By Rita Maloof, ALTA Foundation President
ALTA members know the backbone or our organization stems from the tremendous work ethic of our volunteers. They give their time and effort to help captains and players experience fun, competition, and friendships that come along with it. Giving is key to our organization. One way you give is through the purchase of your ALTA membership. A percentage of those annual dues is shared with the ALTA Foundation, which is planning an even bigger and better year in 2022.
The ALTA Foundation was formed in 1986 to promote health, character, sportsmanship, and responsible citizenship utilizing the game of tennis to support the community. The generosity of your membership allows the foundation to not only assist amateur athletes, but to offer financial support of programs for the disadvantaged and for those who are physically and mentally challenged. Programs will continue to be funded throughout 2022. We are delighted to kick off the year with the L. Keith Wood Scholarship Program and the START Program.
2022 L. Keith Wood Scholarship Program is now accepting applications!
The ALTA Foundation is excited to once again offer graduating high school students who have participated in the ALTA Junior Leagues, and/or the ALTA Junior Challenge Ladder, and/or the ALTA START program an opportunity to receive a $2,500 scholarship to an accredited college, university or technical school of their choice. Eight recipients who have a passion for the game of tennis and represent the community spirit of ALTA will be selected from applications submitted. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply.
Award Timeline:
- Applications will be accepted starting on Feb. 14, 2022.
- The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 15, 2022.
- Winners will be announced Friday, May 6, 2022, via the ALTA website, social media, and membership email.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have played at least one year (2 seasons) in the ALTA Junior Leagues, and/or one year in the ALTA Junior Challenge Ladder, and/or one year on an ALTA START High School Team
- Be a graduating Georgia high school student from a public, private or home school institution, and pursuing a post-secondary education in the fall of 2022
- Be a legal resident of Georgia and a U.S. citizen
- Relatives of current/recent (past 4 years) ALTA Executive Committee, ALTA Board of Directors, and the ALTA Foundation are ineligible.
Selection Criteria:
- Display of passion for the game of tennis
- Confirmation of scholastic ability and intellectual curiosity
- Evidence of leadership and involvement
- Service to community
- Outstanding character
For more information, visit altatennis.org/AltaFoundation.aspx
OFF TO A FAST START!
With GHSA spring sports under way, the ALTA Foundation START (Support for Teaching Atlanta Recreational Tennis) Program teams are in the spotlight. Joining our original Cobb County Title 1 pilot schools, Pebblebrook High School and Osborne High School, we welcome:
South Gwinnett High School
Snellville, GA
Coach: Lydia Munoz
Tennis Program: Varsity and JV-Boys and Girls
Projected # of Players: 24
Mascot: Comets
According to Coach Munoz, “Funding from this START grant would impact our tennis program by allowing us to have the funds to hire a certified community coach. Most of our students started learning how to play tennis in high school, so they would benefit greatly from having a professional who can help newer players learn basic strokes and skills as well as improve the game play of more experienced players.”
Southwest DeKalb High School
Decatur, GA
Coach: Lance Davenport
Tennis Program: Varsity and JV-Boys and Girls
Projected # of Players: 32
Mascot: Panthers
“The START grant allows us to immediately purchase some much-needed equipment, such as balls and ball hoppers, maybe even a ball machine, and help offset the cost of uniform purchases. We don’t have a booster club and being able to offer a stipend to community coaches would be huge,” says Coach Davenport.
Best of luck to all four schools in region play!
In recognition of the additional resources needed in Title I high schools for tennis, grants are available to provide funding for supplemental tennis needs, including coaching certifications, coaching stipends, and equipment needs.
More information and applications for the ALTA Foundation START program can be found at by contacting foundationpresident@altatennis.org.
