HJTEP - The Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program

HJTEP - The Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program is a Tennis, Education, Life-skill and Wellness Program for

Since 1972, our renowned youth tennis program has offered urban youngsters the chance to learn an unfamiliar sport and sharpen their skills on and off the courts. Participants transition from the Grassroots and Munchkin levels to the Tournament Level. Our top-level players are selected to participate on the Jack Shapiro Team. Admission to the HJTEP programs is on a first-come basis with preference given to returning students and Central Harlem residents. While learning tennis, our players are hitting the books as well as the courts. We urge them to do all they can academically, to complete high school and to enroll in college. A 2.0 GPA is required in our program, but our participants average a 3.1 GPA. Our Tennis Against Obesity (TAO) program is designed to help schools, students and parents recognize, address and combat a growing obesity epidemic. TAO has four keystones: fitness, nutrition, discipline and fun.

Women’s History Month isn’t only about honoring the women who came before us. It’s also about celebrating the girls who ...
03/12/2026

Women’s History Month isn’t only about honoring the women who came before us. It’s also about celebrating the girls who are growing into the women who will shape what comes next.

Every day at HJTEP, we see that future taking form. On our courts, in our classrooms, and throughout our community, our Grassroots girls are learning the power of their voices, their strength, and their potential.

They may be small now, but their dreams are already big. With every lesson, every rally, and every moment of confidence gained, they are building the foundation for the women they will become.

The future is already here. And it’s bright. 💫🎾

Meet Team HJTEP for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. 🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️This year, two members of our community are taking on...
03/09/2026

Meet Team HJTEP for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. 🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️

This year, two members of our community are taking on 26.2 miles through the five boroughs to support the next generation of leaders.

Doug Knox, HJTEP Fitness Coach, is running to represent the power of mentorship and visibility in sport. For Doug, every mile is about showing young people in our community that they belong on every course and at every finish line.

Sara Levy Lambert, HJTEP alum, is running in honor of the program that helped shape her into the person she is today. After training with HJTEP from 2010 to 2014, this marathon represents a full circle moment and a chance to give back to the next generation of Harlem youth.

Together, they are running as part of Team HJTEP’s “Running for Legacy” campaign, raising critical funds to support the more than 1,200 young people we serve each year through tennis, academic, and leadership development programming.

Every mile they run helps open doors of opportunity for the next generation.

Now we need your help to get them across the finish line.

Support Team HJTEP by donating to their fundraising campaigns and help them reach their goals.

🔗 Link in bio to donate

Today we celebrate the incredible women who help make HJTEP what it is.From coaches and staff to mentors, leaders, and s...
03/08/2026

Today we celebrate the incredible women who help make HJTEP what it is.

From coaches and staff to mentors, leaders, and students, their dedication, strength, and passion shape this community every single day. Their impact reaches far beyond the court, helping young people grow into confident leaders both on and off the court.

On International Women’s Day, we thank the women who show up, lead with purpose, and continue to inspire the next generation.

Your commitment keeps this incredible program thriving. 💜🎾

TennisCommunity

03/08/2026

From little girl to graduating senior. From learning the game to leading the next generation. 🎾

Bintu has grown up at HJTEP. What started as a young girl picking up a racquet has become a story of determination, discipline, and growth. This year, she graduates from high school and prepares to take her talents and intelligence to college, ready for the next chapter.

Watching Bintu grow into the young woman she is today reminds us exactly why this work matters.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate young women like Bintu who are rising, leading, and showing the world what is possible.

At HJTEP, we are proud to help shape the next generation of strong, confident women. 💜

Big news 🏃🏾‍♀️🎾The Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program has been named an Official Charity Partner of The 2026 TCS...
03/05/2026

Big news 🏃🏾‍♀️🎾

The Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program has been named an Official Charity Partner of The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon by New York Road Runners

Through our Running for Legacy campaign, Team HJTEP will turn 26.2 miles into opportunity, raising critical funds to expand access to tennis, education, and leadership development for youth across Harlem and beyond.

