Valley Nonprofit PASS Empowers Students Through Tennis and Mentorship

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

For over 20 years, the Phoenix-based nonprofit Programs for After School Success (PASS) has been closing the opportunity gap for underserved students in the area. PASS provides free tennis lessons, healthy snacks, academic support, college prep guidance, and hands-on mentorship to kids at Title 1 schools across the city. Many former PASS students have gone on to attend top universities and now volunteer as coaches, continuing the cycle of giving back to the community.

Why it matters

PASS is making a tangible difference in the lives of underprivileged students by not only giving them access to resources and opportunities they may not otherwise have, but also instilling in them a sense of leadership and community responsibility. The program's holistic approach of combining athletics, academics, and mentorship is helping to break the cycle of poverty and inequality.

The details

At PASS, students receive free tennis equipment and lessons, as well as healthy snacks, academic support, college prep guidance, and hands-on mentorship from volunteer coaches. Many former PASS students have gone on to attend top universities and now volunteer as coaches themselves, teaching the next generation of students and continuing the cycle of giving back.

• PASS has been operating for over 20 years, since the early 2000s.
• The program serves students at Title 1 schools across Phoenix.