Teaching professional recovery grants

May 14, 2020

The USTA is pleased to announce the details of the $4 million initiative to help support Certified Tennis Teaching Professionals as they seek to recover from the impact of COVID-19. The creation of this grant program was announced on April 16, as part of a larger comprehensive suite of programs to support the tennis industry.

 

These grants will cover the 2021 dues of all certified teaching professionals in good standing with USTA accredited teaching professional organizations who meet the designated requirements. At this time, the USPTA and PTR are the only USTA accredited teaching professional organizations. These payments will be made on behalf of the teaching professional directly to the accredited teaching professional organization.  

“These grants focus on one of the USTA’s strategic initiatives, to lead industry-wide improvements to the tennis delivery system, provider education and consumer experience,” said Mike Dowse, USTA CEO and Executive Director. “Teaching professionals have always been our industry’s front line in growing tennis participation. These grants will not only defer costs for teaching professionals, but reward those pros who are committed to Safe Play and continually improving the consumer experience through their own ongoing education.”

 

To ensure that the dollars make the greatest impact and go to qualified recipients, applicants must be members of a USTA accredited teaching professional organization. USTA accredited teaching organizations are committed to raising standards for all teaching professionals and, in doing so, elevating the experience of those playing the game at the grassroots level.  

 

Teaching professionals will qualify for these grants by meeting the following criteria:

  • Being a member in good standing with a USTA accredited teaching professional organization in 2019 and/or 2020 and actively teaching tennis in the U.S.
  • Completing the online curriculum for Safe Play Training and background screen by Oct. 1, 2020
  • Completing a percentage of their continuing education units by Oct. 1, 2020
  • Committing to helping rebuild our industry by offering an introductory program for youth or adults in 2021

 

The USPTA and PTR have worked together with the USTA to ensure:

  • Alignment around common nomenclature for certification levels
    • Level 1: Certified Tennis Instructor
    • Level 2: Certified Tennis Professional
  • Development of uniform standards for certification levels including:
    • Required face-to-face workshops during 2020 and 2021
    • Existing and expanded online courses 
    • Hands-on-Learning

 

The USPTA and PTR will verify that all requirements have been met by members as part of the renewal process, and will then supply the USTA with the roster of qualified members who have met the criteria.
 

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