Chess Change, the organization founded by Jonathan Spinnell to provide disadvantaged youth with no-cost training in the game of chess, announces that it is now accepting nominations nationwide for the summer 2016 season.
NEW YORK, April 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jonathan Spinnell, currently a senior at Bronx High School of Science in New York City, started Chess Change in 2012 as a means of reaching out to young people who have not had the good fortune Jonathan himself enjoys.
"Even as I was graduating middle school, " notes Jonathan, "I was keenly aware of the disparity between my own life experience and that of students not lucky enough to be born into a family or neighborhood like mine. I frequently asked myself why I was chosen to enjoy so many privileges and others not. Once I realized that I had done nothing special to earn the advantages that form the fabric of my life, I felt compelled to look for ways to address this inequality."
Chess Change provides chess lessons via Skype to those who have a desire to learn the game but lack the opportunity or resources to do so. Typically, parents or teachers contact Chess Change and nominate students who have the desire and commitment to learn the game.
Skype's video chat technology allows Jonathan to play chess with an opponent anywhere in the country. Compared with playing chess against a computer or online, the face-to-face interaction that Skype allows brings the experience of chess as close as possible to tournament play.
"Becoming adept at chess really has far reaching benefits," says Jonathan. "Research has shown that playing chess helps improve brain function, memory, strategic thinking, cognitive abilities and attention span. I have heard from so many of my chess students involved in Chess Change that they have felt 'smarter' or 'more focused' in relation to schoolwork after working with me for some period of time."
Chess Change clients typically work with Jonathan on a weekly basis for periods ranging from 6 months to two years.
Jonathan welcomes nominations of students for the summer 2016 session who have the following qualities:
- A desire to learn the game of chess
- good grades in school
- maturity to focus in lessons and practice
- Willing to make a 6-month commitment to lessons with Chess Change
For more information on Chess Change, visit ChangingTheWorldWithChess.Com
Nominations must include the student's name, recommender's name, contact information, and a letter explaining why the student will benefit from Chess Change.
Questions? Email Jonathan at [email protected] or call 917-797-2121.
SOURCE Chess Change
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