For more than 50 years, the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP) has brought the sport of tennis to youth ages 5 to 18 from high-risk, low-income neighborhoods in New York City. In addition to the benefits that sport brings, such as discipline, focus, and healthy living, HJTEP also offers educational programming, which will be spotlighted during the organization’s annual gala on May 11.
“I think HJTEP is above the curve,” said HJTEP education director Renee Campbell, who has been with the organization since 2018. “[We see] the connection between sport and education, and also execute a pathway for students to be able to manage both.”
Athletic output is only a portion of the process. Integrating education has helped identify inputs that enhance the output. Campbell explained that sports and education cover two different portions of development. Blending the two helps a young person with identity development as opposed to trying to fit into a mold.
“The rooted work with identity helps them remain whole along their journey, no matter what space they walk into,” said Campbell. “The education side helps develop their cognition. Then, on the court, they’re able to turn that into discipline consistently.”
All HJTEP participants go through a diagnostic so Campbell gets a sense of who they are and how they function. She also speaks with their families. From there, programs are built for each individual. Some kids may need academic support, while others may be honor roll students who need strategies to feel less stressed. “The core of our holistic model is to make sure they can function and be happy individuals,” Campbell said.
This year’s gala honorees include former NBA All-Star Joakim Noah, whose father is tennis champion Yannick Noah and who will be honored with the Shining Star Award in recognition of his longtime support of HJTEP. More information about HJTEP and this year’s gala is available at HJTEP.org.Campbell attends the gala each year and looks forward to the speeches from the graduating seniors. This year, there are seven seniors, all of whom have received college acceptances. “I have the benefit of watching their full growth arc,” she said. “For them to articulate their journeys … in a way that allows them to walk into their new presence is really beautiful. I also enjoy watching all of the donors be able to see what I see every day in the classroom.”