(Mentor Spotlight: Meet Craig Hanlon Published 11/6/2026) Coach Craig has been a First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) coach since 2025, accumulating over 100 hours with our youth of all ages. Since he completed his HR on-boarding steps, he has coached with us every season showing the consistency and care that has made him one of our go-to coaches.
According to our surveys, kids and teens learn best through doing and seeing. Coaches need to “walk the walk,” which is what Craig does. He is reliable, prepares, collaborates with his fellow coaches, exudes positivity, and shows genuine interest in others. He offers his life experience when needed and understands when to step back and listen. As a result, the participants gravitate to him, and he is well-respected and liked by his fellow coaches.
When Craig isn’t coaching, he works as a Response Engineer/Product Manager for Apple and can be found playing hockey, attending live music, and playing golf.
We are grateful to have Coach Craig leading our youth!
Why FTSV?
“As a kid I found golf to be a place of belonging, lifelong friends, and a sport I truly enjoyed. I want future generations to get to experience even just a little bit of the good golf has done for me in my life. I appreciate that we teach kids about how we treat ourselves and the people around us, alongside golf. The skills learned here apply directly to life, even if the student never picks up a golf club again.”
How has coaching with FTSV impacted you?
“A big impact has been making me a better listener and communicator. I’ve learned that what sounds like one thing to a student can be heard entirely differently by someone else. When I ask questions and hear how students describe something in their own words, I can explain things in a way that makes sense to them. That skill helps well beyond just working with our students.”
Thanks, Coach Craig, for being on our team!
Volunteer your time and talent as a FTSV Life and Golf Coach, like Craig.
Click here to learn more about our volunteer coach process and responsibilities. Click here to get started. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
(FTSV School Outreach Partners with ARUSD Published 11/6/2026) Alum Rock Unified School District will launch our School Program during the first and second weeks of November and will be implementing the Program throughout the 2026/27 academic year across all of their 15 schools. The School Program will provide students with after-school golf and life skills classes at their school facilities. The program is designed to use golf-based games to teach the basics of golf and most importantly, some of the essential First Tee – Silicon Valley life skills — showing respect, being a good sport, building confidence, and overcoming challenges.
The School Program delivery will be coordinated through three established after-school providers serving ARUSD schools. Think Together will deliver the Program at 6 schools, the Boys & Girls Club at 5 schools, and the YMCA at 4 schools, ensuring that all 15 schools are included.
To support successful implementation and consistent program delivery, FTSV will conduct three separate training session, one for each after-school provider. These trainings will prepare staff from Think Together, Boys & Girls Club, and YMCA to deliver the program effectively and safely.
Six of the participating schools will also take part in springtime field trips to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course where our FTSV staff will deliver the classes. Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is the hub of our programming in the Alum Rock and East San Jose area given as one of the only open spaces in the area. We hope the field trips help show these students that this golf course is a great community space for them and their families to hang out and enjoy the game together.
Each year, schools across the region partner with FTSV for the academic year to deliver our program and curriculum to their students. Many of the participating schools reside in East San José. These partnerships are vital to achieving our mission of serving our community, especially those in low-income areas and Title I schools. Our School Partners are equipped with the equipment, curriculum, and training needed to coach our core life and golf skills to their students, using adaptive lesson plans that make golf fun and accessible to kids no matter their age or skill level.
“We are thrilled that ARUSD is all-in with FTSV’s School Partner program for all 15 of their schools,” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “We want to thank Lupe Ruvalcaba, the Coordinator, Expanded Learning at ARUSD, and her team for their collaboration and belief in this partnership. Our team is excited to work together with ARUSD to enrich the lives of all ARUSD students.”
This show of force by ARUSD is a testament to the commitment they have to their students and families. “Our goal will always be to create a safe, supportive space where students can thrive. Working with FTSV allows us to offer our students meaningful experiences that teach life skills through the game of golf, while building confidence and fostering a strong sense of belonging,” said Lupe Ruvalcaba, Coordinator, Expanded Learning at ARUSD.
The School Program lessons provide their students with a safe space to learn and grow as people, using the game of golf and all of its teachable moments as the driver of that growth.
Our School Partner program is vital to our success as an organization, so thank you to ARUSD. We can’t wait to see you and your students at the golf course!
If you are interested in starting a School Program in your school, please click here and email [email protected].
(FTSV at Senator Cortese’s 4th Annual Picnic by the Lake Published 11/6/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) joined more than 100 other resource booths at Senator Dave Cortese’s 4th Annual Picnic by the Lake on October 10th. Hellyer County Park was buzzing with thousands of South San José and Senate District 15 neighbors who came together to celebrate the community’s diversity and enjoy free family activities, lunch, pumpkins, and multicultural performances.
Thank you, Senator Cortese, for hosting this wonderful event. We are proud to be part of this vibrant, diverse community, which we have served for over 25 years and look forward to serving for many more.
