Player Scholarships

USTA Northern realizes the need for funding to support aspiring tennis players without the means to reach their full potential. To assist with your search for support, we put together this comprehensive list of players scholarships that are available through the USTA Family. For information about grants to support community tennis programs and initiatives, please visit our funding & support page . 

• Ottum Fund for Player Development : Scholarships range from $250 - $500, depending on the need and situation.  Funds can be used toward tournament entry fees, travel costs (airfare, hotel) and in some cases, lesson/coaching fees.  Requests are made via a personal letter outlining needs. Submit all inquiries to Colbert@northern.usta.com . Approximately 2-3 scholarships are awarded annually.

• USTA Northern Diversity Individual Player Grant:   Available to assist players of ethnically diverse heritage in pursuing their tennis related interests. Applicant must demonstrate a financial need, be 10 to 16 years of age, a USTA member, and have a section ranking or anticipate having one in 2010. Scholarships range from $300 - $700 and must be used for tournament entry fees, tennis equipment and attire, coaching fees, or training programs/camps.  First time applicants will be give priority over previous recipients. For information, contact Tony Stingley at stingley@northern.usta.com . 

• USTA Northern Tennis Camp Scholarship : Awarded to a male or female player age 14 or younger that demonstrates both a financial need and commitment to tennis. Player must receive an endorsement from his/her tennis coach in order to be eligible. Recipient receives a scholarship to attend a camp located within USTA Northern. Deadline is May 1, 2010. For more info, contact Tony Stingley at Stingley@northern.usta.com .

• USTA Multicultural Individual Player Grant for National Competition and Training: This grant is for competitive junior tennis players who have a top 100 national ranking and are aspiring to achieve a national and/or international ranking. The player must be training and competing in tournaments year-round and have a history of strong national tournament results. Grants are for one year and range between $1,500 and $10,000. Applications due January 15, 2010 to USTA Northern.

• Althea Gibson Leadership Grant:   This grant is for competitive junior tennis players who have a top 100 national ranking and are aspiring to achieve a national and/or international ranking. The player must be training and competing in tournaments year-round and have a history of strong national tournament results. Two grants awarded nationwide for $2,500 each. Applications due December 31, 2009 to USTA. For more information, contact Tony Stingley at Stingley@northern.usta.com .

• Okechi Womeodu Scholar Athlete Grant: Rewards players who work to excel as much in the classroom as in sports. Must be training and competing in tournaments year-round, have a history of strong national tournament results and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Two grants awarded nationwide for $5,000 each. Applications due to USTA by December 31, 2009. For information, contact Tony Stingley at Stingley@northern.usta.com .

• Pancho Gonzalez Scholar-Athlete Grant: Must be on Latino or Hispanic heritage. Based on a number of factors including the success of the player in the previous year (e.g., end-of-the-year USTA rankings, performance in national and international tournaments, etc.) and recommendations/commentary about the individual’s team spirit and leadership qualities. The grant funding is intended to be awarded to junior player(s) aspiring to achieve a national and/or international ranking. The recipient(s) should have a history of strong national tournament results. Application deadline is December 31, 2009. For more information, please contact Tony Stingley at stingley@northern.usta.com .

• USTA Serves College Scholarship Program: A variety of college scholarships are available to high school seniors that demonstrate academic excellence, participate in tennis programming, and demonstrate a financial need.  Scholarship amounts range from $500 - $10,000. Application deadline is February 5, 2010.  Recipients will be notified by May 1.  For more information, please contact Tony Stingley at stingley@northern.usta.com or visit the USTA Serves webpage . 

• USTA Serves Player Incentive Award: This award is a one-time, nonrenewable grant of $500 that can be used for tournament entry fees, indoor/winter lessons, summer tennis programs, and/or fees for participation in USTA and other tennis organization programs. Awards are given to students that have the potential to play high school varsity tennis or that are currently on a varsity team. Multiple grants available across the nation. Application deadline is February 5, 2010. Visit the USTA Serves webpage  for more information.

• NJTL Tennis and Leadership Camp Scholarship:  Provides an educational tennis experience for NJTL participants who otherwise could not afford such an opportunity. The weeklong session emphasizes character and leadership development, good sportsmanship, physical fitness, proper nutrition, and other healthy attitudes. Must be a current NJTL participant; 12-14 years of age; within the JNTRP's skill rating level of 3.0-4.5. Spring application deadline for participation in a summer camp. For more information, contact Tony Stingley at stingley@northern.usta.com .

• Liberty Mutual Northern Stars Junior Scholarship:  The Liberty Mutual Northern Stars Junior Scholarship Fund is a one time, nonrenewable grant of $500 to one junior female and male in the Northern Section. Its purpose is to encourage the development of USTA Northern youth tennis program participants with great potential and a commitment to academic excellence. The deadline for submission of scholarship applications is [postmarked by] February 1, 2010. For an application form, click here .

Additional scholarship opportunities may become available throughout the year.  If you are unsure about your eligibility for a particular scholarship or are in need of additional information, please contact Tony Stingley at Stingley@northern.usta.com or 952-358-3289.