This year’s team includes proud Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program alumna Sara Levy Lambert and Director of Fitness Doug Knox, representing the full-circle impact of a program that grows its leaders from the ground up.

Learn more and support the team with the link in our bio!

27.3 MILLION people picked up a racquet in 2025.That’s 1.6 million more than last year.That’s 54% growth since 2019.Near...
02/25/2026

27.3 MILLION people picked up a racquet in 2025.

That’s 1.6 million more than last year.
That’s 54% growth since 2019.
Nearly 10 million new players in six straight years.

Now here’s what matters during Black History Month.

Black participation is up 14 percent.
Hispanic and Latino participation is up 12 percent.
Asian and Pacific Islander participation is up 10 percent.
Women increased by 1.1 million players in one year alone.

14.5 million “core players” hit the court 10 or more times. Over 616 million total play occasions. This is not a moment. It is a shift.

From the legacy of Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson to today, communities of color are not just joining the sport. We are fueling its growth.

Access creates opportunity. Representation builds belief. Investment drives change.

Black history is still being written. Sometimes it looks like a young kid picking up a racquet for the first time. 🎾✊🏾

Due to the NYC blizzard, programming at the Armory is closed today, Monday, February 23.Stay safe, stay warm, and we’ll ...
02/23/2026

Due to the NYC blizzard, programming at the Armory is closed today, Monday, February 23.

Stay safe, stay warm, and we’ll see everyone back on the court soon ❄️🎾

At HJTEP, our Futures group is learning that championships start with character. 🎾Teamwork in the huddles. Respect acros...
02/19/2026

At HJTEP, our Futures group is learning that championships start with character. 🎾

Teamwork in the huddles. Respect across the net. Encouragement between every point.

We’re not just teaching tennis. We’re building future champions on and off the court. 💜

❤️🎾 Love is in the air at HJTEP.But around here, love looks like mentorship.It looks like big sisters and role models.It...
02/14/2026

❤️🎾 Love is in the air at HJTEP.

But around here, love looks like mentorship.
It looks like big sisters and role models.
It looks like encouragement, patience, and showing up.

Every day, our student-athletes build confidence, friendships, and community both on and off the court. This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the bonds that make HJTEP feel like family.

Because love isn’t just a feeling. It’s support. It’s guidance. It’s showing up for the next generation.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at HJTEP 💚

This is HJTEP.Rooted in Harlem since 1972.Built to create opportunity through tennis.Honoring our past this Black Histor...
02/10/2026

This is HJTEP.
Rooted in Harlem since 1972.
Built to create opportunity through tennis.
Honoring our past this Black History Month and continuing the legacy. 🖤🎾

Serving dreams. Building futures. 🎾Join us on May 11, 2026 for the HJTEP Annual Gala at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom in ...
02/09/2026

Serving dreams. Building futures. 🎾

Join us on May 11, 2026 for the HJTEP Annual Gala at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City, an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of tennis, education, and community.

This year, we are proud to honor:

✨ Joakim Noah, () Shining Star Award
✨ Jesse Coors-Blankenship & Gregg Hill of Parkway Venture Capital (), Corporate Award

Your support helps create access, opportunity, and life-changing impact for HJTEP student-athletes across Harlem through academic enrichment, wellness, and tennis programming.

Be part of the evening. Be part of the impact.

🎟️ Attend
🤝 Sponsor
💙 Donate

Click the link in our bio to support the Gala.

Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day 💚🎾Today we celebrate the girls who show up every day as student-athletes, the...
02/04/2026

Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day 💚🎾

Today we celebrate the girls who show up every day as student-athletes, the women leaders who guide this program with purpose, and the educators who make sure learning never stops on or off the court.

From practice to the classroom, HJTEP is powered by strong, committed women who believe in these kids and in what’s possible. We’re grateful for every coach, teacher, mentor, and young athlete who helps keep this program moving forward.

Address

40 W 143rd Street
New York, NY
10037

Opening Hours

Monday 4pm - 8pm
Tuesday 4pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday 4pm - 8pm
Thursday 4pm - 8:30pm
Friday 4pm - 8pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+12124913738

Website

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