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Stanwood, WA · Founded 2024

Every Move Builds a Future

Empowering underserved youth through chess, critical thinking, and technology — one strategic move at a time.

Make a Move · Donate Explore Programs
501c3 Federally Recognized
100% Tax Deductible
∞ Young Minds Reached

Our Mission

Chess as a Life System

Young Minds Chess Foundation believes that the chessboard is a classroom. Every opening, every sacrifice, every endgame teaches a young person to think ahead, recover from setbacks, and strategize for victory — not just in chess, but in life.

We serve underserved communities across Washington State, providing free or low-cost chess instruction, STEM integration, mentorship, and technology access to youth who need it most.

Our programs are rooted in the belief that intelligence is universal — and opportunity should be too.

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Strategic Thinking
Chess teaches youth to plan multiple moves ahead — a skill that translates directly to academic and life success.
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Cognitive Development
Proven to improve memory, focus, and mathematical reasoning — critical skills for the 21st-century economy.
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Community Equity
We target schools, after-school programs, and community centers in underserved neighborhoods.
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Technology Access
Bridging chess with STEAM education to prepare youth for careers in technology and innovation.

The Connection

Chess + STEM

The same cognitive architecture that makes a great chess player makes a great engineer, scientist, or programmer. We teach both — simultaneously.

Chess is code. Strategy is science.
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Pattern Recognition
Chess masters recognize thousands of patterns. This same skill powers machine learning, data analysis, and software engineering.
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Mathematical Reasoning
Calculating variations in chess is algebra in disguise. Students who play chess consistently score higher in math assessments.
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Computational Thinking
Evaluating positions and selecting optimal moves mirrors how computers process algorithms and make decisions.
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Scientific Method
Hypothesis, test, analyze, repeat. A chess player's mindset is identical to a scientist's — we teach both explicitly.
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Spatial Intelligence
Visualizing the board develops spatial reasoning critical for architecture, engineering, and design careers.
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Growth Mindset
Every loss is data. Every game is a lesson. We cultivate resilience and iterative thinking essential in STEM fields.

Programs & Impact

Moving the Pieces

K–12 Grade Levels Served
Free For Qualifying Schools
WA Statewide Reach
2024 IRS Recognized
PROGRAM // 01
After-School Chess Clubs
We partner with schools and community centers to establish fully-equipped chess clubs led by trained instructors. Equipment, curriculum, and coaching are provided at no cost to qualifying Title I schools.
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Chess + STEAM Curriculum
An integrated curriculum that teaches chess concepts alongside science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Lesson plans are aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.
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Mentor Match Program
Connecting youth with mentors from technology, business, and STEM fields who use chess as a framework for life coaching, career exploration, and academic guidance.
PROGRAM // 04
Youth Tournament Series
Competitive chess events designed to build confidence, sportsmanship, and community. Scholarships and technology awards are given to outstanding participants from underserved backgrounds.

Get In Touch

Make Your Opening Move

Whether you're a school administrator, grant officer, community partner, or a family interested in our programs — we want to hear from you.

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Location
15103 56th Ave NW
Stanwood, WA 98292
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Email
info@youngmindschess.org
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Grant Inquiries
grants@youngmindschess.org
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EIN / Tax ID
99-5034649