•     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 organized The Tennessee Aquatic Project and Development Group for   youth ages 8-18.

•     Since 1995, TAP has influenced the lives and choices of some 200 young people. 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.

•     Because of TAP, young people are able to receive tutorial services, seminars on money management, personal development, anti drug   awareness, healthcare information for men and women and occupational opportunities. TAP reinforces life skills development through conflict   resolution training, Wilderness Survival Training, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving (optional) and travel. Advisors monitor youth members   scholastic performance and are granted permission to visit school administrators on any youths behalf. This allows us to target specific  educational needs particularly for at risk members before they become forgotten statistics in the educational system.

•     As founders of TAP, we value the lives of all young people and seek to expand the world they exist in. Only through dedication, participation   and the expansion of knowledge can this program continue to evolve and meet the needs of its mission.