Thirty-four Bronx 7th graders took a big step on their journeys to college on Monday, October 5, at NYJTL’s Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning.
It was the students’ first day of after-school tutoring and mentoring in a college access program run by nonprofit organization, Breakthrough New York (BTNY). Through a new partnership between NYJTL and BTNY, the Cary Leeds Center is serving as the third site for BTNY’s year-round program. 
“This inaugural day represents two community-based organizations coming together in a partnership to best serve students on and off the court in their home community,” said Jessica Kruskamp, NYJTL’s Senior Director of Education. “The excitement of our students was thrilling and motivating.”
BTNY transforms the lives of motivated, low-income students by shepherding them to and through college with services that include academic support, test prep, and guidance through the high school and college application processes. The program serves over 350 students each year at sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn and now the Bronx.
Demand for NYJTL and BTNY’s free services is steep in the South Bronx, one of the poorest congressional districts in the country. NYJTL is delighted to host BTNY in the Cary Leeds Center’s state-of-the-art classroom space, as well as collaborate with BTNY to provide services on and off the court.
Two days a week after school, the students will receive an hour of tennis instruction from NYJTL coaches before heading into the classroom for academic support. Next summer, the Cary Leeds Center will host over 60 BTNY students for a six-week program of intensive learning and tennis.
BTNY students can also sign up – for free – to NYJTL’s Community Tennis Programs throughout the year to receive additional training.
“Through this partnership NYJTL, at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning, is hosting one of the highest quality academic and college preparation programs in the country,” said Kruskamp. “I’m really proud of BTNY, NYJTL and everyone’s dedication to the students.”