Achieving On and Off The Court
Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program
Mission Statement
To Develop Champions in Tennis, Education and Wellness Serving Youth in Harlem and NYC Since 1972
HJTEP uses tennis to develop life skills and provides academic enrichment as a pathway for student-athletes ages five to 18 to earn college scholarships. On court, HJTEP operates youth tennis programs helping to close the 'play equity gap.' Off court, the HJTEP Learning Resource Center offers holistic academic and wellness support to youth through life-skills training, nutrition and fitness, a diagnostic academic assessment of each child, along with tutoring, mentorship, ACT/SAT testing, and college counseling.
Support HJTEP
“It was a true honor to see Jim recognized for his many years of exceptional service. Over the past 16 of my 17 years as Executive Director, I have had the privilege of learning a great deal from him during his tenure as Chair.
Jim has been instrumental in elevating HJTEP to new heights—expanding the Board of Directors exponentially, challenging our staff to reach their full potential, and helping grow our budget tenfold.
Jim’s trust and guidance have been invaluable, and his receipt of the inaugural namesake Chairman’s Award is a well-deserved testament to his dedication,
and
Jim Kelly Honored for Leadership
Dear Friends,
Letter from Board Chair and Executive Director
Following our celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP) in 2022, we are proud to say that our momentum has only grown stronger in 2023. HJTEP has continued to excel both on and off the court, making an indelible mark on the Harlem community and beyond. As we often say, the future is now, and we are bringing our programs to new heights with an inspiring vision for growth and impact.
2022 also marked the conclusion of Jim Kelly’s extraordinary 16-year tenure as our Board Chair. Jim’s leadership has left a lasting legacy, benefiting both HJTEP and the greater Harlem community in profound ways.
We are thrilled to share that 2023 saw our largest group of graduates in recent years, collectively earning a record-breaking $1.1 million in scholarships. These remarkable young individuals have risen through the HJTEP program and are now ready to take on the world, armed with the resilience and dedication they developed with us. We are proud to call them true “Champions for Life.”
In a year of milestones, HJTEP’s total revenues from all sources significantly increased to approximately $1.85 million, contributing to our mission of bringing tennis to everyone in Central Harlem. Our 51st Annual Gala and 3rd Annual Golf Outing at Wykagyl Country Club were highlights of the year, bringing our supporters together and furthering our mission with resounding success.
As we look ahead, we are deeply grateful for the enduring support of the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program and the many people who share our commitment to Building Champions for Life. Together, we are creating a brighter future for our community.
Cinta Delmonaco Kemp Chair
Meet Cinta Kemp
Katrina M. Adams Executive Director
Cinta Kemp assumed the role of Board Chair as of January 1, 2023. A Brooklyn native, Cinta understands the culture of New York City and having pursued a successful career on Wall Street, she is no stranger to hard work and perseverance. Cinta brings her energy and a new vision to build upon the core values and mission of HJTEP as it enters its next 50 years.
Senior Spotlight
HJTEP’s exceptional high school seniors crossed the graduation finish line earning $1.1 million in college scholarships, a testament to their unwavering dedication and talents on and off the court.
Since opening its doors in 1972, HJTEP has proudly served more than 25,000 youth from high-risk, lowincome neighborhoods in New York City, blending sports and education to mentor and shape participants into future leaders. With 95% of participants graduating from high school with an average GPA of 3.1, and 65% admitted to leading universities—25% on tennis scholarships—the outcomes speak for themselves.
HJTEP Class of 2023
John Boateng
Erick Conception
Kayon John
Jude Killikelly
Simon Mabbot
Cristian Ramos
Addison Ortiz
Amaya Ortiz
Josiah Bartholemew
Mia Edwards
Olivia Kunz
University of Saint Joseph
Liberty University
University of Buffalo
Hampton University
Union University
Fordham University
Manhattanville College
Wingate University
Howard University
Rice University
New Paltz Univeristy
Congratulations from Patrick McEnroe
Photo Credit: Camerawork USA
Students Take Center Stage at Gala
The 51st Annual HJTEP Gala was a remarkable celebration of growth, achievement, and community. The event brought together supporters, alumni, and key figures from the worlds of sports and education to recognize HJTEP’s impact on the lives of young people.
