Our Chess & Learning Program is designed to build confident, strategic thinkers — both on and off the board. Through chess, students develop essential life and literacy skills such as focus, patience, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Each session blends hands-on chess instruction with reading, writing, and creative reflection activities, helping students strengthen both cognitive and communication skills. Whether they’re learning the basics of how each piece moves or analyzing advanced strategies, our learners are encouraged to think critically and express their ideas clearly.
In addition to gameplay, our lessons include SEL (social-emotional learning) discussions that connect the values of chess — respect, resilience, and reflection — to everyday life. Students also participate in coloring, journaling, and strategy games that make learning fun and accessible for all levels.
Our program welcomes beginners and developing players alike and is currently offered at several of our partner sites, including schools and community centers in Newark, Long Island, New York City, and Westchester.
By learning chess, our students aren’t just mastering a game — they’re learning how to plan, adapt, and persevere.
🧠 Teaching life skills through literacy, strategy, and play.
