Statements

Mission

Our vision was to create a youth based organization that would provide at-risk and inner city youth in particular, a complete approach to personal development. We would stress the educational, personal, community, occupational, ecological and human connections that compose our world and life choices. Using aquatics and travel as major incentives, we would organize The Tennessee Aquatic Project Group for youth aged 8-18.

Background

First we learn, then we teach. Since 1995, TAP has influenced the lives and choices of some 25+ young people each year. As leaders of the organization, we have expanded to include a group of four adult advisors and corporate supporters with specialties suited for the needs of the young people and the mission of TAP. This has afforded us the opportunity to expand our view to what we feel is the only program of its kind in the state of Tennessee. TAP's record speaks for itself: we have a 99% high school graduation rate, 80% college graduation rate. We have taught well over 200 youth to swim, trained 32 lifeguards, 15 water safety instructors, 5 life guard instructors, 46 open water scuba divers, 17 master scuba divers, 3 scientific divers, 2 Coral Reef Team leaders, 2 Diving With A Purpose archaeology instructors and 35 wilderness survival councilors.

Impact

2021-2022 - TAP was featured in National Geographic in March for its founder's work with others seeking evidence of buried ships in Florida that carried stolen Africans on the way to America. TAP has helped three people become PADI Certified Divers. Other divers have taken advanced courses. All beginning swimmers and intermediate swimmers advanced to the next level in April. TAP participated in the Bells Bend State Park Expo Day, tested the water quality in Whites Creek, had two ECHO Challenge Ambassadors, and trained students to make leather crafts. All four Wilderness Survival phases will be completed. During the summer, while TAP is on hiatus, SCUBA divers will experience coral restoration. Those 15 and older will learn maritime archaeology in preparation for joining Youth Diving with a Purpose.

Needs

Wilderness Survival Supplies - $720
Swimming instructors - $10,000 for 20 children for 40 45-minute sessions ($12.50 per student per class)
Master SCUBA Course - $10,000 for 5 students to complete
National Association of Black Scuba Divers Youth Summit - $13,500 for 7 divers and 2 chaperones
Annual Memorial Day diving trip to Florida - $1200 for 12 children and guardians, Tuesday-Saturday
Empowerment Camp in the Florida Keys - $7,000 for travel and lodging

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Youth Development  - Youth Development Programs
Secondary Category:	Youth Development  - Youth Development NEC
Tertiary Category:	Recreation & Sports  - Swimming, Water Recreation

Areas Served

TAP invites children from Davidson and neighboring counties who are able to attend weekly swimming classes at Hartman Park.

TN - Davidson

TN - Montgomery

TN - Sumner

TN - Williamson