National Junior Tennis and Learning was established in 1969 by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder. The mission is to develop the character of young people through tennis and to emphasize the ideals and life of Arthur Ashe.
NJTL reaches out to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play the sport. It instills life skills showing the value of leadership and academic success. It also gives kids the opportunity to fully develop their tennis skills in order to enjoy tennis for a lifetime.
Today the USTA NJTL program has almost 200,000 participants nationwide with 13 programs currently running in Maryland.
Nationally 46% of the programs are in cities, 29% in suburbs and 25% in rural areas. Kids come from diverse ethnicities including 48% Caucasian, 28% Afican American, 17% Latino American; 4% Asian American and 2% Native American. They range in age from 5-18. Average family income is $30,000.
Life skills taught include but are not limited to:
- Mentoring
- Health/ Nutrition
- College/ High School Prep
- Tutoring
- Alcohol/ Drug Education
Maryland currently has 6 Chapters / Programs. For more information on a Chapter/Program near you or to form one contact: Alicia von Lossberg, Community Tennis Administrator.