About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are NJTL’s funding sources?
A: Foundation Grants: 23 percent
Individual and Corporate Donors: 54 percent
Registration Fees: 23 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 date for 2012 has not yet been set.
Q: What is NJTL’s annual budget?
A: NJTL's 2012 budget is $190,535 which does not include in-kind services.
Q: How many children does NJTL serve?
A: More than 1,000 children participate in NJTL's summer program, and more than 300 NJTL youth participate in the winter program.
Q: What is the NJTL summer program?
A: The NJTL summer recreational tennis program is offered at Indy Parks and school locations 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 players from ages 7 to 10 and Tiny Tyke players age 5 to 6. Intermediate players participate in Team Tennis.
Q: Who founded NJTL and when?
A: Nationally, NJTL was founded by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell 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 (age 5 - 6) and beginner classes (for ages 7 - 10). 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 Steve Mackell at 429-9965.
Q: What is the cost for participants to play in NJTL's summer program?
A: $15 or $40, depending upon the site, for Tiny Tyke, Beginner and Intermediate players. Advanced classes are $60. 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: 15 different sites will be used for NJTL's 2012 Summer Program.
Q: How many reduced fee sites (where the fee is $15 for entire summer) does NJTL have?
A: 4 of the 15 sites are reduced fee sites during NJTL's 2012 Summer Program.
Q: What 3 sites had the highest number of participants in 2011?
A: Marian University, Lawrence North High School, and Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center.
Q: What are the ages of NJTL participants?
A: NJTL serves children age 5-18.
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 30 minutes each. Beginner 1 (ages 7-8) and Beginner 2 (ages 9-10) are 45 minutes in length. Beginner 3 (ages 11-18) and intermediate classes last one hour; 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. Heart healthy information is also taught using the Project 18 curriculum provided by Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent. 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 seven-week indoor winter tennis sessions from October to March for Tiny Tyke, beginner, intermediate and advanced players. This program is offered at Indianapolis Racquet Club East, West Indy Racquet Club, UIndy Tennis Center, and Carmel Racquet Club. Intermediate and advanced summer program participants are extended a reduced registration fee. Scholarships are available.
