In 2009, recognizing the critical issues of truancy and low graduation rates among youth of color in Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County, JTCC launched the Neighborhood Youth Outreach (NYO) Program. This initiative delivers free, weekly, eight-week after-school sessions at schools and recreation centers in underserved communities across Washington, D.C., Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County.
To date, NYO has reached over 7,500 children, providing a comprehensive program that combines tennis instruction with academic and healthy lifestyle enrichment. Currently, 50% of NYO sites integrate academic enrichment, reinforcing math, reading, and writing skills through tennis-related activities. Examples include analyzing the legacy of tennis legend and civil rights activist Arthur Ashe, creative writing exercises, designing tennis equipment, and exploring the geometry of the tennis court.
