Above the Net Teams Up with Men Elevating Men to Champion Youth Development

Immediate Release

Contact: Brenda Gant, Co-Founder and COO Above the Net

Email: Brenda@abovethenettennis.org

Website: www.abovethenettennis.org

When a community-focused sports organization teams up with a committed male mentorship program, the result is a powerful partnership that empowers young men both on the court and in life.

Above the Net, a United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) organization and a leader in youth tennis and community development, is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with Men Elevating Men Inc. for the 2026–27 program year. This partnership combines the discipline of athletic training with high-impact mentorship to serve any male youth ages 13 to 17 who would benefit from having a mentor, with a particular focus on those navigating the juvenile justice system, foster care, or academic challenges.

Launching this September, the collaboration will integrate Above the Net’s supportive community programs into Men Elevating Men’s robust mentorship framework, while introducing tennis as an engaging new activity for participants. Above the Net’s strong community presence and proven ability to engage youth make it an ideal partner for this initiative. The program is designed to reduce school discipline incidents, boost academic engagement, and help young men develop essential life skills.

“By joining forces with Men Elevating Men, we are expanding our reach beyond the baseline to provide the deep, consistent mentorship that many of our young men are searching for,” said Caniece Haywood, Founder and CEO of Above the Net. “Together, we aren’t just teaching a sport; we are providing the tools, support, and encouragement necessary to build brighter futures.”

“At Men Elevating Men, we believe every youth deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances,” said Larry Riley, Founder of Men Elevating Men Inc. “Partnering with Above the Net allows us to connect with youth through the game of tennis, using it as a vehicle to teach conflict resolution, goal setting, and responsible decision-making.”

The program is scheduled to run from September 2026 through May 2027.

About Above the Net

Above the Net is a non-profit 501(c)(3) community-centered youth development organization focused on growing the game of tennis while promoting literacy, wellness, and life skills. Through partnerships with schools, libraries, and local organizations, Above the Net bridges gaps in access to resources while fostering positive development on and off the court.

About Men Elevating Men Inc.

Men Elevating Men Inc. is a youth mentoring organization committed to providing male youth with consistent, positive male influences. By focusing on academic performance, social behavior, and stable relationships, the organization works to empower young men to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.