About Us
An urban youth enrichment program built on education and tennis.
First Serve Bridgeport is a USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapter that provides a path to success for children living in Bridgeport, CT. Through academic tutoring, mentoring, college support and tennis, kids gain educational enrichment and life-skills that serve them now and in the future.
Our mission
Positive role models, real academic support, and a pathway to higher education.
First Serve Bridgeport combines academic tutoring, mentoring, on-court instruction and competitive play. Our kids gain exposure to positive adult role models and opportunities for higher education. Our goal is for them to compete on their high school varsity tennis teams, perform academically, and be assets to their communities.
Bridgeport is Connecticut's largest city, and it has been estimated that 37.6% of children here live in poverty. Roughly two-thirds live at less than double the federal poverty level — considered by many to be the minimum needed to meet basic family needs in this area.
First Serve Bridgeport and our partner programs deliver high-quality academic tutoring in math, science, reading and writing, plus mentoring, books and computers — all in a safe and productive environment.
We've also partnered with Bridgeport's high school varsity tennis teams, providing outdoor and indoor coaching to over 50 student athletes. With a lean staff, dedicated volunteers, and efficient alliances, we squeeze effective programming out of every dollar. Your support makes it all happen.
How we impact
With tennis as the platform, we enrich lives through three key deliverables.
Academics
After-school academic support, tutoring in math, science, reading and writing, and a college advisory program that guides students through applications and financial aid.
Tennis
Free year-round instruction and competitive play, indoors and out — including coaching for more than 50 Bridgeport high school varsity student athletes.
Mentorship & Life Skills
Consistent adult role models who teach teamwork, compassion, accountability, and respect — the skills that carry students well beyond the court.
"Youth who play tennis get higher grades in school, are better behaved, and are less prone to risky behaviors."
— USTA Foundation Research Survey
Leadership
