Welcome to the 2018 Texas Diversity Grant application!

USTA Texas is committed to providing an inclusive environment so that all individuals can enjoy the sport of tennis. Over the span of more than a decade, USTA Texas has awarded almost $500,000 through its Texas Diversity Grant. This grant program is designed to support individuals, like you, who are in need of financial support to reach their tennis goals. Whether your goal is improve your section or national ranking, travel and play in a tournament for the first time, or take lessons so you can make your school team, the Texas Diversity Grant program can assist you.

The attached application packet provides you with instructions on how to apply. If you have any questions on eligibility or the process, reach out to me using the contact info below.

Your experience and successes play an exciting role in shaping our Texas tennis story. On behalf of all of us at USTA Texas, thank you for being a part of our tennis family.

Sincerely,

Marcos Valdez

Director of Diversity and Inclusion

512.443.1334, x 220

Texas Diversity Grant: Application Information

  1. When complete, send the grant application and all attachments to:

USTA Texas

Attn: Texas Diversity Grant

8105 Exchange Drive

Austin, Texas 78754

or

Attn: Texas Diversity Grant to Fax number: 512-443-4748

  1. Application postmark deadline and fax deadline is Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Faxed applications must be received in office by 5:00pm. A grant checklist with all required attachments has been included. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will NOT be accepted.
  1. The Texas Diversity Grant Committee evaluates the following criteria:
  • Student athlete demonstration
  • Grades
  • Recommendation letters
  • Essay
  • Tennis participation and playing level
  • Family income
  • Applicant’s grant award history
  1. All applicants will be notified with the grant committee’s decision by March 9, 2018.
  1. If awarded, one parent/guardian of the grant recipient will be required to volunteer 10 hours within their local tennis community. Details to be provided with award letters.

2018 Texas Diversity Grant Application

Basic Information

Applicant Name:______Age:__ Gender: M / F

Address: City:__ State: ____ Zip Code: ______

Does applicant have a disability? If yes, please explain: ______

____

____

Ethnicity: White:_____ Hispanic/Latino: _____ Asian: ____

American Indian: _ African-American: ____ Other: ____

Prefer not to say: ______

Tennis Participation

Place a check next to your playing level:

Challenger: _____ Champ: _____ Super Champ: _____ 10& Under: ______

Section Ranking (if applicable): National Ranking (if applicable): ______

Name of coach/junior program:

Phone: Email: ______

Family Information

Fill out all sections that apply to applicant in regards to where he or she currently resides. Place a check in the box, indicating one primary contact for the applicant:

Name of guardian #1:______

Phone: ______Email: ______

Name of guardian #2:______

Phone: ______Email: ______

Is either parent or guardian disabled? __ If so, please explain: ______

List other dependents receiving support from guardians listed above:

Name / Age / School / Grade

Community Involvement

List extracurricular activities, community service and/or volunteer activities in which the applicant participates:

Organization Name / Activity / Time Commitment

Personal Essay

Answer the following in 300 words or less. Statement can by typed or handwritten.

  1. Grant recipients serve as ambassadors for the sport. What does that mean to you and how will you fulfill this role?

Personal Statement (optional)

This may be used to address any additional information that is not captured in the application. (50 words or less)

Financial Information

Approximate annual family income: $

** Each parent/guardian must supply a copy of his/her latest tax returns (form 1040). If there are two parents/guardians then a joint return or two tax returns are needed. Only the first two pages of your tax return are needed. Please black out highly sensitive information, such as social security number.

Additional Information

Has the applicant previously received grant funding or scholarship assistance from USTA Texas?

Yes/No

If so, fill out the information below:

Grant Name / Year Received / Grant Amount

Indicate how you initially heard about the Texas Diversity Grant.

USTA Texas Website: ______USTA Texas Staff Member: ______

USTA Tournament Page: ______NJTL: _____

USTA Texas Social MediaTennis Coach: _____

Facebook: _____Community Tennis Association: _____

Instagram: ____

Twitter: ______

Other: (please explain) ______

Letters of Reference

Include two reference letters from non- family members. One letter must be from the applicant’s tennis coach or pro and the other must be from a school official, such as a principal, guidance counselor, or teacher. These letters should address the applicant’s character and why he or she is deserving of the Texas Diversity Grant. Letters should be addressed to the Texas Diversity Grant Committee.

Reference Name / Email / Relationship to Student

Date:

Signature of applicant

Date:

Signature of parent/guardian

Grant Checklist

Application

Recommendation letter from tennis coach

______Recommendation letter from school official

Most recent report card

Personal Essay

Most recent tax return(s)

Applicant signature

Parent/guardian signature

______Personal Statement (optional)