NJTL Thursday Highlight: Empowering Detroit Youth with Accelerate4KIDS

Our first NJTL Thursday highlight, we are focusing on one of our 2025 MTEF Grant recipients; a foundation that has been empowering young players since 2019 Accelerate4KIDS Foundation (also known as Accelerate4KIDS) based out of Detroit, Michigan. They are dedicated to enhancing accessibility and equity in computer science and STEM education for all youth, also offering programs like Tennis 101 and Tennis & Tech™, where they blend sports and technology education. More of their education includes robotics, game design, computer science, and digital arts, while teaching skills like creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and social emotional learning.

The USTA MTEF Grant would allow Accelerate4KIDS to enhance its Tennis 101 and Tennis & Tech Summer Camp, serving 60 youth from underserved communities in Detroit. With about 30% of local students lacking access to quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, this program provides a unique opportunity to combine athletic and academic growth. Accelerate4KIDS serves a diverse group of youth, providing innovative educational opportunities that support personal development and open doors to future careers in STEM.

This funding would help expand the curriculum, would help to introduce more advanced tech learning, and ensure every participant receives proper tennis instruction and equipment. Scholarships for at least 40% of students would also help eliminate financial barriers most in this area deal with, which will make the camp accessible to those who need it most. By blending tennis with hands-on tech experiences, the program encourages students to explore future careers in both sports and STEM fields where job growth continues to rise. Beyond enhancing the camp, the grant would give these young people the tools and confidence to explore careers in technology and sports. 

“Being part of this great Accelerate4KIDS program in our community is a blessing, as we don’t have these kinds of programs in Southwest where our children can learn a sport and technology at the same time…”

 “It’s very important for young people, who will be all about technology in the future. Thank you, Mr. Tran, for considering our community and taking your time to help our children love tennis and develop discipline.”

– Testimonial by Nori Rick, mother of Camila, a Tennis & Tech youth in Southeast Detroit, 2025

If you believe in the power of combining education and sport to transform lives, we invite you to support the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation. Your donation will help fund impactful programs like Accelerate4KIDS, providing scholarships, equipment, and access to high-quality tennis and STEM education for youth in underserved communities. 🌟

Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mtefdonationform/ to make a contribution today and help shape brighter futures through learning and play.

To learn more about Accelerate4KIDS please visit their website https://www.accelerate4kids.org/