Squash Haven is an after-school enrichment program for New Haven youth. We strive for progress in the classroom, on the squash courts, and in the community! Squash Haven empowers New Haven youth to strive for and maintain school success and physical wellness, and to forge a path through higher education to engaged citizenship.   Values We believe that gratitude, initiative, optimism, self-control, curiosity, integrity, and grit play a central role in youth development. We deliberately and thoughtfully incorporate these core values into our program content and culture.  Strategy The key to Squash Haven’s success is our multi-faceted and intensive approach to youth development. Fifth through twelfth grade team members participate in tuition-free year-round programming that includes differentiated individual tutoring, group academic enrichment, squash instruction, community service, values-based character development, exposure to a broad range of enrichment opportunities, and college preparation. Consistent with the long term goal of graduation from institutions of higher education, college-aged team members continue to receive academic, athletic, and personal advice/support, and access to internship and summer employment opportunities.  Squash Haven relies on a small full time staff based at Yale whose work is complemented by the volunteer efforts of the University’s squash teams and academic volunteers. New middle school students are selected annually on the basis of their motivation and commitment and are expected to actively participate in the program through the end of college.