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NUTRITION, EDUCATION & TENNIS SUPPORT (NETS) PROGRAMS
The NJTL of Trenton's Board of Directors are committed to reach as many youths as possible throughout the Trenton area, especially those who are underserved. The NJTL of Trenton’s programming is clearly based on developing the “whole” person – not just one facet. Using tennis as the main tool, the NJTLT is about developing productive attitudes and citizens, healthy lifestyles, academic performance and life-long skills. Revenue plays a key part in the scope and size of each program.
The following chart depicts the different types of NETS programs offered by the NJTL of Trenton:
NUTRITION PROGRAMS:
Serving Up Health:
A childhood obesity program, "Serving up Health," has been developed in cooperation with Capital Health, Acme Supervalu and sanofi-aventis US. Ten to fifteen children with obesity related health issues participate in a 12-week tennis, fitness and nutrition program. Family members are encouraged to participate during the tennis, nutrition and cooking portions of the program.
Healthy Feeding:
A free nutritional breakfast and/or lunch is served to the NJTLT children during the summer at our Trenton sites. A healthy snack is provided prior to each after-school program as well. In addition, children are engaged in regular dialogue about fitness goals by discussing healthy eating habits and proper exercise. Each summer, NJTLT supervisors attend a summer feeding training program.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
ACE
(Academic Creative Enrichment):
The ACE Program is an after-school or summer program that provides a safe, healthy
and academically enriched environment for at-risk children between the ages of 10 and 14.
It operates in partnership with the Trenton Public School District, the City
of Trenton, the PEAC Health and Fitness Club, Mercer County Recreation and
local universities. It typically runs two to three days per week from
October to June during the school year and five days per week during July
and August.
It provides a combination of tennis instruction, health education and
academic enrichment in the areas of science, math, literacy and computer
literacy skills. Life skills and job preparedness skills are stressed
throughout the program. The program takes place on site (school) and off site (tennis centers).
ACE graduates are hired to work as mentors and instructors.
First Serve:
NJTLT is
considered a First Serve Chapter In Development with USTA and the First
Serve organization (www.firstserve.org).
Currently, NJTLT participates in their National Student Athletic Competition
where report card & tournament results determine points earned throughout
the year for each of our Ashe Elite players. Points accumulate for 365 days
and National rankings are determined by points earned. The winners at
Competition Year End earn over $34,000 in annual college scholarship funds.
MITES (Mobile IT Education Support):
The MITES initiative, undertaken in 2006, has been extremely popular with the NJTLT population. Not only does it enhance and differentiate our existing NETS Program (see above), but it provides exciting opportunities for Trenton youth who may have little access to computer technology in their school system or at home. It supports the academic, tennis and nutritional education components by adding a “traveling” computer literacy program. This is accomplished by using laptop computers with age-appropriate software packages, computer hardware peripherals and related supplies. This unique initiative has enabled our Chapter to bring academic tutoring and mentoring skills to our participants in the classroom and at the tennis courts on a year-round basis. The summer camp program utilizes MITES to engage the youth in logical and critical-thinking skills; making learning fun while enhancing their computer literacy and thinking skills.
TENNIS
PROGRAMS:
After-School Short Court:
The NJTLT provides 22 weeks of short-court tennis (QuickStart format) for over 800 children at 20 after-school sites in the Trenton school district. The program runs in partnership with NJ After 3, the City of Trenton and the Trenton Public Schools. The program ends with the "Trenton Short Court Championship" tournament at the Sun Bank Arena. All-star teams are formed from each school and compete against each other during a one day event.
Summer Tennis:
Established in 1975, the NJTLT’s summer program initially began at one site
with 30 youngsters. It now operates at seven sites with over 800
children. The program runs for seven weeks (five days per week) during
the months of July and August - ending with a family tennis picnic
extravaganza. The summer program emphasizes character development and tennis
instruction. It provides QuickStart tennis
for younger players and
beginner to advanced training. Many additional opportunities are offered
throughout the summer - field trips, Regional Rallies,
US Open Kids Day trip, WTT matches, etc). Many city and local organizations collaborate and utilize
the program, such as the Trenton, Ewing, and Hamilton Recreation
Departments, CYO, Boy’s and Girl’s Club, daycare centers, and the YMCA. The NJTLT makes it a point to hire past participants
and positive role models to teach during the summer.
Ashe Elite Team:
The Ashe Elite Team is designed for children who exhibit an extraordinary talent for the sport of tennis. These participants are recruited for the Ashe Elite Team from other NJTLT programs because they demonstrate team work skills, responsible actions, a willingness to learn and hard work ethics. The children practice year round and compete in many Team Tennis leagues and events. In the past, our twelve-and-under Ashe Elite Team won the regional Team Tennis competition, which qualified them to play at the sectional event; more importantly, two of these players received the sportsmanship award at the event (voted by the players at the event). In addition, four Elite players were accepted to the National NJTL Leadership Camp (2005 Florida, 2007 Seattle, 2008 Washington) - one being voted "Best Attitude" at the camp!
Service Contracts:
NJTLT contracts with other agencies to provide tennis instruction within their own programs. For example, NJTLT provides tennis instruction and opportunities for ARC of Mercer, Villa Victoria Academy, Trenton Catholic Academy, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Ewing Township summer recreation camp and the City of Trenton recreation department.
Cardio Tennis:
NJTLT offers adult cardio tennis throughout most of the year. During the summer, parents of participants can take cardio tennis with free onsite babysitting. The program encourages health and fitness and it promotes more interaction of the adults with their children.
SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES:
Employment:
NJTLT has a commitment to identify and train participants to work for its organization. Year-round employment opportunities are provided to junior and senior staff. Over 80% of NJTLT staff are former participants that are hired directly from the programs. NJTLT covers the teaching certification costs of senior staff who then mentor and train their junior counterparts.
Academic Scholarships:
NJTLT offers three $5,000 academic scholarships to participants and staff, and
believe that this opportunity adds an incentive for participants to stay in
school and exhibit responsibility on and off the court. Most of these
students are applying for multi-year funding and also have returned in the
summer to work for the NJTLT to serve as mentors to our younger
participants.
