ST PAUL URBAN TENNIS PROGRAM

SPUT was established in 1991 and has provided a safe, healthy and active environment for the kids of Saint Paul since that time. Three things make SPUT very special: 1. Life Skills lessons are taught to every child, every day of our program. These skills take a wide range of topics but revolve around health, wellness, community and the development of happy and healthy youth. The kids take life skills home with them each day to be discussed and done with their partents. The SPUT kids are provided with over 30 hours of instruction - this enables us to make a lasting impact with these kids! 2. SPUT is delivered right in the neighborhoods of Saint Paul. We understand that many kids do not have transportation to get to their activities, so we do all of our classes close to where the kids live. We have a wonderful relationship with the City of Saint Paul, that allows us to use tennis courts and facilities across the entire City. In some cases, we give our classes right in the parking lots and open spaces in housing projects. We go where kids are ... period! 3. SPUT is taught by young adults who have grown up in these neighborhoods and have gone through the program. This is very important as many of the life skills that are taught each day are to be used as the kids leave their lessons. Having these lessons taught by "older kids" who the younger kids have grown up with and admired for years makes a tremendous impact. This system also allows for a full development program to exist as the kids move from beginning student to teacher through the years in the program. SPUT does not turn any kids away because of an inability to pay. In fact, in 2009, SPUT provided scholarships for over 1,700 kids. These scholarships are made possible through the generous donations that are received throughout the year.