mission statement

NJTLT's History, Need, Mission, Vision and Values:

HISTORY

The National Junior Tennis League was founded nationally by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell, and Sheridan Snyder in 1968. In 1975, a Trenton, NJ chapter, National Junior Tennis League of Trenton, Inc. (NJTLT), was established as a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. The NJTLT’s mission is connected to the ideals of Arthur Ashe - to strengthen the character and enhance the lives of youths by providing opportunities in tennis, education and nutrition. NJTLT offers award-winning year-round tennis, education and nutrition programs and academic to more than 1,700 children living in the greater Trenton area.

The NJTLT strives to build character by offering positive experiences and by hiring qualified staff members to serve as role models. Children who participate in the organization’s programs are exposed to life-changing opportunities; opportunities which emphasize healthy lifestyles, responsibility, acceptance and academic excellence and where participants advance based on self motivation and hard work. With qualified instructors, most who have graduated from the program, the outcome is inspiring. The individuals served by the organization feel good about the investment made in them and their own personal accomplishments. They continue to strive to be the best they can be long after they have graduated from the program.

NJTLT's Board of Directors is made up of a very diverse group of sixteen individuals. It includes the founders of the NJTL of Trenton, parents of participants, tennis teaching professionals, and community and business leaders from the Mercer and Bucks County areas. There are also three advisors to the board: the former NYC Mayor, David Dinkins, an esquire from Stark & Stark, and the former director of the National Tennis Center for USTA.

COMMUNITY NEED

Many children living in the Trenton area do not have the resources (e.g., money, transportation, equipment, etc.) to access academic enrichment, private health clubs and the sport of tennis. In addition, school resources are limited, academic standards are rigorous (No Child Left Behind), gang related violence is on the rise, and child obesity is increasing at enormous rates. According to a recent study conducted in North Carolina:

“Children who participated in at least one organized after-school activity were more likely to go to college and were less likely to display criminal behavior than those who did not get involved in sports or clubs.”
(Smyth, Julie, “Busy Pupils go Farther, Studies Show”, National Post, Sept. 8, 2001.).

NJTLT develops and implements innovative and collaborative programs to help provide underserved youth with the supports they need to grow up healthy and succeed in school and in life. Our programs work to keep kids off the streets and on the courts, instead of in the courts. They also work to strengthen families, promote healthy lifestyles and literacy, and foster community involvement.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the National Junior Tennis League of Trenton is to strengthen the character and enhance the lives of youths by providing opportunities in tennis, education and nutrition.

VISION STATEMENT

The vision of the National Junior Tennis League of Trenton is to foster conditions in which the youth of the greater Trenton area can lead physically and emotionally healthy lives and be productive citizens in their community.

CORE VALUES

The National Junior Tennis League of Trenton believes at its core in the value of:

	Healthy lifestyles through regular exercise, good nutrition and self respect
	Academic Excellence and educational opportunities
	Acceptance of other backgrounds and cultures
	Responsible behavior at home, in the classroom and in the broader community