The GATE project was created through generous funding from the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) to GAIC back in the Fall of 2009. The goal behind this initiative is to provide existing afterschool programs with an enrichment element (e.g. increased physical activity through tennis). Instruction is provided by teachers or afterschool staff who attended a 1/2 day recreational coaches workshop or tennis instructors affiliated through USTA Atlanta, Savannah Area Tennis Association or the MACH Academy in Augusta, Georgia. In one year, the GATE project is serving 1200 kids at 35 sites in three cities (Atlanta, Augusta, or Savannah).

Given the early success of GATE in 2010, an enhanced GATE (E-GATE) will be piloted and unveiled at select sites to offer more comprehensive programming that will include 1) academic supports 2) tennis/physical activity and 3) character development.

If you are an afterschool program interested in getting involved with GATE or E-GATE, please contact us at info@afterschoolga.org and we will place you on the recruitment list. Existing programs at Title I schools are strongly encouraged to apply as this project has demonstrated it can increase participation for your school-based afterschool program and add up to 6-8 hours of programming to your weekly afterschool program.