Chess-in-the-Schools
Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2008
H E L P I N G
K I D S
G R O W
O N E
M O V E
A T
A
T I M E
Thank you!
Because of you, our students are succeeding.
By learning chess, our students learn the skills that lead to academic and lifelong success. They
learn to plan ahead, to reason, and to strategize. They learn to think for themselves and to
understand that their actions have consequences. Studies show that students who learn chess
perform better in math and English.
This brief annual report will give you an idea of how our chess education program reaches beyond
ordinary enrichment activities to be a major part of the classroom curriculum. We work with every
student in the classroom including those who are often labeled “difficult” or “at-risk.” Over and over
again we find that chess can reach these students in ways nothing else can. Chess breaks down
barriers of language, culture, and even certain disabilities to educate the children who might
otherwise be on the verge of giving up.
Chess made a difference for Devin who smiled proudly when his name was called during the
awards ceremony at a recent chess tournament. It was a long and difficult road to the top of the
standings for Devin. He was a troubled kid as early as second grade. His school attendance was
sporadic and his reading scores were below average.
Then, in third grade, Devin learned to play chess through Chess-in-the-Schools and he learned to
take control of the chessboard and his actions. By the fourth grade he was competing in national
chess tournaments on the Chess-in-the-Schools team where he won trophies and boosted his
confidence. By the fifth grade, Devin’s school attendance and grades improved. Now, Devin is in
middle school and doing well.
Your generosity has helped Devin and thousands of other students exceed expectations. Thank
you for believing in Devin and the mission of Chess-in-the-Schools.
Even as fiscal instability looms and our inner cities continue to face entrenched problems, I ask you
to look at what Chess-in-the-Schools and our students have accomplished. I also ask you to think
about the future of our program and how you can continue to be a part of our progress.
If you would like to visit our chess program in person, please contact Carole King at 212-643-0225
or [email protected] to arrange a site visit. It is a memorable experience and a
wonderful way to see how you have made a tangible difference for so many students.
Thank you again.
Marley Kaplan
President and CEO
520 EIGHTH AVENUE, FLOOR 2 NEW YORK, NY 10018 PHONE: 212.643.0225 FAX: 212.564.3083
www.c he ssi nt hesc hool s.o rg
A 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1955
Chess-in-the-Schools
Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2008
All of Chess-in-the-Schools programs are made possible by the extraordinary generosity of
individuals, foundations, corporations, and government funders. Chess-in-the-Schools is
grateful for their contributions and continuing belief in our mission.
Ch es s-in -th e- S ch ool s M is si on
Chess-in-the-Schools is a nonprofit educational organization
dedicated to improving academic performance and building selfesteem among inner-city public school children.
Ch es s-in -th e- S ch ool s Hi st ory
The Chess-in-the-Schools program began as an outgrowth of the
American Chess Foundation and started teaching chess in low-performing New York City
schools in 1986. During the 22 years of our School Program, we have taught more than
400,000 students the complex game of chess and the skills that go with it.
Th e S ch oo l P rog ram
The Chess-in-the-Schools School Program is a vital initiative that brings chess with its academic
benefits into the classroom and provides after-school chess clubs for students in need. All
elementary and middle schools served by the School Program are classified as Title I – more
than 60% of the students are eligible for free or reduced price lunch.
School Program Goals:
1. teach students to play chess
2. teach students the skills associated with chess
that can lead to academic success
During the 2007-2008 school year (September through
June), there were 76 elementary and middle schools in
the School Program. That means 20,000 students
learned to play chess in this program last year.
It costs Chess-in-the-Schools approximately $25,000
per school each year to deliver our School Program.
Thanks to generous supporters, schools and students are not charged for the program. If
Chess-in-the-Schools
Annual Report
1
funding can be procured this year, Chess-in-the-Schools will again serve 76 schools through the
School Program during the 2008-2009 school year.
In each school, the School Program consists of classroom instruction (16 sessions per class)
and the after-school chess club (28 sessions per year).
Classroom Instruction:
Using the highly respected Chess-in-the-Schools curriculum, a Chess-in-theSchools instructor teaches chess to students during the school day as a
mandatory subject. There are 16 dynamic chess lessons, each lasting
approximately one hour, in the curriculum that culminates with teaching
students advanced strategic thinking. Lessons begin in the third grade in
elementary schools and in the sixth grade in middle schools. Approximately
300 students in each school learn to play chess in a year.
Thanks to funding from private and public donors, Chess-in-the-Schools
provides the instructors, chess sets, chess clocks, chess resource books,
and chess workbooks needed in each school. Every student is given a
chess set and workbook to keep.
