“Chess in education is a dynamic tool that teaches many essential skills.
It is also a perfect way to introduce technology into the learning environment.”
Founded by Garry Kasparov in 2002, KCF’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. With its program being used by over 5000 schools in all 50 US states, in 2012 KCF opened in Europe and Africa. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors.
Garry Kasparov, often joined by his wife Dasha, travels frequently to promote chess in schools around the world. They have met with heads of state and politicians, educators, and thousands of kids. Along with publicizing the game of chess, they learn how to improve programs and work with communities and sponsors.
Many studies have demonstrated that chess helps kids develop cognitive skills and positive behaviors that contribute to improved academic performance. It enhances memory, disciplined thinking, concentration, and produces improvements in test scores and attendance. KCF is also involved with using chess as a platform to introduce interactive technology into the classroom. Learning and playing chess against others on a PC or tablet is fun and opens the door to distributing more traditional educational content in this way. [ Read more ]