What quality out-of-school-time programming does for kids with Kevin Cripe

Brad
May 1
1 min read

Release date: May 4, 2026

Kevin Cripe changed the culture of his under-resourced school in Modesto, California, with an afterschool program devoted to…chess. Kevin and I discuss his motivation for starting the program, how he did it, and, importantly, why he chose chess. I believe the lessons Kevin learned in the process can benefit all out-of-school time (OST) programs. More information about Kevin – including information on his books, how to engage him as speaker, and a picture of one his many chess champions with an enormous trophy – is below.

Biography of Kevin Cripe

Kevin Cripe is a motivational speaker, author, and educator with over 27 years of experience inspiring students, teachers, and communities. As an elementary school teacher in Modesto City Schools, he founded an after‐school chess program that transformed the lives of hundreds of students from socio‐economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Over two decades, his students competed in more than 200 tournaments, including 14 national championships, with many becoming first‐generation college graduates.

Today, Kevin shares his passion for empowerment and empathy through keynote presentations for schools, parent organizations, churches, and community groups. His talks focus on creating student success without frustration and fostering compassion across diverse communities. He has spoken internationally, including at the Innovative Schools Conference in Atlanta and the Chess in the Schools Conference in London. Kevin is also the author of The Learning Spiral and several children’s books, blending storytelling with lessons of resilience, diversity, and hope.