Borderlands Belonging: Bilingual Chess Education as a Model for Equity, Individual Growth, and Community Engagement
Event: Borderlands Belonging: Bilingual Chess Education as a Model for Equity, Individual Growth, and Community Engagement
Type: Paper Presentation
Presenter: Nick Mueller
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Virtual link forthcoming
Description:
Historically, chess is an elite game, and many chess programs remain white-dominant and English-only. Nick Mueller will share how Cochise Chess’ programs have achieved over 50% membership of people of color and more than 40% participation from girls and women through inclusive, equitable, and groundbreaking practices.
Cochise Chess has emerged as a national leader in bilingual, community-rooted chess education by redefining access and inclusion. Serving over 800 members across rural Cochise County, AZ, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, the organization provides free, bilingual chess programming that centers belonging, linguistic diversity, and amplifies student potential.
This session explores how culturally authentic pedagogy and inclusive practices foster intercultural dialogue, community partnerships, and student agency, offering educators and program designers a model for using chess as a tool for linguistic equity, academic resilience, and joy.
Who Should Attend:
Educators, program designers, and community organizers interested in bilingual education, equity-driven programming, and fostering student agency. Particularly relevant for those seeking practical models for culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive extracurricular learning environments.
Session Highlights:
- Strategies for creating bilingual, inclusive educational programs that engage diverse learners.
- Methods for amplifying student potential through equity-centered, community-rooted practices.
- Approaches for using chess as a pedagogical tool for linguistic, academic, and social development.
- Insights into fostering intercultural dialogue, community partnerships, and belonging in educational contexts.
Takeaways for Attendees:
- Practical strategies for designing inclusive, bilingual programs that center equity and belonging.
- Inspiration for using games and extracurricular activities to promote student growth and agency.
- Tools for building community partnerships and supporting diverse learners in rural or underrepresented contexts.
- Understanding the impact of culturally authentic pedagogy on student engagement, confidence, and academic resilience.
About the Presenter:
Nick Mueller is Executive Director of Cochise Chess, Principal at Cascade Tutoring, and an instructor at Arizona State University. He has dedicated his career to creating inclusive, bilingual, community-rooted educational programs that center equity, belonging, and student growth.
- Please register using the link below:
- Once you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link.