NJTL of Trenton (NJTLT)

The mission of National Junior Tennis & Learning of Trenton, Inc. is to strengthen the character and enhance the lives of youth by providing opportunities and instruction in nutrition, education & tennis. NJTLT affiliated with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is a nonprofit community organization established in 1975 and dedicated to improving the lives of youth with programs based on the ideals of tennis legend Arthur Ashe. It is part of the USTA/National Junior Tennis & Learning, a nationwide group of more than 650 nonprofit youth development organizations that provide tennis, education and life-skills programming to more than 300,000 children annually. The national organization was founded in 1969 by tennis professionals Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder as the National Junior Tennis League to reach out to underprivileged youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play tennis. NJTLT’s programs and services include: a life skills and tennis program; an Academic Creative Engagement (ACE) program focusing on literacy, math and nutrition; a seven-week summer tennis, fitness and enrichment camp; the Ashe Elite program providing advanced ACE education and tennis training; and three $5,000 college scholarship stipends. In all it does, NJTLT strives to provide children with a strong foundation of sportsmanship, leadership, self-esteem, academic excellence and respect -- and young participants develop athletic, health and life skills that can benefit them for a lifetime. Based on W. State St. in Trenton, NJ, it has grown rapidly in size, effectiveness and prominence and today ranks as one of the most effective and innovative chapters in the country. NJTLT has been honored repeatedly at the national, regional and local levels and twice named the USTA’s national “NJTL Chapter of the Year.” Currently, there are four full-time and three part-time staff members, and more than 40 volunteers and field staff.