(FTSV Participant Natalie Chen selected for the First Tee College Scholar Program – Published 7/09/2026) First Tee Silicon Valley participant Natalie Chen has been selected by FT Headquarters to become a part of the 2026 College Scholar Program. Congratulations, Natalie!!!
The First Tee College Scholarship Program provides valuable, life-changing opportunities for the youth of First Tee and helps them prepare for success in and after college.
This program awards participants who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. Thanks to generous donors, First Tee offers up to a $20,000 scholarship, mentoring throughout the college experience, professional development workshops, and assistance in securing internships and jobs.
Natalie always takes on and thrives in challenges. She began taking our classes in the 3rd grade, coming from a family that wasn’t very familiar with golf. From the beginning, Natalie has felt right at home, saying “First Tee was very welcoming…[they] set the stepping stones for me to build the confidence to walk on to a golf course and know what to do.” After many seasons with FTSV, Natalie earned a spot on her school’s varsity golf team. On the team she even has friends who she met through FTSV, other people who she knows she can rely on, both on and off of the course.
Natalie also joined our Junior Council and led a few the Council’s subcommittees including our Girls Golf events and our Family Fest. She excelled in our Ace classes and took our Leadership Series with the PGA Tour Superstore. As a result of her performances and leadership, she was selected to attend the 2024 First Tee Leadership Summit. In this summit, First Tee Participants from across the country spend a week at a working ranch in Emigrant, Montana. They take part in team building activities, growing through challenges via positive risk taking, and developing positive self-identity.
“Before Montana, I was more reserved. After this trip, I am willing to take bigger risks, and I believe that will help with my leadership skills. Being a good leader and being able to direct a team to success depend on taking those risks. Just going for it and having the mindset that you can succeed is really important.”
Throughout her time as a high school participant, Natalie took on the challenge of being a volunteer coach. During this time, she became one of our most trusted and tenured junior volunteer coaches and has now transitioned to a hired-staff coach. As her responsibilities grow, she grows as a leader. According to Natalie, “I love it so much. I really like teaching the little kids, they are like little brothers and sisters to me. First Tee has helped me build on my leadership in the program and at school, such as taking the lead and initiating conversations. I have learned how to manage a group of people, open up to others, and make space for everyone to share ideas and feel included.”
Natalie will be using the lessons she learned while at FTSV with her as she takes on new challenges at Stanford University in the Fall. Congratulations, Natalie! We are incredibly proud of you!
Applications for the First Tee College Scholarship Program are accepted once per year from seniors in high school who meet the minimum eligibility requirements. If you are interested in learning more about the College Scholarship Program or are interested in applying, please email Coach Manny at [email protected] and click here.