Announcing 2020 ChessKid Grant Recipients

At ChessKid we realize that school systems across the country have experienced disruptions and closure due to the global outbreak of Covid-19 which has led to uncertainty in many school system budgets.

ChessKid wants to assist school systems during this challenging time by providing free Gold ChessKid accounts through a grant program for elementary students. We recognize the academic benefits of chess like developing focus, concentration, mental stamina, problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence. It is also a lot of fun!

In announcing the first grant opportunity of this kind, we were looking for school systems that also saw the academic value of chess for all students—not just those who participated in an after-school chess club. All applications were judged on merit without regard to geography.

ChessKid.com is pleased to announce six grant recipients for the 2020-2021 school year for the following elementary population tiers:

Over 60,000 elementary students: Chicago Public Schools, IL

30,000-59,999 elementary students: Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN

15,000 – 29,999 elementary students: Round Rock ISD, TX

5000 – 14,999 elementary students: Huntsville City Schools, AL and Del Valle ISD, TX

Under 5000 elementary students: Lenoir City Schools, TN

ChessKid.com is the scholastic extension of Chess.com, the #1 online chess site. ChessKid is dedicated to being a safe place for kids to learn and play chess. ChessKid.com introduces kids at an early age to the game of chess, teaching them how to play while having fun. It is an educational tool that teachers can use in their classrooms to help students develop critical thinking skills.

If your school system did not have the opportunity to complete a grant application or was not selected to receive this grant for the 2020-2021 school year, but you are interested in teaching chess to students in your school system, contact Ranae Bartlett, ChessKid Education Director at [email protected].

With the uncertainties of what our fall semesters will look like, the ChessKid online program is a great way to introduce your students to the game of chess in a fun, engaging, and safe way. We will be happy to work with any school or district that values chess education!