President's Message

The Tennis Opportunity Program, Inc. (TOP) is a small independent 501(c)(3) organization that provides focused, and intensive support to an underserved, at-risk youth population in the Chicago area.  Founded in 1989, the TOP board has shifted the program’s focus from introducing large numbers of children to tennis to that of establishing a strong, in-depth program that features a repertoire of proven activities and verifiable results. 

Our mission is to provide opportunity for low-income Chicago-area youth to become exceptional individuals in tennis, academics, and personal development. We offer a year-round program that focuses on the development of the whole child rather than a set of specific sport skills and we make a sustained commitment to guide participants from program entry through college admission. Our program is individualized and includes academic support, mentoring, tutoring, counseling, college seminars and visits, fitness training, and intensive tennis instruction. This approach empowers our participants to achieve true success, as students, tennis players, and world-class citizens. We are proud that our youth are accepted by and graduate from well-respected colleges. We remain committed to providing financial support and opportunity for children who are talented, but lack economic resources.

Over the years, we have become more efficient in implementing and monitoring our program components. For example, we have increased relationships with those who understand and support our mission and goals and we are more involved with the students and their families. In addition, we have formalized our selection process, tournament entry, and the evaluation of on and off-court objectives. We continue to enforce standards of maintaining a minimum “B” average, acceptable attendance rates, and respect for the game.
In 2008, we saw our first TOP grads become college grads. They were all recipients of full academic and/or tennis scholarships. This year, one of these grads came full circle and became a TOP board member.  More TOP success stories ... 
Today, TOP is strengthening its growth of the past years, with a commitment toward improving program quality and effectiveness and increasing participation. Growth brings many rewards and accompanying challenges. We hope that you will stay in touch with us and make a conscious choice to contribute to the success of the boys and girls of TOP, in any way you can.
 
Henrietta C. West, President

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