(Change the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Li An Panfil – Published 10/23/25) Li An was a standout participant with First Tee – Silicon Valley since 2013. She is now a freshman at UCLA where she is studying healthcare.
In her time with FTSV she participated in every class offered, including our four Ace seminar classes (Career, Education, Give Back, and Golf). Li An also volunteered regularly, giving almost 300 hours as a FTSV volunteer coach in Gilroy. She also coached and organized Girls Golf events and lead several subcommittees in our FTSV Junior Council. Throughout Li An’s many FTSV engagements, she always went above and beyond and distinguished herself as a respected leader.
Li An’s high character, community contributions, and FTSV engagement helped her selections for the following National Opportunity Achievements:
- First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with PGA Tour Superstore
- First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow
- First Tee College Scholar Program
We Asked Li An about How First Tee – Silicon Valley Impacted Her
“First Tee – Silicon Valley played a big role in developing my perseverance and helped me become a stronger communicator and learn skills that are transferable everywhere in life. It’s a big community feeling, spreading knowledge and helping us to improve and be our best selves.”
Li An applied the life and work skills that she learned and coached in FTSV. As a result, she succeeded academically, built a network of support, lifted others up around her, and achieved scholarships that helped her attend UCLA.
A National Leader with Local Heart.
Among the 140 First Tee chapters nationwide, First Tee – Silicon Valley is at the top or near the top in the following categories:
- 85% participant diversity
- 48% participants from low-income households
- 55% retention rate including a 75% teen retention rate
- 1:4 mentor-to-kid ratio
These numbers reflect our commitment to making sure every child has access to caring mentors and meaningful opportunities.
Be Part of the Change.
As we look to 2026, we need your help to build on this momentum. A monthly pledge is the most powerful way you can support our kids. Your commitment provides the stability and resources necessary to help thousands of youth grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate leaders.
Help Us Grow Our Impact and the Number of Kids We Serve!
Our youth development programs are accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship. We care for kids with safe spaces, quality coaches, character curriculum, and a culture of respect.
- Course Program — ensure high quality classes that are affordable and accessible to all (full cost for one participant to take an 8-week class = $500 – or pledge $40 per month)
- School Program — equip teachers to deliver our curriculum in their setting (cost of equipment, training, and curriculum per school = $2,000 – or pledge $165 per month)
- Opportunities — provide our kids with special experiences outside of our classes (cost of quarterly tournaments or scholarship = $5,000 – or pledge $415 per month)