SquashSmarts combines the sport of Squash with Academic Tutoring and Mentoring of under-served, urban youth in order to develop self-esteem and discipline through academic, athletic and personal achievement.

Founded in 2001, SquashSmarts is the 3rd program nationwide to utilize squash as a vehicle for changing young people’s lives. SquashSmarts participants are recruited and selected at a pivotal age – 6th grade – from Charles Drew and Morton McMichael elementary schools. Once selected, students remain in the program through 12th grade.

About Squash Smarts at the Lenfest PAL Center:

Unlike its sister facilities in Boston and New York, the SquashSmarts program shares the facility with the Lenfest PAL Center. The first floor of the sate-of-the-art facility includes a full court gymnasium, computer labs, fitness/training center and PAL offices. The second floor is dedicated to the SquashSmarts program, and features eight glass backed courts, two classrooms, student lounges, locker room facilities and offices.

The facility is named after the long time SquashSmarts Board member H. Chase Lenfest who has been a steadfast supporter of SquashSmarts since its inception. H. Chase Lenfest, a life-long Philadelphian, began playing squash as a junior and was an early protégé of Dave Talbott who mentored and coached Mr. Lenfest at Yale University. Mr. Lenfest was a member of the Yale Squash Class of '86. Talbott said, "Chase is a great natural athlete, and had a wonderful spirit and enthusiasm for the game. It comes as no surprise that he has retained his love for the game and is now giving back"

SquashSmarts has not only benefited from H. Chase Lenfest's leadership on its Board and his philanthropic contributions, but he is a constant volunteer who trains with the kids on Saturdays, joins the children at Sixers and Phillies games, and cheers them on at Outward Bound programs. Chase was the 2005 PAL honoree and the following year received the 2006 SquashSmarts Volunteer of the Year Award.

Every SquashSmarts student knows Mr. Lenfest, and more importantly, Mr. Lenfest knows them. Each student has a stated goal to someday beat H. Chase Lenfest in a full match. There is no doubt that Chase has set the highest standards of sportsmanship, charitable excellence and community kinship.

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