Programs

The MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation has developed several innovative programs in order to reach as many underserved children in Jacksonville as possible. Our comprehensive after school program is offered to first grade through high school students in three programs: TnT (for 1st-5th grade); Leadership (for 6th-8th grade) and High School LIFE (career & college prep).

We also offer a year round program for our competitive tennis players including Team Tennis and tournament play through our Competitive Athlete Program. Outreach and community programs are also offered.

TNT

TnT is a daily after-school program focusing on our K-5th grade students. TnT (Tennis-n-Tutoring) operates from 3pm-6pm in the MaliVai Washington Youth Center. TnT contains 3 sessions daily which provide academic assistance, tennis/fitness activities and life skills classes. Each child also receives a nutritious snack daily. The program offers: Academic Support through homework assistance and mentors; Tennis and Fitness classes focusing on nutrition, introduction to the sport of tennis and practice for competitive play; and Life Skills & Enrichment classes which are age appropriate and range from basic hygiene to pregnancy prevention. All students participate in community service activities and have the opportunity to go on enrichment field trips based on reaching pre-determined goals.

TLC

The Learning Center, or TLC is a component of our TnT program which provides a fun learning experience for K-2nd grade students. TLC focuses on math and reading skills as well as life skill lessons essential to the overall success of the student.

Leadership

Students who complete the TnT program are invited to join the Middle School Leadership program. The Leadership Program is geared toward the more mature student and students are held to higher standards. Study hall is required for all students, with help available if needed. Students with a 3.0 or higher are not required to do additional work when their homework is completed and have less strict homework rules (i.e. they can listen to iPods, visit quietly with each other, etc.) Leadership classes focus on study skills, goal setting, peer pressure, team building and dealing with adolescent issues. Activities include career and college exploration. Youth who maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA are invited to participate in special activities and field trips.

High School LIFE

Students who complete the Leadership program are invited to remain for the High School Life Program. The HS LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) program provides individual counseling and direction for each student to determine an education and career path after high school. In addition, HS students may apply for part time junior staff positions or participate as volunteers to earn community service hours for scholarships. Students also have access to tutors in math, English and science courses as needed.

Summer Camp

Camp Dynamite first began during the Summer of 2008. Camp Dynamite is a comprehensive full day camp program which provides lunch and snack, daily tennis lessons, math, science and reading enrichment classes, art and free time to youth in 1st-5th grade. Students also enjoy going on Friday fieldtrips. Past fieldtrips have included the Jacksonville Zoo, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, MOSH and Hannah Park. An intensive tennis camp is provided (with enrichment activities) for invited middle school students.

Competitive Tennis

The Competitive Program is available to students who are athletically gifted and who maintain academic excellence. Students in the competitive program must have a 2.5 GPA, and exceptional behavior. The Competitive Program consists of small group lessons, participation in Grand Prix tournaments, USTA and Team Tennis activities and racquet for personal use. Students who are ready to step up their tennis game will then be permitted to try out for the High Performance Team (HPT), an intense tennis program reserved for only 12 students maximum.

Outreach

Outreach programs are designed to provide a broad introduction to the sport of tennis to as many youth as possible. Programs and activities include one day clinics and assembly programs, summer camps, and school year programs with partner youth development organizations and local schools and at the MaliVai Washington Youth Center.

Family Services

Family support is key to the success of the students in the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation. Therefore, family involvement is mandatory. Each family is required to provide six hours of community service each year by an adult. In addition, six family nights are held each year with attendance mandatory at two of the educational family nights. Four family nights focus on topics that parents request such as home ownership and credit repair, how to help your child succeed in school, internet safety, community violence, etc. The other two family nights are social opportunities for families to visit with staff and volunteers: the Holiday Dinner in December and the Year End Barbecue in May.

Special Events

Several times throughout the year, MWKF hosts special events open to the public and the community at large. This includes our annual Kids 4 Kids Carnival each May, high school district tennis tournaments, collegiate tennis matches and more. For a list of upcoming events that are open to the pubic, be sure to check our monthly calendar.

Youth Center Programs

MWKF offers the use of the Youth Center to other organizations during non-program hours for their programs and activities. These include training sessions, community meetings and special events. Events that are open to the public will be listed on our monthly calendar.