Tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams are channeling their legacy into a new initiative designed to uplift the next generation.
The sisters have announced the launch of the Williams Family Excellence Program, which aims to support more than 2,500 young people annually by 2035 through academic support, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
The program, launched in partnership with the USTA Foundation, will focus on young people between the ages of 13 and 25. Its mission is to expand pathways to post-secondary education and professional careers, while also using tennis as a catalyst for growth both on and off the court.
“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,” Venus and Serena said in a joint statement. “We truly believe this program will continue using the sport to provide others the opportunity to dream big and leave their own marks.”
The Williams Family Excellence Program is structured around three pillars:
- Accelerating athletic excellence by nurturing future champions,
- Facilitating academic excellence through scholarships and player grants, and
- Unlocking career excellence via internships and entrepreneurial opportunities.
USTA leaders praised the initiative as a living legacy of the Williams family’s resilience, determination, and cultural impact.
Beyond their unmatched records on the court, Venus and Serena have become powerful role models in sports, fashion, business, and philanthropy.
By investing in education and mentorship, the sisters are making it clear that their influence will extend far beyond tennis.
The program’s goal is not just to develop players, but to empower young people to dream bigger, achieve more, and build lasting careers.
