Education
grassroots helps kids play to win in the classroom.
At Grassroots, we work with kids to achieve success both on and off the court. Our youth center serves as a supportive setting for program participants to get homework help, expand their knowledge through academic enrichment and receive college search guidance, financial aid and scholarship assistance and support.
Staff and volunteers support kids' academic development in several ways:
Social, Emotional & Character Development
- Intentional curriculum that builds the 5 components of
social-emotional learning: self-awareness, self-management,
responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social
awareness.
- Project-based activities and team-building opportunities to
practice development skills.
Leadership
- Exploration, cultivation and application of personal
leadership styles, habits and behaviors.
- Civic engagement experience within the community.
- Junior Coach pathway that provides leadership development
and job readiness opportunities, along with a paying job.
College & Career Readiness
- Sequential curriculum that guides student-athletes through
exploring, identifying, and achieving a plan for college
and/or career goals.
- Engagement and exposure with businesses, colleges and
other partners to connect with student-athletes for virtual
tours and meetings, mock interviews, resume and essay
writing, financial literacy, and other skill-building and
networking-building experiences.
- Academic tutoring and support.
Arthur Ashe Essay Contest
Annual contest with themes from the life of Arthur Ashe has produced seven Grassroots' Northeast Regional winners in 2012 and two National winners in 2011.
A.C.E Curriculum
The USTA Academic Creative Engagement™ (A.C.E.) combines the sport of tennis with experiential activities that advance educational outcomes as well as problem-solving and decision-making strategies while promoting teamwork and family involvement.
