Bringing Tablets to the Table
The ACE Project knew when schools shut down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, students who attend our partner schools were in trouble. Without the necessary technology to connect to e-learning opportunities, there was risk that kids who were making tremendous progress in the classroom might fall further behind. We recognized the need, but we didn’t have the means to provide youth with digital access.
Thankfully, our friends at the USTA Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Sections jumped into the game, providing us with a total of 60 Net Generation tablets pre-loaded with educational and physical activity apps. Soon after, the ACE Team was identifying households in Riverdale/Dolton, Baltimore, and Detroit that lacked access to technology, connecting them to these much-needed tablets, and now, we are developing digital youth programs to help them excel.
The ACE Project moves quickly when our partners bring their resilience to the table! We (digitally) sat down with Beth Twomey, CAE, SCP, IOM, who serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Mid-Atlantic Section (which covers Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C) and Liz Dickison, who serves as Development Director of the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation (which covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) to learn how their sections are moving forward through these challenging times.
How is COVID-19 reshaping your mission and vision, particularly through stay-in-place orders?
Beth: USTA Mid-Atlantic is working to ensure that our tennis community is staying safe and that means taking a pause from playing the game we all love. It certainly is difficult to not be on the tennis courts playing, and not being able to actively engage people of all ages with the sport, but our staff is working tirelessly to ensure that our tennis community remains strong and viable, and that when we return everyone has the best experience possible.
Liz: All decisions are being made based on what the USTA and each regional section believe is in the best interest of every player, parent, coach and facility. One of our goals in the Midwest is for tennis to be played in a safe and healthy fashion at parks and facilities once the pandemic subsides. We are focused on providing programming and play opportunities at the local level for clubs, Community Tennis Associations, National Junior Tennis Leagues, etc., after the pandemic.
Beth: With tennis play suspended, we’ve had to adapt quickly to find ways to keep the tennis community engaged with the sport and keep that strong sense of connection that comes from playing the game. In addition, we continue to look for ways to reach out to the community for charitable support so that we are in a position to deliver and support programs to the underserved communities that will be most affected by this crisis. Our vision of Tennis in Every Community is critical now more than ever but will require the support.
What challenges lie ahead for youth and families in underserved areas?
Beth: The promise of youth sports is undeniable for families, and now more than ever there will be an increased need for sports in children’s lives. Our concern is that underserved communities will be the hardest hit from the economic effects of the crisis. We already know a gap exists in access to youth sports in underserved communities. With increased financial hardships from the pandemic this could put an even higher barrier to participation in sports and extracurricular activities. It will be vital for everyone to play a part to ensure these populations are not left behind when it comes to sports, especially tennis.
Liz: Youth and their families may continue having limitations to activities which foster physical, academic, social and emotional development. One of the largest barriers for youth being at home now and during the upcoming months is access to technology in order to fulfill the push towards e-learning being implemented by many schools. Families may also continue to experience economic hardship including access to food, employment, etc. As families try to stabilize, stronger partnerships between organizations would help them overcome barriers and keep kids active both physically and academically while schools and sports are closed.
Beth: My hope is that this crisis shifts the culture to an even more heightened focus on local play and low cost options for children to try, and thrive from an introduction to sports. I have been amazed at the stories of human kindness and generosity that I have seen emerge from this crisis and my hope is that empathy and compassion continues to be a part of the fabric of our lives.
How do you believe our collaboration will deliver a solution for impacted communities?
Liz: USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation (the charitable arm of the Midwest Section) in collaboration with The ACE Project are committed to breaking down barriers families are facing at this time. We realize providing tablets for families who do not have access to this technology is a small way we can assist, but one that we believe will benefit their children as they stay connected with academic curriculums and tennis activities.
Beth: USTA Mid-Atlantic was able to repurpose our inventory of tablet devices to be a part of the solution to this problem, and in partnership with The ACE Project, together will ensure that youth can continue to make progress academically while being able to keep up virtually with tennis activities. We have been a strong supporter of The ACE Project and the incredible work you do, so we want to ensure you are able to continue to reach all of the children in your program, virtually.
Liz: We hope our collaboration will foster a spirit of connection for youth and their families. We are looking forward to when all programs including The ACE Project return to the local courts and use tennis to unite everyone again.
Beth: Hopefully this will encourage others to see how they can find ways they can help as well. EVERYONE needs to be a part of the solution so that NO ONE is left behind.