USTA Serves - Foundation for Academics. Character. Excellence. is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to support, monitor and promote programs that enhance the lives of underserved children through the integration of tennis and education. It encourages children to pursue their goals and highest dreams by succeeding in school and becoming responsible citizens, targeting youngsters from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

The Player Incentive Award is a one time, nonrenewable grant of $500. Its purpose is to encourage the development of USTA youth tennis program participants with great potential and a commitment to academic excellence.

Qualifications

The applicant must:

• currently be enrolled in grades 6-11;
• show financial need for all tennis related fees;
• demonstrate a strong commitment to academic achievement;
• be a participant in a USTA youth tennis program; and,
• be a middle school player with high school varsity team potential or high school varsity player.

Awards
1. Each recipient of an Incentive Award is eligible to receive a total of $500 for one year.
2. Each recipient is expected to use the award for expenses such as tournament fees, indoor/winter lessons, summer tennis programs, and/or fees for participation in USTA and other tennis organization programs.
3. The player incentive award will be paid directly to the USTA program (or sponsoring organization) which is to disburse funds for the recipient’s approved expenses.

Application Process
Applicants will assemble and submit, in one envelope, their application and supporting documents. The recommendation form is to be returned to the applicant in a sealed envelope with the endorser’s signature over the seal. Applicants will enclose the sealed and signed envelope with their application in one envelope and mail it to their USTA Section office. All applications must be postmarked no later than February 9, 2009 and submitted materials become the property of USTA Serves. Please read all directions and print clearly. Failure to follow these directions may prevent an application from being reviewed by the Scholarship Committee.

Three forms are required:
1) A typed and signed application from the candidate and their parent/guardian;
2) A copy of the student’s most recent report card;
3) A recommendation from the applicant’s tennis coach or pro.

2009 Player Incentive Award Application


USTA Serves
2008 Player Incentive Award winners:

• Justin Chan, Sunnyvale, CA
• Tommy Truong, San Diego, CA
• Bridget Doyle, Mendota Hts., MN
• Roque Azpurua, Pompano Beach, FL
• Cierra Pierson, Louisville, KY
• Ethan Vaughn, Spokane, WA
• Michael Fitzgerald, Grosse Ile, MI
• Madelyn Weltzin, Boise, ID
• Maurice Colbert, Tulsa, OK
• Chris Mouzakitis, Jamaica, NY