About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are NJTL’s funding sources?
A: Foundation Grants: 26 percent
Individual and Corporate Donors: 48 percent
Registration Fees: 26 percent
Q: What is NJTL’s fiscal year?
A: January 1st to December 31st
Q: What is NJTL’s major fundraising event each year?
A: Serving Tennis, Serving Youth fundraising celebration and auction.
The annual event will be held November 14, 2010 (tentatively).
Q: What is NJTL’s annual budget?
A: NJTL's 2010 budget is $225,765.
Q: How many children does NJTL serve?
A: More than 1,600 children participate in NJTL's summer program, and more than 200 NJTL youth participate in the winter program. Approximately 20 youth participate in NJTL's after-school program.
Q: What is the NJTL summer program?
A: The NJTL summer recreational tennis program is offered at 18 Indy Parks and schools for 8 weeks during the summer for a nominal fee (either $15 or $40, depending upon the site). Scholarships are awarded, and no child is turned away due to an inability to pay. Participants are taught the fundamentals of tennis, play inter-site matches, and learn important healthy living and life skills. QuickStart is utilized with all beginner and Tiny Tyke players. Intermediate players participate in Team Tennis.
Q: Who founded NJTL and when?
A: Nationally, NJTL was founded by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Passarel and Sheridan Snyder in 1969 in New York. Barbara Wynne founded the Indianapolis chapter in 1973.
Q: What is the geographic scope of NJTL of Indianapolis?
A: Marion County, although many children from outside the county participate in NJTL.
Q: What tennis teaching methods does NJTL use?
A: NJTL staff is trained by a USTA cerified trainer.
NJTL uses QuickStart for Tiny Tykes and beginner classes.
Intermediate classes combine lessons with Team Tennis match play.
Q: Who is on the board of directors?
A: Click here to see a list of the board of directors.
Q: Does NJTL collaborate with others in the community?
A: NJTL collaborates with approximately 25 youth-serving organizations each summer.
If you are interested in signing up your daycare or children at your community center, please contact Kristen Smith at 429-9965.
Q: What is the cost for participants to play in NJTL?
A: $15 or $40, depending upon the site. Collaborating youth-serving organizations pay $15 per child, regardless of location.
Scholarships are available, and no child is turned away due to inability to pay.
Q: How many program sites does NJTL operate in the summer?
A: 18. Click here for details.
Q: How many reduced fee sites (where the fee is $15 for entire summer) does NJTL have?
A: 6. Click here for details.
Q: What 3 parks had the highest number of participants in 2009?
A: Perry Park, Sahm Park, and Tarkington Park
Q: What are the ages of NJTL participants?
A: Tiny Tyke classes: 5 to 6 years old (children must be age 5 by June 9, 2010).
Beginner, intermediate and advanced classes: 7 to 18 years old (children must be age 7 by June 9, 2010).
Q: What is the frequency and duration of lessons for the summer program?
A: Classes are held twice per week (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday).
Tiny Tyke lessons are 45-minutes each. Beginner and intermediate classes last one hour, and advanced players play for two hours.
In addition, matches are held on most Fridays.
Q: What supplies do NJTL participants need?
A: Participants should wear appropriate attire, tennis shoes and bring water. NJTL provides loaner tennis racquets and balls for all participants. Each participant also receives a free T-shirt.
Q: What educational components does NJTL offer?
A: All NJTL sites have an educational component within the summer tennis curriculum. NJTL’s staff is trained to incorporate life skills and administer the Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest. NJTL also collaborates with the American Heart Association to incorporate healthy living activities into the tennis program. All educational components are at no additional cost to participants.
Q: What educational topics are taught by NJTL instructors?
A: Effective communication, decision-making, sportsmanship, teamwork, healthy life-style choices, safety, and respect.
Q: Does NJTL offer other programs in addition to the summer program?
A: NJTL also offers two eight-week indoor winter tennis sessions from October to March for intermediate and advanced players. This program is offered at Indianapolis Racquet Club East, the Indianapolis Tennis Center, and West Indy Racquet Club, UIndy Tennis Center. Summer program participants are extended a reduced registration fee. Scholarships are available.
