The Goodstein Junior Leadership Initiative has been in existence since 1998 and is the signature youth leadership program at Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education. The GJL Initiative is dedicated to the belief that with the right support, resources, and opportunity young people can make transformational changes in their own lives, the lives of those they care about, as well as in the local, national, and global communities to which they belong.

Aligned with the Vision, Mission, and Values of Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education, the Goodstein Junior Leadership Initiatives’ philosophy believes youth leadership development requires a “learning by doing” approach. By combining a variety of hands-on activities including: tennis, leadership exercises and workshops, meaningful service-learning projects, organizational governance and decision making opportunities, fund development and summer employment positions, GJLs gain valuable leadership and communication experience while making an important contribution to the organization and the broader society.

For more information about the Goodstein Junior Leadership Initiative please see below or contact Ben Hirsh, Coordinator of Youth Leadership and Volunteer Engagement, at ben.hirsh@ashetennis.org.

The Goodstein Junior Leadership Initiative is a year-round leadership development program for high school students. Below is an outline of weekly, monthly, and annual meetings, workshops, retreats, trips, tournaments, and events. For the most current information regarding events, please see the Upcoming Events listings on our homepage.

By Week

Monday 5:30 – Committee Meeting at AAYTE

Wednesday 4:30 – Committee Meeting at Penrose Playground

Friday 4:00-7:00pm – All Team Tennis, Meeting and Dinner at AAYTE

By Month and Year

September/October – Integrity – 1^st Leadership Workshop

November/ December – Teamwork – Thanksgiving Day of Service, 2^nd Leadership Workshop

January/ February – Dreams – MLK Day of Service

March/ April – Fortitude – 3^rd Leadership Workshop, Earth Day of Service

May/June – Honor – Annual Leadership Retreat, GJL Recognition Dinner

July/August – Passion into Action – NJTL Employment, ATA National Tournament

Eligibility

The following are mandatory eligibility requirements for participants to enroll in the Goodstein Junior Leadership Initiative:

Age

• Participants must be high school students. (Exceptions can be made for mature and dedicated young people at least 12 years of age. A meeting with applicant’s parent and/or guardian is required.)

Enrollment

• Participants must be enrolled in an Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education clinic or program at the Center or at a neighborhood-based site within the year of enrollment. Programs include all Center-based clinics, neighborhood-based programs, and high school internships.
• Enrollment year begins September 1^st.

Parent Permission

• Participants must fully complete the Goodstein Junior Leadership Initiative Application and Release Form and have each signed by their parent and/or guardian.

Current GJL Leadership

The GJL Initiative is focused on empowering young people and highly values the voices and opinions of all participants who take part.  Each year in September and February, GJLs elect new leadership onto the Executive Board. Currently, these leadership positions are occupied by:

President – Sierra Hills-Akers

Vice President – Tiara Dowling

Treasurer – RJ Cherry

Secretary – Maryam Kasumu

Event Planner – TBD

Current GJL Service-Learning Projects

The GJL Initiative is proud to create, participate, and lead service-learning projects that matter. Together, the young people in the initiative select service projects that are meaningful, address a local, national or global issue, and make a positive difference in their communities. Here are some of the service-learning projects GJLs are currently working on:

• GJL Recycling Project – We all know learning how to better manage our waste materials is important to our environment and to our own well being. GJLs are researching the Philadelphia recycling system, as well as other private recycling companies to find the best solution for recycling the paper, plastic, and cardboard that is used and disposed of at the AAYTEC.
• Transportation – As the GJL program grows and our connectivity to neighborhood-based sites increases throughout the year, we are seeking to find out how we can provide transportation for young people to the Center from these sites. Together with the AAYTE Staff, GJLs will be analyzing, fund raising, and solving this issue of transportation to and from neighborhood-based sites.
• Relief for Haiti – In January of 2010, GJLs began fundraising for the relief efforts in Haiti. After months of research, emails, and calls, GJLs selected to raise funds for the New Life Children’s Home in Haiti, one of the few orphanages caring for children with severe medical needs. Together, they have raised awareness, funds, and supplies for the children at New Life.
• GJL Community Garden – You can’t get fresher than right off the vine. GJLs, together with Temple Community Garden, will be starting a community garden at the AAYTEC to learn about the importance of the growing cycle, how healthy eating affects our well being, and how to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs!
• Water Barrel Tower – We all know storm water management is a serious problem in Philadelphia. Together with the PWD and other experts, GJLs will research water barrel systems and then construct a water barrel system at the AAYTEC to help collect storm water for the new GJL Community Garden.
• “Smart” Lab at AAYTE – Internet access is life-changing. It connects us with information, people, and resources around the world. GJLs, together with computer experts, will analysis, fundraise, and enhance the computer lab at AAYTE to be a “smart-room” you would find at universities.
• Medical Needs in Neighborhoods – Not all neighborhoods have the same resources- it’s a hard truth. So together, GJLs have raised funds to take a trip to Georgetown University Medical Center to learn about how those who live in underserved neighborhoods can learn to live healthier life styles.
• GJLs Go to College – We will go to college to get an education- not for a job- but for a career; there is a difference. GJLs, together with staff are designing a college prep program to better prepare our young people for a college environment and classes. This service-learning project is currently being developed.

Stay tuned for more information about these projects.