ABOUT THE NSCF
Inspiring Academic Excellence Through Chess
The National Scholastic Chess Foundation (NSCF) was founded in 1990 to provide the benefits of a chess education to students of all ages. The primary goal of NSCF’s programs is to develop critical thinkers and expose students to the joys of chess.Â
For over 30 years, the NSCF has worked with diverse populations using chess empower students with independent study and problem-solving abilities, and help educators use chess to attain positive learning outcomes in all core subject areas.
ENRICHMENT
The NSCF delivers chess instruction as an enriching extracurricular activity before and after school, as well as during lunchtimes. Beyond the inherent benefits of learning chess, research has shown that regular participation in high-quality after-school programs correlates with significant improvements in standardized test scores, enhanced student attendance and engagement, and positively impacts behavior in school.
Our instruction focuses less on winning and more on developing students’ decision-making skills through chess. This approach fosters experimentation, exploration, and reduces performance anxiety. We proudly cover every stage of Bloom’s taxonomy and uniquely emphasize decision-making as the pinnacle of chess learning.
IN THE CURRICULUM
The NSCF leads the way in integrating chess into school curricula. We offer chess instruction during regular school hours, serving students of all abilities and backgrounds, and a focus on keeping every student actively engaged.
SUMMER LEARNING
The NSCF offers immersive summer chess programs for players of all skill levels. We also partner with general interest camps to integrate chess into their programs, providing a well-rounded experience for campers.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The NSCF sees chess as a powerful tool for building community, bridging divides across cultures, genders, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We demonstrate this commitment by offering community chess classes in partnership with valued organizations like police departments, the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and local parks and recreation.
TOURNAMENTS
The NSCF organizes scholastic tournaments for students who like to compete. Many of our students also compete in state, national, and international tournaments.
TEACHER TRAINING
The NSCF equips educators with the tools and skills they need to seamlessly integrate chess into their classrooms or enrichment programs. Our professional development programs empower teachers to effectively use chess in their teaching. We aim to make chess a standard part of education by offering comprehensive instructional resources and teacher training aligned with state standards and social-emotional learning goals.
