About NYJTL

New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) is the largest tennis and education-themed community organization in the United States and offers comprehensive school and community based programs throughout New York City’s five boroughs reaching more than 75,000 youth from ages 6-18.

For 40 years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning has pursued this mission by bringing the joys of tennis and education to underserved children. Together, we are changing the lives of inner-city children through the sport of tennis, providing them with the necessary tools to excel on and off the tennis court.

Free Programs And Special Events

NYJTL’s free programs include: Aces Clubs After-School Program, Advanced Training Program, Arthur Ashe Educational Guidance Program, Community Tennis Program and the Schoolyard Tennis Program.

In addition, NYJTL stages the Mayor's Cup All-Scholastic Tennis Tournament held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the EmblemHealth Bronx Open which includes the EmblemHealth National Junior Doubles held at Crotona Park, and the QuickStart Tennis Championships held at Crotona Park, The Bronx.

NYJTL's free programs and services for New York City youth are made possible in part by fundraising events including Doubes By The Dunes in the Hamptons, Summer Gala With The Stars at the Central Park Boathouse, Awards Luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and the Diamond Doubles Round-Robin Tournament at Citiview Racquet Club. 

Mission Statement

To develop the character of young people through tennis, emphasizing the ideals and life of Arthur Ashe in the following ways:

• Reaching out to young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn and play tennis
• Instilling the values of humanitarianism, leadership and academic excellence
• Introducing the opportunity to fully develop their tennis skills and competitive potential for a lifetime of enjoyment

History

New York Junior Tennis & Learning was formed through the visionary leadership of Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Lewis "Skip" Hartman. Following the groundwork set by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell, and Sheridan Snyder in 1969, New York Junior Tennis & Learning was formed by Skip and Arthur Ashe in 1971 along with Gene Scott, Bill Shelton, and Erich Werner.

The words of Arthur Ashe are memorialized around his bronze statue outside of the stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “From what we get, we can make a living. What we give; however, makes a life.”