Hosted by CBS’s Maurice Dubois, the gala highlighted the program’s rich history and bright future. Rennae Stubbs received the Shining Star award for having shone her light on HJTEP, and new HJTEP Board Chair, Cinta Kemp, was introduced, sharing her fresh vision for HJTEP’s future.
Guests enjoyed an inspiring speech by HJTEP alumnus Joel De Los Santos, who spoke about his successful journey from student-athlete at HJTEP to playing varsity tennis at the University of Hartford and graduating in 2013 with a B.A. in criminal justice and sociology. While coaching at HJTEP, De Los Santos then earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering at New York University in 2022 and joined Boeing as a Manufacturing Engineer. He is currently pursuing an M.S. in mechanical engineering at the University of Southern California.
Jim Kelly received the Chairman’s Award which was renamed the James R. Kelly III Chairman’s Award in recognition of his longterm commitment and dedication to HJTEP.
The evening served as a vital fundraiser, generating contributions of nearly $1 million. With live and silent auctions and generous donations, the community reaffirmed its commitment to "Building Champions for Life."
Photo Credit: Margot Jordan Photography & Camerawork USA
HJTEP Has a Ball on the Golf Course
The 3rd Annual HJTEP Golf Outing at the challenging Wykagyl Golf Course was a resounding success on the course and off as participants were entertained by a trio of HJTEP musicians as the highlight of the reception.
It was an absolutely perfect day. The surprise was a Walter’s Hot Dogs station between the 9th and 10th holes. Everyone needed energy to finish the back nine! The only regret was that no one hit a hole-in-one on the 7th hole to drive home in the Mercedes Benz provided by Pepe Autos.
1st Place Team: Lonnie Jones, Frank Fraley, Ken Theobalds, Ken Montgomery
2nd Place Team: David Tyree, Daniel Entwistle, Jordan Kemp, Garrett Virne
Congratulations to the winners!
Closest to the Pin
Women: Fran Pepe
Men: Taylor Depauw
Longest Drive
Women: Bess Barnes
Men: Taylor Depauw
The presence of role models Artie Green, Ja Rule, John Starks, and Herb Williams, who took time out of their busy schedules to play, left a lasting impression on HJTEP participants and made the day that much more memorable for everyone.
HJTEP extends its heartfelt gratitude to event sponsors whose support will continue to make a difference in the lives of youth throughout the Harlem community and New York City.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Antigua Sportswear Hudson News
CBS Sports LPGA
ClifBar NBA
Crown Royal Pepe Autos
Damascus Bakery Pepsi/Frito-Lay
Gran Coramino Peter Millar
GSE Resort World Casinos
Guinness RIA Sunglasses
Photo Credit: Margot Jordan Photography
Tennis Programs
HJTEP welcomes young athletes ages five to 18 at all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Aspiring student-athletes approach tennis with dedication, understanding its potential to greatly enhance their lives. On average, participants remain in the HJTEP program for five to 10 years. The demand to participate in HJTEP’s afterschool and summer camp programs is high, with a waitlist of approximately 500 youth each year.
HJTEP success metrics aim for 100% player retention, with approximately 40% of players achieving sectional tournament play and 15% competing at the national level. The best athletes also gain experience at the international level.
As they progress, students participate in tennis-related games and activities that enhance coordination, agility, and overall engagement with the sport through structured levels: Grassroots I & II, Futures & Intermediate, and High Performance I & II. Their ultimate goal is to qualify for the Tournament Team, which accepts student-athletes who meet high standards in both tennis and academics.
As physical education classes are being cut across New York City’s public schools, HJTEP fills the void by providing group tennis instruction during school hours within a number of local schools and the Harlem Boys & Girls Club. HJTEP welcomes these additional opportunities to expose more students to the healthy sport of tennis with one-hour drill sessions and lessons focused on foundational skill development and teamwork.
HJTEP Tennis Pathway to Success
Grassroots I
Grassroots II
Futures
High Performance I
High Performance II
Tournament Team
Beginners
Advanced Beginners
Younger players transitioning to competitive play
Competitive play to achieve USTA ranking / WTN Ratings
High competitive standard with goal to earn Division I college scholarship
Aiming for both high academic and tennis achievement
Education & Wellness
For more than 50 years, HJTEP has empowered Harlem’s youth by combining academic achievement with athletic excellence. HJTEP’s Learning Resource Center (LRC) supports student-athletes holistically, helping them balance their ambitions with personal well-being and stability. Built on resilience, personal excellence, and selfadvocacy values, the LRC guides students in managing demanding schedules and ambitious goals, fostering executive function, self-awareness, and accountability essential for high achievement.
