Children of the Valley
USTA PNW awarded The Skagit Valley Tennis Association a 2024 $500 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grant to replicate the Children of the Valley Tennis Enrichment pilot program to attract, engage, and retain new generations of diverse tennis participants in Mount Vernon, Washington.
The tennis enrichment program was an 8-week series of after-school tennis lessons for 3rd - 5th grade participants at the Children of the Valley (COV) Mount Vernon WA campus. COV is a nonprofit, afterschool program for children in need. 100% of COV participants are enrolled in the National Free & Reduced Lunch program. Additional information about the organization is at www.childrenofthevalleymv.org. This population has historically been underserved by the tennis community and the USTA grant allowed SVTA to successfully generate interest and enthusiasm and help grow a new generation of tennis players in Mount Vernon.
The program provided exposure to tennis within a low income, predominately Hispanic community. The program engaged 15 children in 1 hour of tennis instruction, twice a week, for 8 weeks from September to November 2024. It provided 16 opportunities for the children to play tennis. For some, it was the first time many had ever held a tennis racquet. For others it was a chance to reinforce their tennis experience from last year when the tennis pilot was initiated.
The program cost $1000 to operate. The USTA Grant contributed $500 toward program expenses: $800 for a contractor to direct the program, three $25 volunteer stipends and $125 for a portable net. Balls and racquets were provided by Skagit Valley Tennis Association (SVTA). Natalie Scammell was re-hired to implement the program, 2 Mount Vernon High School Bulldogs and 1 Bulldog graduate were the volunteers. To support continued access to tennis, SVTA provided COV with a tennis equipment loan package including 8 junior racquets, 1 portable net, and tennis balls. This tennis loan package will be stored in the COV gym and COV staff will be prepared to distribute and manage tennis during regular gym periods. In addition, SVTA will be pursuing additional funding opportunities to replicate the program in the fall of 2025.
"It was so amazing to see the joy and growth the kids had while learning to play tennis through the SVTA’s tennis enrichment program. I enjoyed directing and hope the program continues!"
Natalie Scammell COV Tennis Enrichment Program Director
All parties were delighted to see how excited the kids were to learn how to play tennis, and there was significant interest from all parties in seeing this program continue in 2025.