In 1969, tennis pioneer Arthur Ashe co-founded the National Junior Tennis & Learning network alongside longtime tennis greats Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder. The three friends shared a powerful vision: to use tennis as a platform to teach life skills, open doors, and expand possibilities for young people, especially those in inner-city and under-resourced communities. They believed that tennis could be a vehicle not only for sport, but for character development, leadership, academic excellence, and lifelong growth.

The goals established at NJTL’s founding continue to guide the network today: providing all kids, regardless of income, race, or gender, the opportunity to fully develop their tennis skills; instilling the values of education, opportunity, and equity; and ensuring young people can experience the benefits of the sport for a lifetime.

In 2014, the NJTL network officially became part of the USTA Foundation, further strengthening its reach and impact. NJTL chapters receive support through Foundation grants such as the Program and Capacity Building grant, as well as access to national initiatives including scholarships, Excellence Teams, the ACE Curriculum, the USTA Foundation Essay Contest, and participation in Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the US Open.