Each student’s journey starts with a personalized baseline assessment, enabling tailored support that consistently helps HJTEP students maintain an average GPA of 3.1 or higher.
The LRC offers age-specific programs: K-8 students build academic confidence through Homework Help, while high schoolers deepen self-awareness and resilience through journaling and reflection. Structured Study Halls, Focus Sessions, virtual coworking spaces, SAT/ACT preparation, college counseling, and one-on-one tutoring further equip students to reach their academic goals.
With support from social workers and mental health counselors, students build emotional intelligence and adaptability through social-emotional learning workshops and emotional regulation training. These resources equip students with the mental flexibility and confidence to handle life’s challenges.
As the LRC grows, it supports HJTEP’s mission by nurturing students on and off the court. This integrative approach instills Harlem’s youth with resilience, leadership, and a sense of purpose, helping them thrive as tomorrow’s innovators and changemakers.
HJTEP’s holistic model has led to measurable success, boosting academic performance, college readiness, and socialemotional skills. The LRC exemplifies the transformative impact of community-rooted initiatives, creating meaningful change for Harlem’s youth and community.
A Day in the Life of HJTEP Student - Athletes
Grassroots
3:00 - 4:00 pm Homework
4:00 - 4:15 pm Free Play
4:15 - 4:45 pm Fitness
4:45 - 5:30 pm Tennis Instruction
Intermediate
4:00 - 5:30 pm Homework
5:30 - 5:45 pm Warm-up
5:45 - 8:00 pm Fitness / Tennis Instruction
Futures
3:00 - 4:00 pm Homework
4:00 - 4:15 pm Warm-up
4:15 - 5:30 pm Fitness / Tennis Instruction
High Performance I
4:00 - 5:00 pm Homework
5:00 - 5:30 pm Fitness
5:30 - 7:00 pm Tennis Instruction / Mental Toughness
High Performance II
4:00 - 5:30 pm Homework
5:30 - 6:00 pm Fitness
6:00 - 8:00 pm Tennis Instruction / Mental Toughness
Morgan Stanley Come Play & WTA 50th Anniversary
Morgan Stanley Come Play Supports HJTEP
Morgan Stanley made a generous $25,000 donation to HJTEP through the WTA Foundation during the WTA Come Play clinic for HJTEP participants held during the week prior to the US Open at Howard Bennett Playground in Harlem.
The WTA Come Play clinic presented by Morgan Stanley featured renowned coach Judy Murray and WTA stars including world #5 Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, and Alycia Parks who spent the morning exchanging volleys and providing inspiration for HJTEP’s student-athletes. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
HJTEP Celebrates WTA 50th Anniversary
Four exceptional student-athletes from HJTEP, who were selected based on their academic excellence, had the unique opportunity to mingle with some of the most influential figures in the world of tennis and finance during an inspirational week prior to the US Open.
The experience began with an uplifting educational visit to Morgan Stanley headquarters. The girls toured the facility and explored potential career paths which broadened their horizons and introduced them to exciting professional opportunities.
Three days later they enjoyed a personal shopping spree to outfit them before they stepped onto the purple carpet at the WTA’s 50th Anniversary Gala. During the evening, the girls heard from Billie Jean King, met tennis stars, including Coco Gauff, and immersed themselves in the evening’s festivities, celebrating the WTA’s remarkable milestone of 50 years of professional tennis.
It was a week of setting future goals and forging new connections, with once-in-a-lifetime memories showcasing the power of excellence both on and off the court.
Balance Sheet
Audited financial statements of Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program, Inc. for 2022 and 2023 below present the financial position of HJTEP as of December 31, 2023, and the related statements of activities, functional expenses and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
Partners & Sponsors
HJTEP sincerely appreciates the support and generosity of its valued partners and sponsors
$100,000+
USTA Foundation
$50,000+
Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.
Kellee Communications Group
Taylor Global Inc.
$25,000+
Shahara Ahmad-Llewellyn
American Express
Billie Jean King Leadership Citibank
Alice Houston
New York Urban League(CCSNF)
Paramount
Parkway Venture Capital
West Harlem Development Corp.
