MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Rutherford County Property Assessor Rob Mitchell is putting his full support behind a new initiative he believes can reshape the future for at‑risk youth. It’s called A Chess‑Based Mentorship Model for At‑Risk Youth, and Mitchell says it’s designed for schools, nonprofits, and community leaders who want a structured, research‑backed way to help kids build critical thinking, emotional discipline, and confidence.
Mitchell explains that the program draws on his work with Checkmate for Charity and the county’s Critical Thinking and Life Skills effort. It also takes inspiration from the true story behind the critically acclaimed film Critical Thinking by Carla Berkowitz.
He explained that the heart of the program is simple: chess strengthens the brain. Many at‑risk youth face academic gaps or chaotic environments where focus is hard to maintain. Chess trains concentration, memory, and problem‑solving — the same cognitive skills tied to improved reading and math performance. One widely cited program saw reading scores jump from 62% to 82 per cent.
But the benefits go beyond academics. Chess teaches emotional discipline in a way few activities can. Kids learn to pause, think, and choose wisely. Every move has a consequence, and for youth who often feel life is happening to them, chess shows them they can control outcomes. That sense of agency is powerful.
The game also builds resilience. A loss isn’t a failure — it’s feedback. A mistake isn’t shameful — it’s information. For kids who hear “you can’t” more than “you can,” chess becomes a safe place to fail, learn, and try again.
And then there’s the social side. Chess creates healthy connection: stable mentors, encouraging adults, peers with shared goals, and a community built around respect. Kids who feel isolated suddenly belong to something.
Mitchell says, "Chess is inexpensive, portable, and scalable--plus, it works in schools, community centers, detention facilities, and shelters. And it consistently produces measurable improvements in behavior, academics, and confidence. That’s why supporters like Marcus Lemonis and Eric Moskow invest in it."
In Mitchell’s words, “It’s not just a game — it’s a tool for changing trajectories.”
Check out the program here: Critical Thinking and Conflict Resolution Chess Mentorship Program
