbie Eastburn
President & CEO
Chess in the Schools
Gustave K. Lipman
Director
Security Industry Executive
Daniel Ryan
Director
Senior Manager, RCL Advisors, LLC
Andrew C. Smith
Director
Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Board of Advisors
Lev Alburt
Maurice Ashley
Erik Bardin
John Bartholomew
Cohlie Brocato
Peter Brown
Nikken Cullman
Ronald J. Daniels
David Danziger
Cassie Desens
Howard Dodson
Kimberley Doo
Jon Edwards
Ellen V. Futter
Anna Ginzburg
Eric Gioia
Betsy Gotbaum
Vartan Gregorian
Agnes Gund
Evan Hunter
Roman Kazan
Richard C. Levin
David MacEnulty
Robert MacNeil
Beatriz Marinello
John Merrow
Frank H.T. Rhodes
Charles E. Schumer
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Greg Shahade
Jennifer Shahade
Shahnawaz Sheikh
Michael Shuman
Vanessa Sun
Stanley Switalski
Zack Weiner
Staff
Debbie Eastburn
President & CEO
Nicole Alston
Office Coordinator
Ronald Boocock
Director, School Program
Chano LaBoy
College Bound Director
Carmen Morales
School Program Manager
Shaun M. Smith
Director, Programs
Samantha Spina
Development & Communications Coordinator
Will Staso
College Bound Coordinator
