Staff and Students Support Local Summer Program

This summer, students from Seton Hall's College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) played a key role in co-leading a five-week educational program as part of the Greater Newark Tennis & Education (GNTE) summer initiative.

Working alongside Associate Dean Omayra Arocho, students Jayda S. Yizar, Tripti Bhambri, Thais Villarevia and Maria Roman helped create and deliver an engaging curriculum aimed at fostering the personal and academic growth of the young participants.

With a philosophy of putting all kids on a path toward greater educational opportunity and inspiring them to excel, GNTE was founded to curb the lack of access and exposure to quality tennis instruction for local children in the Newark area. The 501c-3 organization is dedicated to providing innovative tennis instruction that keeps kids engaged from their first moment on the court.

Under the leadership of renowned pro and Newark native Bob Bynum, instruction is woven into gameplay, helping students build skills and mastery while infusing a sense of joy, accomplishment and excitement around the sport. Through its partnership with Seton Hall, the GNTE summer program offers a corresponding educational component to foster whole-child development.

"This summer was full of highly engaged kids, parents, instructors and coaches," GNTE's Executive Director Karen Gruenberg said. "It was exciting to see the shared enthusiasm for the educational component of GNTE. The kids kept 'showing up', which is a true indicator of success."

Research shows a powerful connection between sports participation and academic success. Tennis provides foundational skills beyond the court: resilience, problem-solving, mastery of a skill, teamwork, integrity and self-reliance.

The curriculum provided by CHDCM staff and students was designed to help GNTE participants develop essential life skills through engaging and interactive lessons. Featuring a unique blend of topics, including communication and team building, students participated in dynamic activities that fostered personal growth, teamwork and a sense of community.

Students left the program with a toolkit of skills that will benefit them in school, social settings and personal endeavors. They gained confidence, built lasting friendships and discovered their inner heroes, ready to face any challenge with a positive attitude and a cooperative spirit.

"Honestly, it was a great experience overall," said GNTE counselor and Seton Hall student Tripti Bhambri. "I loved getting to know the students. Everyone had a positive mindset, and it was really nice to be a part of it."

Since its inception three years ago, GNTE has proudly served over 135 children and their families in the Newark area. Their attendance grows yearly, and an impressive percentage of children return to the program each season.

The program is inspired by Althea Gibson, a professional tennis player, golfer and community leader. Gibson became the first African American to win a tennis Grand Slam in 1956. After securing 11 slam titles as a trailblazer in the sport, Gibson spent five years as a professional golfer before transitioning to a post-athletic public service career.

Gibson lived the last twenty years of her life in East Orange, New Jersey, where she served as the director of women's sports and recreation for the Essex County Parks Commission. In 1976, she capped off her remarkable career by being named New Jersey's first female Commissioner of Athletics.

Visit the Greater Newark Tennis & Education website to learn more about its history, programs and community impact.

Categories: Faith and Service

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