WTGA Foundation
$10,000+
Anonymous
Jack Bendheim
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Daniel J Entwistle Family Fund
Earl & Roberta Graves Jr.
Hudson Group
HSI USA
Junior Tennis Foundation
Deborah Larkin
Patricia Makatsaria
James A Meditz
Rishav Mehra
Miranda Family Fund
Mondelez Global
Morgan Stanley Gift Fund
Meta Platforms Inc.
Delores B Neal
Robin Roberts
Janice Cook Roberts
Tony Signore
Showtime Sports
SSP America Inc.
The Brainfit Ins.
Miguel Vasquez
2023 Donors
Glenda Vassilakis
Carolina Velez
Venmo
Warner Waddell Foundation
Wells Fargo Community Support
$5,000+
Arnhold Foundation Inc.
American Wempe Corp.
Thomas & Hillary Baltimore
Andre Benjamin
Beyond Sports Foundation
BNP Paribas
CBS Television Network
Vandad Fartaj
Keith Feder MD
Jon Fiegleson
Fidelity Investment
Genting New York LLC
Jeff Gordon
Tashna Grey
GSE Worldwide
Gerald Haberkorn
HCK Recreation Inc.
Cinta Kemp
Alex Kovalev
Eugenia Kovalev
Mark Michael
Andrea Mueffelman
Richemont Peter
Ralph Pucci
Andy & Heliane Sieg
Stan Smith
Jennifer & Jonathan Alan Soros Fund
The Rhimes Foundation
The Vickers Family Fund
David Tyree
USTA Eastern Inc.
Venable Foundation
<$5,000+
Rasheeda Abdulhaqq
Vishaal Agraval
Alice Agyemang-Badu
Natasha Alexander
Pamela Alexander
Amazon Smile
American Endowment Foundation
Anderson Family Fund
Deborah Antoine
Lulu Ayala
Elena Cherepu Khina Bac
Angelin Baskaran
Gilles Bazabas
Serge Benchetrit
Akhil Bhatia
Bridget Biagas
Avery Bicks
Heide Bliss
Bridget Bland Bogee
Chante Boller
Jennifer Boston
Alvin Bowles
Felton Brown
Kris Burrell
Paul Burton
Roberto Cabre
Mike Cannon
Carter Conroy Family Fund
Almika Cates
Joe Ceriello
Steven Clark
Sandy Clifton
William Cobb
Andres Coles
Robyn Condie
Anna Coquillot
Alexandra Coren
James Courier
Mary Cunningham
Damascus Bakery
Sean Decatur
Kristina Dell
Brian & Tina Dennis
Eric Dinallo
David Dinkins Jr.
Andrew Dominus
2023 Donors
Lucas Dow
Kevin Dowdell
Clyde Drexler
Thomas Claude Dubois
Jade Duncan
Jared Dwight
Edward E Goldman
Earthshare Credits
Helyn Edwards
Tonya Evans
Reema Fakih
Malcolm Farmer
Don Felder
Brent Feldman
Ioonna Felix
Fidelity Charitable
Beth Finkelstein
Dave Finn
Daniel Fordyce
Lauren Forman
Sara Fornaciari
Kathleen Francis
Jeff Gaggin
Geffken Family Fund
Carol A Gellos
Mike Goss
Steve Gouldbourne
William Grant
Gibby Graves
Johnny Graves
Joe Griffith
Karen Gruenberg
Kizzy Guzman
Maeve Hagen
David Adam Haggerty
Pascale Hainline
Lynda Hamilton
Valerie Hartman
Nigel Hartman
Debra Heller
Andrea Hirsch
Ian Holder
Barbara Holland
Charlotte Holloman
Allan Houston
Impact Assets
Independent Charitable Giving Fund
Stu Jackson
Phyllis Jacobson
Melissa James
Janice H. Dowdy
Jason P. W. Halpen
Jerry Edmonds III
Dwight Johnson
Ryan Jolly
Sandra Jordan
Paul Kall
Susan Kaminsky
2023 Donors
Jovan Kandic
Jessica Kaplan
Karen & Stephen Parish Charitable Gift Fund
Lily Radford Kelly
Stephen Kemp
Barbara Kendrew
Ravi Khanna
Ryan Knowles
Vivian Kuan
David Lazar
Danny Ledvin
Alfred Litte
Nick Livanos
H.J. Logan
Reginald Love
Brian Lucente
Lucy C Yin
Esu Maat
Richard Mack
Mackey Twins Art Gallery
Carol Mann
Lourdes Marti
Mary E Kyle
John McConnell
Ashley McEvoy
Neil Mehta
Christina Merritt
Rebecca Metter
Thomas Meyer
Michael C. Smith
Wilson Monegro
Abdul Moore
Morgan Stanley Foundation
Nevine Niazi
Elizaveta Nemchinov
Network for Good Abbi Neuthaler
Nelly Nevarez
Emilia Nuccio
Lourdes Olvera-Marshal
Rosa Ortiz
Salor Pace
Brant Pallasch
Steve Palm
Pam Shriver Fund
Paypal Giving Fund
Francine Pepe
Shenay Perry
Solomon Peters
Mark Porell
Kristin De La Porte
Danielle De La Porte
Brian De La Porte
Jackie & Mike Powers
Pricewaterhouse Coopers. LLP
Mark Prince
Ann Pucci
Morgan Radford
Kunal Rambhia
Andy Ramirez
Sharleen Ravishark
Mitra Razman
Photo Credit: Camerawork USA
Corey Redman
Hal Reinstein
Renaissance Reinsurance US Inc.
