2024-2025 Herbert B. Jacklyn Program Recipients Announced

US Chess Announces Recipients of the 2024-2025 Herbert B. Jacklyn Program

US Chess has recently revealed the winners of the prestigious 2024-2025 Herbert B. Jacklyn Program, a scholarship aimed at supporting young chess players as they continue their training into adulthood. The recipients, hailing from various parts of the country, have been selected based on their dedication to the game and their plans to further their chess skills.

Among the winners are Ajay Subramanian from Solon, OH, who is attending Babson College in Wellesley, MA. Ajay, who struggled academically in middle school, credits chess for helping him become a better thinker and academic. He now serves as the President of his college chess club and aims to become an expert level player with the help of the Jacklyn Program Fund.

Kevin Flores from Palmview, TX, attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, has learned important life lessons through chess, including perseverance and accountability. He plans to use the scholarship funds to continue competing and expand his chess library.

Alex Zhang from Brooklyn, NY, attending Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, hopes to create a nonprofit chess organization focused on tutoring student chess players. Jessica Lee from Mountain Lakes, NJ, attending Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, has been an active chess player since the age of five and aims to increase her own chess skills while teaching others.

Vasishta Tumuluri from Downingtown, PA, attending the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, challenges the notion that college students should only focus on their professional aspirations, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one’s passions. Gaayathri Binoj from Chesterfield, MO, attending the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN, found community through chess and intends to use the scholarship to become a national master.

Keith Biteng from McAllen, TX, attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, fell in love with chess at a young age and continues to compete while promoting the game within his community.

The Herbert B. Jacklyn Program, established to assist young chess players in their training, honors the legacy of Dr. Jacklyn, a lifelong chess enthusiast who organized tournaments for children well into his 90s. The program accepts applications annually from June 15 through August 15, welcoming both individuals and teams to apply. Past winners are encouraged to reapply if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

Congratulations to all the deserving recipients of the 2024-2025 Herbert B. Jacklyn Program, and best of luck in your future chess endeavors!