One of a Kind

The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center

The first of its kind in Washington and a prototype for the nation, the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) is an excellent example of how the private and public sectors can work together with local community groups to promote common interests for the benefit of current and future generations. The SETLC represents a unique opportunity to encourage young people from the Washington Metropolitan Area to learn about the game of tennis in a nurturing environment. The SETLC has serves as a catalyst for community rebirth.

The facility has partnerships that work. Corporations, the local government, and individuals have stepped up to the net to serve an ace for the children we serve. The project has been embraced by the community in which it is located, and by the tennis community as a whole.

By building on established school and community partnerships we expect participation in tennis tournaments by residents and teachers. The complex is surrounded by nine public schools within a one-mile radius.

The Southeast Tennis & Learning Center represents a unique opportunity to encourage young people from the urban streets of the nation�s capital to learn about the game of tennis in a nurturing environment that combines opportunities for developing and applying:

• Good tennis skills in a secure setting that promotes excellence
• Sportsmanship and team play in a positive competitive atmosphere
• Good study habits and academic skills that can lead to better employment opportunities.

The Center nurtures a love for the game of tennis, develops self-respect and personal confidence, and provides participants with life-long skills and interests. It combines two highly respected activities to those in the business community � tennis and learning.

Situated in Southeast Washington, DC, the facility serves as a catalyst for community rebirth. Since the inception, and completion of a five million dollar capital campaign in 1999, the facility has gained tremendous support of corporate and government officials whose customers and constituents are fans of tennis and are committed to improving opportunities for inner-city youth interested in bettering themselves through self-development. The project also has been embraced by the community in which it is located, and by the tennis community as a whole.

Currently, over 200 children from an existing tennis program use our courts. Members of the community have access to the facility during non-school hours, so their is greater participation in the lives of the youth by parents and guardians.

Youth Tennis Program

Organized supervised instruction is mandatory for all levels of youth involvement. Tiny tots, beginners, advanced beginners, and intermediate and advanced tennis students receive instruction from coaches of various teams. When coaches are unable to accompany their student(s), the Tennis Coordinator selects one available from his roster and assigns him/her to a group(s). Prearranged scheduled instruction, drills, and clinics for all levels of play are ongoing at the Center.

All youth that participate in the Center's tennis programs are required to take part in the various services offered by the Learning Center (homework help, additional tutoring, college prep courses, computer instruction, etc.). All youth are required to provide copies of their report cards to the Learning Center teachers so that their academic requirements are met, as they learn the sport of tennis.

Tennis participants citywide who are involved in the youth tennis program benefit from the Center's communication and multi-media classroom. Students have opportunities, to view videotapes of their successes and failures in tennis, team matches, and national/international professional competitions.

Academic Programs

Creating an environment where children can succeed requires an investment in the tools necessary for academic success and an understanding of the requirements to be productive in a technological society. Our programs synergistically blend the learning, technology and tennis into a comprehensive curriculum that is based upon a contract between the participants and SETLC staff.

The commitment to learning includes:

• Daily tutoring
• SAT preparation
• Communication between home and school
• Access to Wiz Kidz Financial Literacy Club
• On-site values/character education and counseling
• Communications training
• Exposure to African American leaders.

Technology Programs

The state of the art computer labs have 27 computers available for use by the participants. Students are exposed to well a designed program of study. Some of the topics include:

• Windows Basics; Keyboard. mouse and interpreting the desktop
• Word Processing to organize and share information
• Desktop Publishing
• Database Basics
• Spreadsheets
• Use of the Internet

Recreation Center Facilities

Wellness and Fitness Center: This facility is used by all coaches with their students. The training facility has state of the art exercise equipment designed for overall physical development, which is critical to optimize youth development and to maintain adult fitness.

Tennis Pro Shop: Limited tennis merchandise is stocked in the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center Pro Shop. A supply of new balls and loaner rackets are available for purchase and rental use. A stringing machine for stringing rackets is available as part of the Pro Shop's operation.

Tournaments: Tournaments are an integral part of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. The Center's Director oversees all aspects of tournament activities. The Director selects and appoints the Tournament committee and a Tournament Chairperson and an Event Chairperson.

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TENNISZINE

The Newsmagazine of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center

Tenniszine

The Newsmagazine of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center

TENNISZINE

The Newsmagazine of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center

TENNISZINE

The Newsmagazine of the Southeast Tennnis and Learning Center

TENNISZINE