After-School Club:
Chess-in-the-Schools also runs an after-school chess club at each
school. The club meets once a week for two hours for 28 weeks
throughout the academic year. At the club, Chess-in-the-Schools
instructors move beyond the classroom material to help students study
advanced chess concepts. Students who attend the club sessions
regularly are encouraged to attend the weekend chess tournaments run
by Chess-in-the-Schools. Clubs range in size from 20 to 60 students
and are open to all students in the school.
Our Schools:
76 Title I schools in all five boroughs 36% in Brooklyn
26% in the Bronx
29% in Manhattan
8%
in Queens
1% in Staten Island
Our Students:
20,000 students total 44% African American
30% Latino / Hispanic
13% Caucasian
5% Asian
8% Other
Th e S ch ol asti c To u rn am ent P ro g ram
The Scholastic Tournament Program offers competitive chess tournaments in New York City
during the academic year. Each weekend or school holiday event draws between 100 and 500
players from kindergarten through high school. Chess-in-the-Schools organizes and directs
these exciting events ensuring that students are challenged and encouraged throughout the
tournament. As with all Chess-in-the-Schools programs, our tournaments are offered free of
charge to competitors.
Tournament Program Goals:
1. engage students in chess on the weekends
2. help students form lasting bonds with fellow students and chess coaches
Chess-in-the-Schools
Annual Report
2
During the 2007-2008 school year, Chess-in-the-Schools presented 26 scholastic chess
tournaments at various venues throughout New York City.
2007-2008 School Year Chess Tournaments:
Date
9/29/07
10/8/07
10/20/07
10/27/07
11/3/07
11/12/07
11/17/07
11/17/07
12/1/07
12/15/07
1/12/08
1/12/08
1/21/08
1/26/08
2/2/08
2/9/08
3/1/08
3/8/08
3/15/08
3/22/08
3/29/08
5/3/08
5/31/08
6/7/08
6/14/08
6/17/08
Tournament Information
Chess-in-the-Parks in Central Park
Columbus Day Tournament @ Frederick Douglass Academy
Brooklyn Chess Days @ IS 318K
Bronx Chess Days @ PS 70x
Manhattan Chess Days @ PS 124m
Veterans Day Tournament @ Frederick Douglass Academy
Brooklyn Chess Days @ PS 315k
Bronx Chess Days @ PS 279x
Bronx Chess Days @ PS 70x
Brooklyn Chess Days @ IS 318k
Brooklyn Chess Days @ PS 315k
Bronx Chess Days @ PS 279x
MLK Jr. Day Tournament @ Frederick Douglass Academy
Bronx Chess Days @ PS 70x
Manhattan Chess Days @ PS 124m
Brooklyn Chess Days @ IS 318k
Eric Gioia Chess Tournament @ PS 11Q
Brooklyn Chess Days @ IS 318k
Bronx Chess Days @ PS 70x
Manhattan Chess Days @ Frederick Douglass Academy
Garodnick Chess Challenge II @ JHS 167m
Dan Gross Prep Tournament @ Frederick Douglass Academy
The Project Chess City Council Cup @ IS 318K
The 2008 Mayor’s Cup @ Frederick Douglass Academy
Brooklyn Championships @ Brooklyn Technical High School
11th Annual Cullman Rookie Tournament @ Sony Wonder Lab
Number of
Competitors
523
428
277
249
335
497
208
128
373
338
242
183
534
315
399
496
268
535
386
378
347
246
357
347
247
110
We hope to present the same number of events during the 2008-2009 school year.
Chess-in-the-Schools also partnered with a number of our schools to
ensure that dedicated students could overcome obstacles such as
travel and accommodation expenses to attend national chess
tournaments. During the 2007-2008 school year, there were four
national scholastic chess events that our students attended and for
which they received partial funding from Chess-in-the-Schools:
1.
2.
3.
4.
December 7 – 9, 2007: Grade Nationals in Houston, Texas
April 4 – 6, 2008: Junior High Nationals in Dallas, Texas
April 18 – 20, 2008: High School Nationals in Atlanta, GA
May 9 – 11, 2008: Elementary School Nationals in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Chess-in-the-Schools
Annual Report
3
Th e C oll eg e Bo un d P rog ram
The College Bound program provides comprehensive college preparatory services to help at
risk students graduate high school on time and attend college.
