The downturn in the economy coupled with the undeniable fact that tennis is an expensive sport has produced financial hardships for families with aspiring players. We strongly encourage parents to apply for the multitude of scholarships offered by various USTA entities. Below is a partial list of scholarships/grants that are underwritten by the USTA:
Individual High Performance Grants
Grants up to $750 are awarded to financially challenged junior players maintaining certain academic, sportsmanship and high performance success standards. These players receive financial assistance needed to cover expenses generated by participation in tennis tournaments within the United States or abroad. Applications are accepted year-round.
Click here for the individual application.
Camp Scholarships
The Mid-Atlantic Tennis & Education Foundation, the grant-giving arm of the USTA/Mid-Atlantic Section, partners with 4-Star Summer Camps at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia; William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia; and the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to provide an academic plus tennis summer experience to with household incomes under $60K.
The Camp Scholarship application will soon be made available on the MATEF website.
Diversity & Inclusion Junior Tournament Player Grant
In an effort to increase Multicultural participation in the section, USTA/Mid-Atlantic offers financial assistance to developing Junior tournament players who reside in the districts of Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.
Who is eligible for the Junior Tournament Player Grant?
– Athletes of ethnic or racial minority backgrounds, AND/OR
– Low income junior tennis players
– Wheelchair junior tennis players
Junior Tournament Player Grant Guidelines
– Grants up to $500 to developing junior tournament players. This grant is intended specifically for the emerging player (rankings below the Top 100 Nationally, but in the Top 200 in the Section)
– Funding will be based on the success level of the player in the previous year. Must be training and competing in tournaments year-round. Have a history of sectional tournament results.
– Players receiving this grant are required to serve as youth ambassadors for at least one event coordinated by section staff.
The application for the first cycle of this grant is due by this Sunday, March 31. The application for the second cycle of this grant is due by Sunday, June 30. You may fill out the application online.
Resources
Keep checking the USTA Mid-Atlantic website and the USTA website for notifications on upcoming scholarship and grant opportunities.
