Beyond Walls

High Quality Learning-on, and off, the squash court!

The Case for Beyond Walls : Beyond Walls inspires confidence and encourages academic excellence with urban middle and high school youth. We are an inch wide and a mile deep. We invest significantly in each student starting in 6th grade until the time they enter into college. Our goal is that 100% of our students graduate high school on time and then successful enter and complete a post secondary educational opportunity. Beyond Walls is one of 20 urban squash and education programs in the country! Support the MN program that is transforming lives both on and off the squash courts!

What is the need? An out-of-school time program, like Beyond Walls, directly affects youth behavior and academic success. Youth who are engaged with our activities have stimulated minds and are focused while improving social skills and grades. Our students have on average 2,000 hours of discretionary non-school time in a given year. Participation in after-school programs can reduce initiating drug use among youth by 46% will reducing the likelihood of skipping school by half. Middle school is a pivotal time in a young persons journey toward adulthood. We want to engage, encourage and help open doors of opportunity during this time that will impact our student's entire life. Every $1 invested in out-of-school time programs results in a $10.51 return with the benefits of improved school performance, reduced crime and welfare costs, and increased wages.

95% of our students qualify for the free or reduced lunch program. These students are statistically at the highest risk for drop out, and for falling at the very bottom of the achievement gap. Without opportunities for extended academic time, without a view of a better future, and without the mentoring support of adults in the community, their odds for academic failure are very high. However, with positive adults as key influencers, opportunities and parental support...our kids are beating the odds and inspiring us all.

Why us, how are we different? (1) Our students are on the University of Minnesota campus  three times each week throughout the school year totally over 350 hours of direct services annually. (2) Our academic program is led by a licensed teacher who visits and communicates with schools and teachers monthly. (3) Each student has an Individual Learning Plan. (4)College mentors provide a 2:1 student to mentor ratio. (5) Youth-led community serve takes place every 4-6 weeks (6) Local and national travel opportunities are used to expand experiences and expose youth to new environments. (6) 5 hours a week is dedicated toward physical activity via the sport of squash and other types of physical activities such a running, yoga, jump roping etc.

Who benefits? All of society benefits when our youth are happy, healthy and achieving their goals. Our students will be prepared for college and careers with 21st century skills needed for the work force. By 2018, 76% of the jobs will require a post-secondary education. Our students will be able to successful gain jobs that will support a family and contribute to the betterment of our community. The health and safety benefits also impact us all-the return on investment for combating mental health, physical health and crime are projected in the billions of dollars for society as a whole.