Chess for Success is much more than a recreational, after-school club. It's an intervention and educational support, provided at no cost to families, that closes the achievement gap for economically disadvantaged and minority youth.

Through learning chess, students develop high-level critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that improve self-esteem, behavior, and academic performance, including attendance, grades, and test scores.

Long-term, our goals include improving high-school graduation rates, participation in STEM programs and careers, and college/workplace readiness, ending the cycle of poverty for at-risk youth. 

Education

Chess for Success

Eric Polgar

Brian Jolly

Smita Wacker

Fletcher Ray

Richard Crocket

Erin Adams

Michael Malone

James Cox

Daniel Valdes

Chris Hill

Barbara Fisher

Richard Crockett

Patty O’hollearn

The Event and Program Management team at Chess for Success orchestrates and oversees all chess-related events and programmatic initiatives. This includes planning and organizing chess tournaments, coordinating educational workshops, and ensuring seamless execution of after-school programs. Their efforts aim to enhance students' critical-thinking and problem-solving skills while promoting academic and personal growth.

Event and Program Management

Regional Coordination Team

Leadership Team

Event and Program Management

About

Team members

Other teams at Chess for Success

Regional Coordination Team

Leadership Team