JustINSPIRE Chess Mentoring
Strategic Life Skills Through Chess & Social-Emotional Learning
Empowering young men and boys (ages 10-18) through the strategic game of chess to develop critical thinking, emotional regulation, and essential life skills
A Personal Invitation
“My name is Justin Tucker, and I’m the founder of JustINSPIRE Mentoring LLC. Our organization is dedicated to empowering youth (ages 10-18) and young adults by equipping them with essential life skills and fostering critical thinking.
I’m reaching out because I understand you may share a strong passion for both the game of chess and the positive development of young people – passions that are central to our work at JustINSPIRE. We currently incorporate chess into our youth mentoring programs as a unique tool for teaching critical thinking, strategic planning, decision-making, and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills.
As we look to expand our impact, particularly within our chess initiatives, we are seeking talented individuals who can help us potentially develop competitive chess teams and deepen our curriculum integrating chess mastery with vital life skills development. Your expertise and enthusiasm in this area could be invaluable to the youth we serve in the Baltimore community, as well as expanding this to areas like New York, North Carolina where I also have experience.”
Evidence-Based Foundation
Our approach is grounded in comprehensive research demonstrating the powerful connection between chess instruction and social-emotional learning for young men of color
Cognitive Development Through Chess
- Critical Thinking: Enhanced problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Strategic Planning: Improved foresight and decision-making skills
- Memory & Concentration: Strengthened focus and retention capabilities
- Academic Performance: Documented improvements in mathematics and reading
Social-Emotional Learning Benefits
- Emotional Regulation: Managing wins, losses, and frustration gracefully
- Empathy Development: Understanding opponent perspectives and strategies
- Communication Skills: Verbal and non-verbal interaction improvement
- Sportsmanship: Respect, patience, and positive relationship building
Research Impact Statistics
Average improvement in academic achievement through SEL programs
Reduction in behavioral incidents for students with strong SEL skills
Decrease in chronic absenteeism with SEL intervention
More likely to attend college with mentoring support
The “Checkmate & Choices” Methodology
Our innovative approach integrates chess instruction with targeted life skills development
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- • Self-awareness and self-management
- • Emotional regulation through gameplay
- • Relationship building and social awareness
- • Responsible decision-making skills
Economic Life Skills
- • Resource management (piece value)
- • Strategic planning (long vs. short-term goals)
- • Risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis
- • Financial literacy foundations
College & Career Exploration
- • Career path planning and strategy
- • Evaluating options and opportunities
- • Understanding systems and structures
- • Goal setting and achievement planning
Program Structure
Session Format:
- • Weekly or bi-weekly 2-hour sessions
- • Chess instruction and gameplay
- • Life skills discussions and activities
- • Real-world application exercises
Learning Outcomes:
- • Improved chess skills and strategy
- • Enhanced emotional intelligence
- • Better academic performance
- • Increased college/career readiness
Online Chess Resources & Community
Extending our mentoring impact through digital chess platforms and continuous learning opportunities
JustINSPIRE Gentleman Scholars Alpha Group
Join our exclusive Lichess team where mentees and mentors connect for online chess practice, tournaments, and community building
Lichess Learn – Free Chess Education
Access comprehensive, free chess lessons and practice exercises to supplement your mentoring experience
How Online Practice Supports Our In-Person Program
Continuous Skill Development:
- • Practice chess moves and strategies between mentoring sessions
- • Reinforce concepts learned during in-person meetings
- • Build confidence through regular gameplay
- • Access to opponents of various skill levels
Enhanced Social Connection:
- • Stay connected with mentors and peers online
- • Develop digital citizenship and online sportsmanship
- • Build a supportive chess community
- • Share achievements and celebrate progress together
Note: Online chess practice is encouraged but optional. Our program emphasizes the importance of balancing screen time with real-world interactions and activities.
Volunteer Chess Mentor Opportunities
Join our team of dedicated mentors making a difference in young lives
Position Overview
Organization: JustINSPIRE Mentoring
Program: JustINSPIRE Chess Mentoring Program
Location: Casa De Inspiration (Baltimore City Eastside, MD)
Position Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)
Target Age: Young men and boys aged 10-18
Time Commitment
Frequency: Approximately 2 hours per month
Schedule: Weekday afternoons or Saturday mornings (11am-2pm)
Minimum Commitment: 6 months (preferred: full school year)
Training: Mandatory initial volunteer training session
Key Responsibilities
Mentoring & Teaching:
- • Engage 1-on-1 or small groups with mentees
- • Teach chess rules, strategies, and etiquette
- • Foster positive, supportive relationships
- • Model patience, resilience, and sportsmanship
Life Skills Integration:
- • Connect chess concepts to real-life situations
- • Facilitate discussions on decision-making
- • Support emotional regulation development
- • Communicate progress with program staff
Qualifications & Benefits
Essential Requirements:
- • Genuine interest in mentoring youth
- • Solid understanding of chess rules
- • Strong communication skills
- • Reliable and punctual
- • Background check clearance
Volunteer Benefits:
- • Make a tangible difference in young lives
- • Develop mentoring and leadership skills
- • Join a supportive community
- • Receive comprehensive training
- • Share your passion for chess
Book a Presentation or Workshop
Bring the power of chess-based social-emotional learning to your organization, school, or community group
Educational Institutions
Professional development for educators on integrating chess into SEL curricula
Community Organizations
Workshops on chess mentoring and youth development strategies
Corporate Groups
Team building and strategic thinking through chess principles
Presentation Topics Include:
- • Chess as a Tool for Social-Emotional Learning
- • Evidence-Based Interventions for Young Men of Color
- • Integrating Chess into Educational Curricula
- • Building Mentoring Programs That Work
- • Strategic Thinking for Life Success
- • Culturally Responsive Youth Development
- • Chess Club Development and Management
- • Custom Topics Based on Your Needs
Get Involved Today
Ready to make a difference? Join our chess mentoring community
Volunteer Opportunities
Whether you’re a chess enthusiast, educator, or simply passionate about youth development, we have opportunities for you to make an impact.
Complete our online application to get started
Contact Information
© 2024 JustINSPIRE Mentoring LLC. Empowering youth through strategic thinking and social-emotional learning.
Lifting As We Climb