While the pandemic has hindered the ability of our network to conduct programming as usual, our member programs and staff continue to develop new ways of staying connected and supporting students’ academic development, health, and well-being. Programs are providing an array of options and activities, with some organizations operating virtually, others introducing outdoor and distanced in-person programming, and some employing a hybrid model where students and families opt in to whichever programming scenario best fits their needs. Regardless of the approach, SEA is proud that all of our member programs have continued to steadfastly engage and support students.

Academic Support & Social Emotional Learning
Member programs are providing regular one-on-one academic tutoring and homework help and keeping students engaged through fun social emotional learning activities. Some highlights include:

• Ohio’s Urban Squash Cleveland is hosting virtual cooking sessions in partnership with Spice Field Kitchen.
• CitySquash in NYC developed a virtual SEL curriculum exploring topics like emotion regulation and dialectical thinking.
• Squash Haven created a special unit for its students on the history of squash.
• Charleston’s Kids on Point has organized virtual tours of HBCUs and a community service project with Habitat for Humanity.

In-Kind Support & Family Engagement
Programs have also stepped up in a variety of new ways to engage and support students’ families.

• All programs are performing regular individualized outreach to see how families are doing and what needs or challenges they are facing.
• Programs are hosting virtual and in-person meetings for parents and families, with several inviting family members to participate in fitness sessions.
• Programs have provided over $260,000 of in-kind support
  • $91,000 of groceries for approximately 635 families
  • $72,000 in technology support (laptops, tablets, etc.) to approximately 295 students
  • $45,000 of financial support for approximately 80 families

Finding New Ways to Stay Fit & Play Squash
With increased safety precautions and limited access to courts, programs are hosting Zoom workouts, heading outside for distanced, in-person fitness, and trying out new racquet sports like pickleball, badminton, and speedminton.  Steel City Squash students have been playing a modified squash game, dubbed “corner squash” (pictured right) and Squash Haven fashioned its own makeshift courts (video below).

 

Safety Measures
Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our students, which is why SEA member programs hosting in-person activities have implemented strict safety measures. Every program meeting in person is conducting temperature checks, enforcing mask-wearing, and regularly cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. In addition, many programs are separating students into small pods to minimize risk, have increased air purification and ventilation, and require health assessments before programming.