By: Chris Tobias| Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

New York, NY — During the U.S. Open, tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams announced an ambitious new initiative—the Williams Family Excellence Program—aimed at empowering young people from under-resourced communities to “lead from the baseline to the boardroom.” The program debuted in partnership with the USTA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the United States Tennis Association. 

Set to benefit youths ages 13 to 25, the program will expand over the next decade to support 2,500 participants annually by 2035. Offering far more than tennis training, the initiative blends academic support, career pathways, internships, scholarships, and entrepreneurship opportunities, positioning young people for success both on and off the court. 

The program rests on three foundational pillars:

• Excellence Team: Community-based organizations will identify youth with athletic promise and financial need, offering them no- or low-cost high-performance tennis training, college recruitment guidance, and access to camps and competitions. 
• College Scholarships and Player Grants: Additional financial support to help participants pursue higher education while continuing their tennis and personal development. 
• Internships and Entrepreneurship: Expansion of the USTA Foundation’s Career Pathways Program—with internship and business training, students will gain skills to succeed “from the baseline to the boardroom.” 

Venus and Serena expressed pride in the program’s naming and potential. “Our parents always encouraged us to strive for excellence, and tennis provided the platform to pursue our dreams. We believe this initiative will allow others to dream big and leave their marks,” they said in a joint statement. 

Kathleen Wu, president of the USTA Foundation Board, echoed that sentiment: “This initiative honors the Williams family’s legacy—not only their triumphs on the court, but their resilience and dedication. Through this program, those barriers they broke will remain open for future generations.” 

Brian Vahaly, USTA Board Chairman and interim co-CEO, underscored the broader impact: “Venus and Serena have inspired millions. Now, their legacy will continue by giving young people the same sense of possibility the Williams family has given all of us.” 

The Williams Family Excellence Program builds upon the USTA Foundation’s current reach, which supports over 200,000 youth through 300 community-based programs in 2025 alone. 

As Venus continues to compete—even returning to the court at age 45—the launch of this program highlights a powerful chapter in her and Serena’s legacy: one that transcends athletic achievement, uplifting the next generation of leaders both in sports and beyond.

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