For many children in America, parents and extended families are no longer the central source of emotional, financial, and social support. The decline of the “traditional family” in inner-city communities across the nation is rampant. This breakdown has given rise to single parent households.

The time demands facing the single parent or caretaker in these households limit their involvement in providing extra attention, affection, and guidance to their children. Many children are often left home alone without adult supervision. It has been estimated that the number of youth who could benefit from having a concerned adult mentor range from 5 to 15 million. (“Social Change One on One,” The American Prospect, No. 27 – Walker)

As American cities embrace the challenges of a recession and the threat of terrorism the challenges and hardships facing the thousands of public housing and inner city families remain staggering. Twenty three percent of inner city children live below the poverty level. Teen birth rates in Los Angeles are among the highest in the nation.

"Chess Tutors has given several "at- risk" students a reason to come to school. The program provides not only a "fun" activity to attend after school, but instructors that make them feel truly gifted."

Lou Mardesic, - Assistant Principal

"In an era where most of the jobs our students will obtain have not even been created, Chess Tutors has provided a foundation for critical thinking with an edge on problem solving. Our only hope is that we will be able to provide our students with the next five phases of the program."

Lupe Grajeda - Principal

The number of two parent households that have enrolled in welfare since September 11, 2001 has increased 600% as most of the country is faced with massive layoffs from a declining economy. Our congressional leader has stated, “The fact is, no civilization can survive with 12 year olds having babies, with 15 year olds killing each other, with 17 year olds dying of AIDS and with 18 year olds
getting diplomas they can’t read.”

Too many youths are still undereducated and ill prepared for a growing technologically advancing world. “The digital divide – the divide between those with access to new technologies and those without – is now one of America’s leading economic and civil rights issues,” states Larry Irving, U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary.

Americans who are low-income, African American, Hispanic or Native American, less educated, single-parent families (and especially single-female householders), young heads of households and those who live in central cities have the least access which is increasingly critical to successfully competing in school and society.