Our Mission
First Tee – Silicon Valley develops youth through golf. We enable kids and teens to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.
By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.
We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
The Future Talent of Silicon Valley DBA First Tee – Silicon Valley is a nonprofit public benefit corporation 501 (c)3 – tax identification #46-3102278.
Why Youth Development Matters
Our kids are facing challenges beyond life’s expected growing pains, unlike previous generations. They experience pressures within their communities, online, and the world. Many lack access to safe opportunities that foster a culture of acceptance and provide mentorship.
Our unique approach to youth development transforms lives and gives kids a brighter future. Core values and life skills are the foundation of strong character, which leads to success in life. Character is learned, cultivated and shaped by our mentors and experiences, which are our greatest teachers.
Golf provides a powerful vehicle to help kids build the strength of character and life skills that they can use both on and off the golf course.
What We do
We teach all of our life skills and golf skills to each grade group and help participants self-manage their development. 4 seasons of 8-week sessions (1.5 hrs p/w) organized at our 3 partner golf courses.
We equip teachers and after-school partners to deliver our life skill and golf skill curriculum in their setting. We focus on low-income areas and Title 1 Schools and transition of students to our on-course program.
We give our long-term teens special life and leadership experiences as well as college scholarships to recognize outstanding achievements.
History of First Tee – Silicon Valley
Our history dates back to 2000 when the San Jose Sports Authority (SJSA) – Santa Clara County’s sports commission – created the Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo (Eagles) junior golf program for East San José youth. In 2005, the Eagles became The First Tee of San José, a new chapter within The First Tee network of over 180 internationally, while remaining a program of SJSA. Having grown substantially by early 2012, the program expanded to all Santa Clara County and East Palo Alto and changed its name (and license) to The First Tee of Silicon Valley. The year 2014 began a new era as we separated from SJSA and became a new, 501c3, non-profit entity, The Future Talent of Silicon Valley DBA First Tee – Silicon Valley. Southern San Mateo County (north to Hwy 92) and Hollister were added to our service area in 2018. We have taught our life skills and golf skills curriculum to over 95,000 youth since 2005. Learn more about Our Impact and read Stories about our program.
First Tee Origins
First Tee was established by the World Golf Foundation in November 1997 as a not-for-profit organization 501(c)3. The initial focus was on creating affordable access for those not previously exposed to the game of golf. It has since broadened its focus to that of a youth development organization that teaches life skills using golf as a platform. Founding partners include the PGA TOUR, LPGA, PGA of America, USGA and the Masters Tournament. Former President George H.W. Bush served as honorary chairman from 1997 to 2010 when he moved to an emeritus role. In 2011, former President George W. Bush, his son, assumed the role. First Tee has two channels for delivering its programming: a network of approximately 140 chapters in all 50 states on golf courses and DRIVE which is taught at schools and youth centers.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our programs are accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
We strongly condemn racism and discrimination and believe there is no place in this world for hate and prejudice. Appreciating diversity, respect, integrity, active listening, and empathy are at the core of what we teach the youth we serve. We are determined in our mission of building character to shape the leaders of tomorrow and to inspire them to make our community and the world a better place.