What Programs does MCTEF Support?

MCTEF supports a wide array of program offerings, including:

• Outreach T.E.A.M. (Tennis Education And Mentoring) program: MCTEF supports MCTA's break-through outreach initiative to downcounty youth, principally Latinos and African-Americans. This program, operated in partnership with the Montgomery County Parks Department, Recreation Department, and public schools system combines after-school leadership skills training, life skills development, and supervised study hall, with on-court tennis instruction at the Wheaton Indoor Tennis Facility or other local community venues.
  
• After-School Tennis Clubs at MCPS Middle Schools: Working in furtherance of the County's initiative to provide after-school programming at all middle schools, MCTEF offers scholarship support to children in need to offset costs of participation in After-School Tennis Club programs.
  
• NJTL Chapters: NJTL is a USTA-sponsored national network of community tennis organizations seeking to develop the character of young people through tennis and education, with an emphasis on outreach to urban youth populations that otherwise would not be exposed to tennis. The program was founded in 1969 by tennis legend Arthur Ashe. USTA manages the annual "Arthur Ashe Essay Contest" competition, which is open to all NJTL Chapters. Agre-group contest winners receive national recognition including a free trip to the US OPEN. MCTEF provides infrastructure support for the development of new NJTL Chapters in Montgomery County.
  
• Junior Team Tennis (JTT) leagues for youth: MCTEF sponsors youth participation in MCTA's Fall, Winter, and Summer session Junior Team Tennis league programs. The Fall and Winter JTT sessions offer separate, 10-week seasons for fun, team-oriented tennis competition culminating in a year-end local tennis party and awards ceremony. The Summer JTT program adheres to the USTA national "championship track" format and offers local league winners the opportunity to advance to State (District), Regional (Section), and National JTT championship team competition.
  
• Trainings for parents/volunteers to become tennis coaches: MCTEF offers Recreational Coaches Workshops (RCW's) on a quarterly basis to train parents, coaches, and interested volunteers in the games-based approach to teaching/coaching tennis for large groups. Parents of JTT players are encouraged to attend an RCW so as to better assist in team practice sessions. RCW graduates also form the core group from which After-School Tennis Club instructors are selected.
  
• Tennis in the Parks and Schools (TIPS): MCTEF offers scholarship assistance to children who register for tennis programs offered jointly by MCTA and the County Parks Department.

In addition, MCTEF welcomes program proposals from other tennis providers who share MCTEF's mission and goals. We are always willing to explore collaborative projects or program grant awards (subject to funding availability).