NATIONAL EVENTS AND LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, we host a series of events to our participants, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf, achieve greatness, and show off our nine core values in action. Descriptions are listed below.

Contact Aaron Wall at [email protected] or (785) 341-1992 to apply for any of the following opportunities.

GOLF & LEADERSHIP EVENTS 

Participant Advisory Council | Virtual Meetings TBD, In Person Annual Meeting: July 22-24, 2024 - Jacksonville, FL

First Tee’s Participant Advisory Council (PAC) advises HQ on matters pertinent to all First Tee participants. It is critical for youth to be heard, and the PAC provides an important forum for youth to express themselves, voice their ideas, and provide input for projects or programs that impact the experience of all First Tee participants.

The participants represent their chapter and others at PAC meetings and give honest and professional counsel to HQ on various program and strategic agenda topics.   

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Attend quarterly meetings
    • Up to three 1.5 to 2-hour virtual meetings
  • Attend one 3-day in-person annual meeting at First Tee headquarters
  • Complete surveys on an as-needed basis
  • Provide a positive attitude and a supportive presence
  • Assist as needed in pilot programs for curriculum evolution
  • Provide honest feedback to all agenda topics
  • All duties of the position must be performed in a professional and confidential manner

Application Released: January 16, 2024 | Application Deadline: March 20, 2024 | Number of Participants Selected: 8

First Tee Future Entrepreneurs Presented by Wells Fargo | May 7-10, 2024 - Charlotte, NC

Wells Fargo is committed to community organizations like First Tee® that help to create a brighter future for young people. First Tee Future Entrepreneurs presented by Wells Fargo celebrates promising alumni currently attending or who have graduated from an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and pairs them with a PGA TOUR Professional during Wednesday’s Pro-Am at the Wells Fargo Championship. This once in a lifetime opportunity provides First Tee alumni an opportunity for mentorship, networking, and personal development.

Application Released: January 16, 2024 | Application Deadline: March 6, 2024 | Number of Participants Selected: 3

John Deere Drive Your Future Academy | October 10-14, 2024 - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere is a female empowerment event recognizing young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their chapters, schools and communities. The five-day academy experience focuses on the importance of building a strong network and how to approach mentorship opportunities, navigating post-graduation and career planning, and appreciating the value/impact of volunteerism. 

Application Released: May 14, 2024 | Application Deadline: July 17, 2024 | Number of Participants Selected: 24

First Tee National Championship | June 23-27, 2024 - Clemson, SC

First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s top players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level. First Tee National Championship is played at acclaimed college campuses, including Clemson University, Notre Dame and Stanford University, and is the only national event that is purely tournament golf. This year, 4 participants will have the opportunity to join the PGA TOUR Pathway to Progression and continue their golf journey.

Application Released: January 16, 2024 | Application Deadline: March 20, 2024 | Number of Participants Selected: Up to 48

Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr | July 9-13, 2024 - Minneapolis, MN

First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is a five-day learning and empowerment academy. Participants selected to attend will participate in important conversations embracing topics of self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. First Tee invites its partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice, to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches. 

The experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position our teens to be Game Changers in their current and future communities. The academy is the ultimate tribute to Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a fearless champion of change.

Application Released: January 16, 2024 | Application Deadline: March 20, 2024 | Number of Participants Selected: Up to 72

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee | September 17-22, 2024 - Pebble Beach, CA

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee showcases participants across the First Tee chapter network and celebrates their dedication to the game of golf and living out their character strengths and values as they strive to make an impact in their local communities. This tournament is an official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on the Monterey Peninsula that pairs one junior with a PGA TOUR Champions player and two amateurs, providing life-changing mentoring opportunities. To be selected, juniors are measured on their playing ability as well as their personal growth and life skills learned through First Tee’s programs. The tournament is televised nationally on Golf Channel. 

Application Released: January 16, 2024 | Application Deadline: March 20, 2024 | Number of Participants Selected: Up to 81

First Tee Innovators Forum | November 17-21, 2024 - Phoenix, AZ

First Tee Innovators Forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Selected participants have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, First Tee Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities.

Application Released: May 14, 2024 | Application Deadline: July 17, 2024 | Number of Participants Selected: Up to 32

 

College Scholarship Program

About the Program

The First Tee College Scholarship Program provides valuable, life-changing opportunities for the youth of First Tee. Helping them prepare for success is at the core of our mission. We believe in encouraging youth to pursue their dreams and further their education.

This program awards participants who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. Thanks to our generous donors, First Tee is proud to offer up to a $20,000 scholarship, mentoring throughout the college experience, professional development workshops and assistance in securing internships and jobs through the First Tee College Scholarship Program.

Applications are accepted once per year from seniors in high school who meet the minimum eligibility requirements. All components of the application will be reviewed with consideration that this program offers need and merit-based scholarships.

2024 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the First Tee College Scholarship Program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

  • Must be classified as a high school senior as of December 31, 2023
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
  • Test-Optional – Following guidelines of current Higher Education Admission Trends
  • Intent to attend a four-year accredited college or university in Fall 2024
  • If selected, the participant must be able to attend the Pre-College Retreat and the annual Winter Workshop

Chapter and Community Participation

  • Registered and active in First Tee headquarters database at the time of application deadline
  • Involved in chapter activities at the time of application submission
    • Participants who have spent a longer amount of time in First Tee programs will receive higher consideration in the selection.
  • Evidence of responsible volunteerism or citizenship through meaningful involvement in community and/or civic activities

Application Released: January 16, 2024 | Application Deadline: March 13, 2024 | Participants Announced: May 31, 2024