Dana Ripley
Sheryl Brown Rivers
Sheryl Y Rivers
Ahsha Rolle
Louis Romano
Ms Romano
Ashley Rowe
Rugged Land LLC
Hollis Russell
Chery Ryan
Judith Ryes
Schwab Charitable
Eric Schoeman
Elen Schubert
Mary Eastman Scott
Hayley Sharp
Irene Shen
Raymond & Yvette Sherman
Amaya Shiva
Cynthia Shmerler
Mark Shwartz
James Simmons
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Dave Slater
Suzanne Smith
Russell Spielman
John Starks
Rebecca Stiritz
Lori Stokes
Steven Sussman
2023 Donors
Mona Swanson
Shelly Tabor
Udai Tambar
Debbie Taylor-Kerman
Janet Tegtmeier
The BRIDGE Foundation
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
The Boeing Company Corporate
The Weinheimer Charitable Fund
Lucy Thomas
Tisbest Philanthropy
Irina Titova-Kashan
Helen Truax
Vanessa Turner
Caryn Unger
Upstages Holding
Dan Urban
Vanguard Charitable Endowment
Woody Victor
Vivian F. Clark
Melissa Walker
Gregg Walker
Dawud Wallace
Claretha Washington
Carol Watson
Marilyn Wilder
Chelsea Wilkins
Phyllis Shaw & Jasmine Williams
Lorelei Williams
Nekeshia Woods
Tamika Young
Konstantin Zakashansky
Make a Major Impact — Leave a Legacy with a Planned Gift By including Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program in your estate plans, you can support Harlem’s youth while also meeting your personal and financial goals. Options range from a simple bequest to establishing an endowment. HJTEP can assist with sample language and other information to discuss with your financial advisor. Visit www.hjtep.org or contact HJTEP at 212.491.3738 or admin@hjtep.org to learn more.
Board Of Directors
Staff & Management
Officers
Cinta Delmonaco Kemp
Andre Benjamin (Alumnus)
Katrina Adams
Peter Bicks
Directors
Ruediger Albers
Steve Clark
Dr. Philippe Duoyon
Jonathan Feigelson
Nanette Francia Cotter
Valerie Hartman
James R. Kelly III
Management
Eugenia Kovalev
Alex Meditz
Mario Scorcia
Tony Signore
David Tyree
Carolina Velez
Chair
Vice Chair & Treasurer
President & Executive Director
Secretary
Michelle Wilson (Alumna)
Advisory Board Members
Jeffrey Appel
David N. Dinkins, Jr.
Mark Shwartz
Woody Victor
Katrina Adams
Simone Spigner
Renee Campbell
Douglas Knox
Quacey Balleste
Maurice Willacy
Carolina Zapata
President & Executive Director
Program Director (Alumna)
Education Director
Fitness Director
Community Outreach Coordinator (Alumna)
High Performance Tennis Director
Project Manager
Coaches
John Fumi
Ben Johnson
Love Moore
Brian Spigner (Alumnus)
Patricia Zapata (Alumna)
Tutors
Edidi Adjagbodjou
Alyse Hamlin
Photo Credit: Camerawork USA
