Giving Kids the Advantage | | Letter from the Interim Executive Director | | |
Dear 15-LOVE Family,
As we move into a dynamic new season of serving our community, I am thrilled to share several exciting updates that highlight our commitment to "Giving Kids the Advantage®."
15-LOVE continues to grow with the breadth of program offerings. This growth occurred with both our tennis and education programs. For example, we expanded our College Prep and Leadership Program to students at Steinmetz Freshman Leadership Academy (SFLA) within the City of Schenectady School District. This partnership will continue throughout the school year and during the summer when tennis will be offered at the new courts at SFLA. Additionally, by gaining more hours at various indoor tennis facilities we were able to offer tennis lessons throughout the Fall and Winter.
I want to share the success of our recent annual Excellence Program Leadership Retreat at Camp Fowler in the Adirondacks on the shores of Sacandaga Lake near Speculator, NY. Our Excellence students took a well-deserved break from the tennis court, disconnected from electronics and engaged in two days of intensive team building activities. The retreat focused on cultivating character, teamwork, and leadership skills. Other highlights of the retreat included snow tubing, creative menu planning, and meal preparation that fostered deeper connections among our high school participants.
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We are happy to announce that we will be offering adult tennis and family classes in Albany and Schenectady during May and June. The Family Class is for adults and kids to learn alongside each other. We encourage families to come together, but adults are welcome to come by themselves.
Finally, the 15-LOVE staff is actively finalizing its 2026 summer programming; which will offer a well-rounded free experience for Capital Region youth combining tennis, reading, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and gardening.
These initiatives represent our dedication to holistic development of youth within the Capital District by fostering not just strong students, but also leaders. We thank you for your continued support in making these opportunities possible.
With gratitude,
Maxine Brisport
Interim Executive Director
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Healthy Futures participants have been engaged in a variety of educational and interactive activities to start the year. In January, our programming kicked off with a focus on civil engagement and activism, inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Participants explored the role of an activist and created personalized "social justice pins" to highlight global issues they are passionate about addressing. Engineering skills were put to the test while creating aluminum foil skiers, where participants explored weight distribution, balance, and force, culminating in a fun, hands-on competition on cardboard slopes.
We are pleased to partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H, who have enhanced our curriculum with exciting STEM activities. Recently, 4-H representatives provided an up-close, interactive session on New York State wildlife, featuring real animal hides and skulls. Participants learned to analyze wildlife diets through dental identification and explored the unique properties of animal fur.
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February Break Camp Brings
Innovation and Teamwork to the Office
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During the recent February break, we were pleased to host a two-day camp at our office, bringing together participants from our tennis, summer, and Healthy Futures programming.
Day 1: AI Innovation Workshop
The camp commenced with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshop facilitated by Jon Keller, President of the Schenectady-based Jahnel Group. Participants received an introduction to AI and Large Language Models before engaging in a "Shark Tank" style competition. Working in teams, they utilized AI tools to develop innovative business concepts—including a self-cleaning water bottle and a heated, snow-melting driveway—culminating in a final presentation pitch. To conclude the day, participants engaged in community service by crafting blankets to be donated to the Broome County Humane Society in Binghamton.
Day 2: Winter Olympics
The second day focused on teamwork and physical activity with our inaugural office Winter Olympics. Participants competed in a series of team-building challenges, fostering camaraderie and collaboration. The event concluded with a formal awards ceremony to celebrate their teamwork and achievements
| | 15-LOVE Participants Head to Binghamtom | | |
Six of our middle school participants spent a memorable weekend in Binghamton, thanks to the generosity of the Binghamton University Men’s Tennis team, Coach Nick Zieziula, and Tennis Charities of Binghamton through their Game, Set, Grow series.
Throughout the weekend, participants trained alongside Binghamton University’s men’s, women’s, and club teams, building connections and gaining confidence on and off the court. They also connected with peers from NJTL chapters KCTL and NYJTL, forming new friendships rooted in a shared love of the game.
Beyond tennis, the experience opened doors. Participants toured Binghamton University and SUNY Broome, explored BU’s School of Management, and experienced hands-on physics demonstrations from POP Physics—sparking curiosity and helping them begin to imagine their own college journeys.
15-LOVE participants created and delivered cozy handmade pet blankets to the Broome County Humane Society, turning their efforts into a meaningful act of giving back for some very grateful (and adorable) animals.
More than a trip, this was an experience that inspired possibility—showing our participants what their futures can hold with hard work, support, and belief in themselves.
We are deeply grateful to Coach Nick, the student-athletes, and Tennis Charities of Binghamton for creating such a powerful and lasting opportunity.
| | 15-LOVE Attends the USTA Foundation
Impact Conference + Community Tennis Development Workshop | | |
15-LOVE joined tennis leaders from across the country at the 2026 USTA Foundation Impact Conference, held in partnership with the Community Tennis Development Workshop (CTDW). The event brought together NJTL chapters and national partners focused on expanding access to tennis and strengthening youth development through sport.
The conference supports the USTA Foundation’s goal of reaching 630,000 new youth by 2027 through community hub initiatives. It also highlighted the national Realize the Dream movement, encouraging service nationwide in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 100th birthday in 2029.
Sessions focused on using tennis as a vehicle for education and character development, expanding access to programming, and building sustainable, youth-centered models.
A powerful highlight for 15-LOVE was seeing alumnus Rumeal Lewis and USTA Eastern Executive Director Amber Marino take the stage. Rumeal shared how
15-LOVE helped him build confidence and envision his future—leading him to attend West Point, become a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, and now serve in the reserves with a goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Moments like these underscore our mission: empowering youth, engaging community, and elevating futures.
| | Volunteers Power the Dream | | |
Volunteers are at the heart of 15-LOVE’s impact—and their role will grow even stronger through the USTA Foundation’s partnership with the Realize the Dream initiative, introduced at this year’s Impact Conference.
Launched by Martin Luther King III and partners, Realize the Dream is a national call to action to complete 100 million hours of service by 2029. Through its NJTL network, the USTA Foundation has committed 800,000 service hours by 2026.
As part of this effort, 15-LOVE will engage participants and volunteers in meaningful service projects that strengthen our community while building leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility.
Our volunteers make this work possible—mentoring youth, supporting programs, and creating a positive, welcoming environment both on and off the court. We are deeply grateful for their time, energy, and commitment.
Click here to meet some of our summer program volunteers.
| | Adult Tennis Lessons are Back! | | We are happy to announce that we will be offering adult tennis lessons again from May 7th through June 4th. The 5-week Spring Social Adult & Family classes are offered each week in Albany and Schenectady. | | | | |