College Bound Program Goals:
1. help high school students pass on to the next grade
2. ensure that students graduate high school on time
3. encourage matriculation in college
There are four components of the College Bound program:
• Chess Instruction
Weekly Lessons
Tournaments
• Academic Skills Enrichment
Workshops
Tutoring
• Social Development
Cultural Events
Employment
Life Skills Seminars
• College Preparatory Assistance
College Fairs
College Tours
College Applications
During the 2007-2008 school year, the ninth year of the College Bound program, 85 students
participated in this intensive after-school initiative that builds a strong and lasting community of
young scholars.
The College Bound students are:
African American:
Asian:
Caucasian:
Latino / Hispanic:
Native American:
Other:
29%
15%
10%
38%
0%
8%
Freshmen:
Sophomores:
Juniors:
Seniors:
29 students
21 students
20 students
15 students
The College Bound program continues to be a success with 100% of the class of 2008
graduating from high school on time and ALL entering college this fall.
Chess-in-the-Schools
Annual Report
4
Proj ect C h es s
Project Chess aims to increase the number of public school educators in New York City that can
effectively teach chess to students during the school day as part of a standards based
curriculum and in after-school chess clubs as part of a safe, structured enrichment program.
Project Chess provides workshops, materials, and support to help classroom teachers
implement and grow a comprehensive chess program in their own school.
During the 2007-2008 school year, the first year of
Project Chess 363 New York City public school
teachers participated in the program through one of
the two-day Teacher Training Institute seminars.
These teachers represented 177 schools in all five
boroughs. The demand for the program was so
great, that a waiting list included 244 teachers and
174 schools by the end of the first year.
The participants responded to a questionnaire with
the following thoughts:
! 77% - I am teaching chess at my school
! 86% - The training had a direct and positive
impact on my students
! 98% - I recommend Project Chess to a
colleague
Project Chess culminated with a special chess tournament open only to students of participating
teachers. More than 385 students representing 47 schools participated in this wonderful event
that introduced novice chess players to tournament competition.
This program is funded through a grant from the New York City Council. Seeing the
overwhelming success of the program in its first year, the Council has renewed the grant for the
2008-2009 school year.
Thank you for supporting Chess-in-the-Schools!
Chess-in-the-Schools
Annual Report
5
Chess-in-the-Schools Active Schools
FY 2008
BRONX
FDA V
MH3
PS 1x
PS 5x
PS 37x
PS 50x
PS 57x
PS 68x
PS 70x
PS 93x
PS 94x
PS 107x
JHS 118x
PS 159x
IS 162x
PS 205x
PS 226x
PS/JH 279x
PS 310x
BWA 323x
BROOKLYN
PS 7k
PS 13k
PS 18k
PS 20k
PS 26k
PS 31k
PS 54k
PS 59k
PS 101k
PS 130k
PS 139k
PS 149k
IS 171k
PS 213k
PS 217k
IS 223k
PS 249k
PS 257k
PS 262k
PS 298k
PS 307k
PS 308k
PS 315k
IS 318k
MS 584k
PS 702k
PS 703k
Borough
Bronx
Brooklyn
Manhattan
Queens
Staten Island
MANHATTAN
FDA
NHA
PS 2m
PS 5m
PS 7m
PS 20m
PS 96m
PS 98m
PS 115m
PS 124m
PS 126m
IS 131m
PS 134m
PS 145m
PS 153m
PS 161m
PS 165m
PS 171m
PS 180m
PS 189m
PS 191m
IS 195m
QUEENS
PS 19q
PS 20q
PS 50q
PS 105q
PS 118q
IS 230q
Number of
Schools
20
27
22
6
1
76
Percent per
Borough
26%
36%
29%
8%
1%
STATEN ISLAND
PS 57si
Chess-in-the-Schools
Organizational Operating Budget
FY 2008
Budget
Revised
Mid-Year
FY 2007
Actual
FY 2008
Projected
Actual *
FY 2009
Budget
Revenue
Individual Contributions
2,630,000
2,100,000
2,311,619
2,025,000
Foundation Grants
730,000
750,000
854,080
850,000
Corporate Grants
168,000
150,000
202,355
125,000
Government Grants
113,000
350,000
426,000
350,000
Draw from Reserve
0
250,000
0
500,000
$ 3,641,000
$ 3,600,000
$ 3,794,054
$ 3,850,000
2,769,648
2,970,695
3,019,110
3,140,360
Fundraising
267,753
344,813
350,432
364,506
Administration
387,500
318,289
323,476
336,467
$ 3,424,901
$ 3,633,797
$ 3,693,018
$ 3,841,333
TOTAL
Expenses
Programs
TOTAL
* Audit Pending
The Chess-in-the-Schools Fiscal Year is July 1 through June 30.
