SL Green StreetSquash Center to Open in Harlem

Stephen L. Green, Chairman of SL Green Realty, an NYC-based real estate management and development firm, will be joined by civic, community and government leaders on Thursday, November 20, 2008 for the grand opening of the $9 million, 20,000-square foot SL Green StreetSquash Center on West 115th Street — home to StreetSquash, an innovative free afterschool program that combines academic tutoring and college preparation with squash instruction, community service and one-on-one mentoring.

Expected to join in the celebration are Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assemblyman Keith Wright, Councilmember Robert Jackson, and others. Also on hand will be scores of Harlem students whose lives have been transformed by the program.

Founded in September 1999, 100% of StreetSquash participants have graduated high school in four years — by comparison, the NYC Department of Education places the overall figure at nearly 60%. Also noteworthy, 100% of StreetSquash program graduates have enrolled in college, and 91% are pursuing or have earned a college degree.

Under the direction of executive director George Polsky, the Center will be the permanent home of the unique program for students willing to make a four-day per week, year-long commitment to academic excellence and the discipline of sports. To qualify as a StreetSquash graduate, students enter in the 6th grade and must complete seven years in the program.

Mr. Green, who personally supports the program in an individual capacity, was ranked as the nation’s number-2 player by U.S. Squash in the 45 to 50-year age group. He said, “At StreetSquash, our focus is on academic excellence. We provide inner city school children, many of whom are at risk, the chance to excel at their studies, while learning the importance of leadership, teamwork and staying physically fit.”

Designed by Dattner Architects, the three-level center is a stunning, glass and steel athletic and learning center, featuring eight international squash courts, four classrooms, and a computer-equipped library.

StreetSquash will also expand its existing programs through the new Physical Education for Public Schools Program, a partnership with neighborhood schools that lack sufficient physical education resources. For more information: www.streetsquash.org