What We do
Beyond Walls is a year round after school program that empowers marginalized youth in grades 6th-12th through education enrichment, health and wellness, and social and emotional development. With support continuing for the first four years after high school, Beyond Walls provides long term relationships and meaningful opportunities that foster strong community partnerships and future forward thinking.
THREE PROGRAM PILLARS
education enrichment
• Improve academic performance and motivation toward learning
• Ensure post high school career and college opportunities for success
Health & Wellness
• Strengthen health/wellness through the racquet sports of squash and pickleball •Instill sense of perseverance and healthy competition
Social and Emotional Development
• Grow strong and emotionally healthy character
• Build confident student voice and community connection
HOW IT WORKS
Programming is five days per week, 35 weeks per year. Each week day session includes 60 minutes of academic support and enrichment and 60 minutes of health and wellness coaching through squash and pickleball. Our program also:
Is located at University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness Center helping promote post high school opportunities in higher education from an early age.
Invites select students to national travel opportunities to participate in squash tournaments, tour area colleges and universities, and build community within the squash and education network
WHY IT WORKS
Our approach fosters a strong community of support and meaningful relationships that blossom over the span of a student’s middle and high school education. Our results are remarkable:
94% of students report they are certain they will graduate high school on time
100% of seniors graduate on time
80% are certain they will go to college
100% of graduating seniors accepted into at least one four-year college or university
80% of students report significant improvements in their physical health and emotional wellness
