About the project
Is the Marta Kostyuk Foundation's first educational project, dedicated to the comprehensive preparation of Ukrainian high school tennis players for participation in the Ukraine Global Scholars (UGS) program and admission to leading educational institutions worldwide, including US universities on sports scholarships. Based on an analysis of the results from the first year of partnership with UGS, we created an 8-week program that helps close gaps in preparation, improve English language proficiency, and successfully pass the selection process.
The project in numbers
Young tennis players successfully completed the 8-week program
Weeks of intensive preparation, lectures, and mentoring sessions
Graduates earned a place in the Ukraine Global Scholars 2026 final selection
Why this matters
Analysis of the first year of the UGS partnership showed that Ukrainian athletes often face systemic barriers: insufficient preparation for language exams, a limited understanding of how the US education system works, and difficulty writing motivational essays. Prep School helps overcome these barriers by giving young tennis players mentoring support and practical knowledge to reach their full potential.
Key areas of the program
Motivational Essays and Application
Practical lectures and one-on-one guidance on structuring the UGS application, completing documents, and writing a strong motivational essay
Test Prep (SAT & Duolingo)
Sessions with an educational partner, providing intensive preparation for the Duolingo English Test, SAT Math, and SAT English
Mentorship and Athletes' Experience
Meetings with Marta Kostyuk and tennis player and University of Georgia student Anastasiia Lopata, a public speaking masterclass, and mentoring sessions
Long-Term Outcome of the Project
Through the program, participants prepared competitive applications, gained skills in self-presentation and public speaking, and developed a better understanding of the requirements of Western higher education. The experience of running the program and the educational materials created lay the groundwork for the continued development of Prep School and will help make international educational and sports scholarships more accessible to young Ukrainian athletes.
How the project unfolded
November 2025
Analysis of the UGS 2025 results, meetings with graduates, and identification of key areas for improving preparation.
January 2026
Development of the Prep School program, selection of participants, preparation of educational materials, and formation of the mentor and instructor team.
March 2026
Delivery of the 8-week program: training, mentoring sessions, and preparing participants to submit their applications.
March 2026
Completion of the program and submission of UGS 2026 applications.
Join our programs
For young athletes
Follow new intakes for educational projects and scholarship programs from the Marta Kostyuk Foundation
For partners
Support the Foundation's educational initiatives to help young Ukrainian athletes access quality education and build sporting careers
