What is BYTE?
BYTE is a cross-border youth development organization that offers tennis and academic classes on both sides of the US/Mexico border in Nogales Arizona and Nogales Sonora Mexico. One of 350 chapters that make up the United States Tennis Association’s National Junior Tennis & Learning network, BYTE is the only program to operate internationally and in the border region. BYTE strives to be a leader in sports-based diplomacy and its programs depend on talented partners and community actors from public, private, and NGO sectors in both countries. Each BYTE student-athlete is an international grassroots ambassador, whose dialogue, curiosity, and positivity create resilient local communities that are examples for how countries can interact.
BYTE Academics
BYTE offers tech-based enrichment curriculums, facilitated by bilingual local educators in non-traditional teaching spaces, such as gymnasiums and public parks. Lesson plans highlight soft-skill learning, digital storytelling, and personal narrative, with activities and projects designed for collaboration and sharing between cohorts and across the border.
Curriculums are developed internally and are adapted to fit the specific needs of each BYTE partner host site. Past curriculums include 5-10 week progressions in digital storytelling, gender violence, behavioral intelligence, emotional awareness, sustainable craft-making, and mural painting.
BYTE partners with a Mexican Community Foundation called Fundación Empresariado Sonorense (FESAC). FESAC oversees a network of over fifty Mexican non-profit organizations, providing both strategic and financial support.
Why BYTE? BYTE…
Strengthens Communities
The popular notion of border communities is that they are broken, dangerous, drug infested areas where no one in their right mind would want to spend time. However, in our experience, we’ve found the opposite. Our communities are filled with vibrant, brilliant, innovative people working together to solve problems brought on by complex externalities. BYTE is focused on helping to usher in the next wave of leadership for these communities in five core values and activities.
Maximizes Opportunity
We focus on digital literacy, healthy lifestyles and expressiveness to help kids better experience the world.
Connects Community Resources
Whether it's fighting obesity, connecting family members or helping children living in shelters form a sense of community BYTE is here to help.
Creates a Safe Place
We use tennis to keep kids off the street and build teamwork and self-esteem
Highlights Intercultural Connection
We see the border like a big tennis net. We host matches, workshops, and events on both sides to show kids that their story is not what they see on the news.
Uncovers Truth on the Border
We see tennis as a metaphor for the border itself. Lots of back and forth, but the same goals.