BUFFALO, N.Y. — One Buffalo organization is giving underrepresented kids in our community a unique outlet to thrive. They are using a combination of academics and the sport of squash to empower them.
They are called 716 Squash. It's a community organization that helps students in the City of Buffalo get academic support, health, and wellness through the game of squash and other social supports.
The goal is for everyone who goes through their program to be well-rounded in their community.
For the past seven years, 716 Squash has worked with students starting in the 4th and 5th grades. The plan is to work with those same kids all through middle, high school, college, and their careers.
About 40% of these kids come from refugee or immigrant families in Buffalo and most of the kids involved will be the first in their families to go to college if they choose to so. The founders hope their program will provide inclusion to kids they may have not seen it otherwise.
"You have a community of people who are all getting academic support, working hard on the squash courts, traveling with us. It really does become a family, because we spend so much time together and so much of that time together is spent ," Sara Linneman, the director of education of 716 Squash.
Right now, they are at full capacity, which is serving 50 students. Starting the next school year, they will be looking to recruit more students to their program.
If you would like to donate to 716 Squash to continue their efforts, you can learn more on their website.
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