A USTA Florida Foundation Program Support Grant has been instrumental in enhancing BLI Learning Labs’ Healthy Minds and Bodies tennis program. This was launched at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center, serving children aged 7-12, with many kids who benefit from a unique blend of tennis and academic enrichment aimed at fostering holistic growth. 

The Healthy Minds and Bodies program offers children at least four hours of private tutoring per week, quarterly assessments, afterschool tennis lessons, and healthy snacks and meals, all at no cost to the families. Children in the program are expected to commit fully by enrolling for the year, maintaining no more than two unexcused absences, and attending at least two quarterly family events, ensuring not only their academic and physical growth but also family engagement in their learning journey. 

The impact of the Healthy Minds and Bodies initiative is especially profound in the St. Petersburg community. This area has a high number of under-resourced public schools, known as “Transformation Zone” schools, which face significant challenges in providing proper educational resources and physical activity. Additionally, BLI Learning Labs aims to help children achieve grade-level reading and gain valuable life skills, including discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, while instilling a love for tennis.  

The program, now entering its fifth year, continues to thrive. In addition to academic and athletic growth, the program includes a STEAM enrichment component where students engage in graphic design and puzzle-making, further fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. 

The grant, provided by the USTA Florida Foundation, supports essential elements of the program, and helps it thrive in for all those it serves. 

To help aid these grants, you can donate to the Foundation in multiple ways. The USTA Florida Foundation “Play Tennis” License Plate is a great way to show your tennis pride, with 90% of all proceeds going to the Foundation. Also, in honor of USTA Florida’s 75th year as an organization, the Foundation has a goal to raise $75,000 for 75 years!      

ABOUT THE USTA FLORIDA FOUNDATION 

With a mission of “Changing Lives through Tennis,” the USTA Florida Section Foundation provides financial support to organizations that help people of all ages and abilities improve their health and quality of life through the great game of tennis. To learn more about grants, visit ustafloridafoundation.com/apply.