This cash basis budget represents operating revenue and expenses except for government
grants. The amounts listed for government grants are pledged amounts. These grants are paid
in the following year as reimbursements.
Chess-in-the-Schools
Donations Received, Fiscal Year 2008
Individuals
$
2,311,619.09
Foundations
The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation
The Charles Hayden Foundation
The Clark Foundation
The Morris & Alma Schapiro Fund
Altman Foundation
Starr Foundation
The Fludzinski Foundation
The Pumpkin Foundation of Joseph & Carole Reich
F.I.S.H. Foundation
The Ambrose Monell Foundation
Carnegie Corporation of New York
The Skirball Foundation
The Brenner Family Foundation
The Clinton Family Foundation
The Irene Diamond Fund
Rotary Foundation of New York
The Barker Welfare Foundation
Anonymous
Max & Victoria Dreyfus Foundation!
The Charles & Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation, Inc.
The Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Inc
The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation
The Shana Alexander Charitable Foundation
Foundation Donors under $5,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
175,000.00
150,000.00
75,000.00
75,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
25,080.00
25,000.00
25,000.00
25,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
7,500.00
6,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,500.00
Corporations
Bloomberg L.P.
The Lehman Brothers Foundation
J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation
Linkbrokers Derivatives Corporation
Castle Harlan Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Metrotech Area District Management Association Inc.
Mellon Bank
Aurelius Capital Management, LP
Sage Realty Corporation
The New York Times Co. Foundation
Corporate Donors under $5,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
75,000.00
30,050.00
25,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
9,850.00
6,450.00
6,000.00
5,500.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
14,504.79
Government
$
TOTAL
$ 3,794,053.88
426,000.00
These donations represent contributions to operating revenue.
Chess-in-the-Schools
Board of Trustees
Chairman Emeritus
Lewis B. Cullman, President, Cullman Ventures LLC
Chairman
Daniel J. Gross, Managing Member, M Space Holdings
Vice Chairs
Agnes Gund, President Emerita, Museum of Modern Art
Ward B. Chamberlin, Jr., Principal, Chamberlin Associates
Secretary
Larry E. Condon, Chairman, Joyce Mertz-Gilmore Foundation
Treasurer
Bobbi Mark, Vice President for Development, Gilda’s Club
Trustees
Muffy Flouret, Principal, Perlbinder Realty
Robert L. Friedman, Senior Managing Director, The Blackstone Group
Christopher E. Isham, Washington Bureau Chief for CBS News
Marley J. Kaplan, President & CEO, Chess-in-the-Schools
Galen D. Kirkland, Commissioner of the Division of Human Rights, New York State
Michael Margitich, Vice President of External Affairs, Museum of Modern Art
Robert B. Menschel, Senior Director, Goldman Sachs
Rona Nelson, Private Investor
Dianne T. Renwick, Justice, Appellate Division, First Department, New York State
Cody Smith, former Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
Daniel M. Solomon, Director, Drake Management LLC
Jeffrey L. Strong, Group Account Director, Brouillard Communications, Inc.
FDA
V
MH3 PS 1x
PS 5x PS 37x
PS 5 0 x
PS 57x
PS 68x PS 70x PS 93x
PS 94x PS 107x JHS 118x
PS 159x IS 162x PS 205x
PS 226x PS/JH 279x
PS 310x BWA 323x
PS 7k PS 13k PS 18k
PS 20k PS 26k
PS 31k PS 54k PS 59k
PS 101k PS 130k
PS 139k PS 149k
IS 171k PS 213k PS 217k
IS 223k PS 249k PS 257k
PS 262k
PS 298k
PS 307k
PS 308k
PS 315k
IS 318k
MS 584k
PS 702k
PS 703k
FDA NHA PS 2m
PS 5m PS 7m PS 20m
PS 96m PS 98m PS115m
PS 124m PS 126m IS 131m
PS 134m PS145m PS 153m
PS 161m PS 165m PS171m
PS180m PS 189m PS 191m IS195m
PS 19q PS20q PS 50q PS 105q PS 118q
IS 230q PS 57q Rochester Institute of Technology
Kingsborough Community CollegeLehigh University
Q u i n n i p i a c U n i v e r s i t y C UN Y a t B a r u c h
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityWestwood College
SUNY at OswegoSUNY at AlbanySUNY at Oneonta
520 EIGHTH AVENUE, FLOOR 2 NEW YORK, NY 10018 PHONE: 212.643.0225 FAX: 212.564.3083
www.chessintheschools.org
A 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1955