Venus And Serena Williams Will Launch An Initiative Helping Young People With Their Career Development
Serena and Venus Williams are launching the Williams Family Excellence Program, a new initiative to support under-resourced communities with academic support, career pathways, and mentorship. Launched in partnership with the USTA Foundation, the program will help young people prepare for their lives both on and off the court.
“This initiative stands as a living legacy to the Williams family—a tribute not only to Venus and Serena’s extraordinary achievements on the court, but to the unwavering determination, sacrifice, and resilience that define their family’s journey,” Kathleen Wu, President of the USTA Foundation Board of Directors, told US Open.
Serena and Venus helping young people
The Williams sisters aim to support over 2,500 young people aged 13 to 25 annually by 2035. The program will focus on post-secondary education and career development with the hope of unlocking doors that too often remain closed—using tennis as a powerful catalyst for change.
“Our parents always encouraged us to strive for excellence, and tennis provided us the platform and opportunity to follow our dreams and achieve those moments. We truly believe this program will continue using the sport to provide others the opportunity to dream big and leave their own marks,” the sisters said.
The three pillars of the initiative
The success of the program lies within three critical pillars, which include accelerating excellence of future champions, facilitating excellence through higher education, such as college scholarships or player grants, and unlocking excellence in career advancement through internships or entrepreneurships.
“Venus and Serena Williams have inspired millions of people to play tennis, but their impact goes far beyond trophies and titles,” Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board and President, interim Co-CEO, USTA, said.
“They changed the game in culture, fashion, and business, and their story is one of courage and resilience. This program will carry that legacy forward by giving young people the same sense of possibility that the Williams family has given all of us.”
Image: Emma McIntyre / Getty Images
