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Causes: Racquet Sports, Sports
Mission: To improve the lives of promising, selected students in Danbury emphasizing education, character, tennis, and health.
Results: To date, all of our students have achieved a 100% high school graduation rate Homework completion level and study habits drastically improve during a student’s first semester in the program After one year in the program, all of our students show significant improvement with work habits, social skills, self-esteem, leadership skills, academic performance, and school attendance The majority of our students boost reading levels by one level over the summer and by one or more levels during the school year Our students realize significant advances in math performance and an overall increase in standardized math test scores All of our participants have gone on to attend college or begin a career The DGA promotes general health, fitness, and wellness by keeping of students active, fostering the importance of healthy behaviors, and providing healthy snacks. This leads to a reduction in body mass index and improved self-esteem In 2014, Director, Lauren Dalton, was awarded the Danbury Area Mentor of the Year Award from W.C.S.U. for her outstanding work in mentoring area youth through tennis and tutoring The 2012 USTA NJTL Program of the Year for New England Since 2006, over 20 participants have played Varsity High School tennis at Danbury High School, Abbott Tech, Immaculate High School, and Wooster School
Target demographics: instill productive behavior in Danbury’s at-risk youth through education, mentoring, empowerment, self-advocacy, and individualized attention.
Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 50 kids with education, character, tennis, and health and nutrition.
Geographic areas served: inner city Danbury
Programs: After school homework help, mandatory extra reading and extra math work, character development through guest speakers, field trips, health and nutritional guidance, tennis lessons, fitness sessions, Summer Enrichment, and more.