To invite FTSV to your community’s resource fair or event, contact Marketing & Event Coordinator – Nicole Woodson [email protected]
(FTSV Winter Season Registration NOW OPEN! Published 11/6/2026) Registration for our 2026 winter season is open here and will close on Thursday, November 19th at 11:59pm. The 8-week winter season begins the week of December 1st and ends February 6th with no classes December 22nd through January 2nd.
Register today and take part in engaging and fun life skill and golf skill classes at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy, and a special high school class on Thursdays at PGA Tour Superstore in Cupertino.
The winter schedule is now posted here. See you at the course!
Classes are grouped by grade group, so invite a friend and take a winter class together!
Financial aid is available. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
Giving Back to Your Community
Each week our participants experience one of our 6 Life Skills and 6 Golf Cues. Our life skill curriculum covers showing respect, pursuing goals, making good choices, building a positive self-identity, overcoming challenges, and collaborating with others. Throughout our grade groups we encourage participants to help each other out, include everyone, and treat each other with respect. In our “self-identity” lesson for 9th and 12th graders, we focus on finding ways to apply our strengths to make a positive difference to those around us and to our community. Everyone has skills and personality traits that can be used to help others. Those skills can include being a good listener, a connector, or a motivator.
In the winter season we also have an Ace class for high school teens that focuses on giving back (i.e., volunteering) – how to interview, gain transferrable working skills, develop professionalism and correspondence skills, and how to go above and beyond.
Our hope is that when participants get into high school, they volunteer coach in addition to taking classes so they can apply what they are learning to help our younger students.
In 2026 we have had over 117 and counting high school volunteer coaches. In our quarterly coach trainings, we provide additional guidance on how to strengthen their listening and communication skills. Our hope is they realize their strengths, work on their skill set, and go above and beyond to empower others.
FTSV Winter Season Registration NOW OPEN!
We look forward to having returning and new participants team up and join us for the upcoming winter season. We encourage youth 2nd grade up to 12th grade to join our program and ask that you help spread the word. For more information click here.
(Improving First Tee – Silicon Valley at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course Published 11/3/2026)
First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) will be receiving $2.125 million in state funding secured by California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San José) as part of the Legislature’s 2026 Budget Bill Jr. package. The funds are an investment in FTSV’s youth development programs that are accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship. All of these funds are only for capital improvements at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course to benefit FTSV and the community.
FTSV has already begun coordinating the use of this investment with Rancho’s operator and leaseholder, CourseCo, and the City of San José including the department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz, and the Mayor’s Office of Innovation and Public-Private Partnerships.
In addition, FTSV is working to supplement these funds from other generous donors who want to help FTSV and the community reap even more benefits from Rancho.
FTSV’s annual fundraising needs are even greater now. More improvements means more kids and teens, so more funding is needed to offer our affordable programs.
FTSV’s presence at Rancho has had a major impact for over 25 years helping children and investing financially. The program has grown significantly serving over 110,000 kids and teens. In 2025, 5,936 Course Participants and School Students, who were 85% Ethnically Diverse and 64% Low-Income, experienced its life skills programs.
Please contact Beth Williams, FTSV Development Director, to make a gift – [email protected] – or George Maxe, President & CEO, to learn more – [email protected].
(New Ambassador – Meet Lenny Danna Published 10/29/26) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome our newest Board Ambassador – Lenny Danna. We asked Lenny a few questions to get to know him.
Tell us about your background, your personal and professional life.
“I was born and raised in San Jose and live in Monte Sereno. I am married and have 5 wonderful children and three even more wonderful grandchildren. I’ve played golf for over 60 years and carry a 9.1 index.”
Why FTSV?
“I was introduced to it by Victor. I think it’s a great program and seems to be something I would like to be a part of.”
What are you looking forward to as an Ambassador?
“I want to be able to connect with our young people and hopefully teach them (first) about life and hopefully a little bit about the game I love. If I can change the trajectory of one child’s life, that’s a big win.”
All board members, staff, coaches and instructors see themselves as Mentors. Do you have any memorable mentors?
“My first and most important mentor is my brother. We followed similar career paths in life. He’s four years older than me but always included me in sports etc. when we were kids. I am very fortunate.”
Volunteer your time and talent as an Ambassador just like Lenny. Ambassadors coach, cultivate donors, fundraise for events or campaigns, represent FTSV at outside events, and work on special projects with the CEO.
(Change the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Natalie Chen Published 10/28/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley believes that challenges faced in life present the perfect opportunity for personal growth and development. Golf, like life, is full of challenges. Learning how to react to and work through these challenges is what allows players to excel at the game. FTSV believes that the same principles apply to our lives outside of golf, that when faced with difficult and unique circumstances, maintaining a growth mindset allows us to persevere and continue to develop.
Natalie Chen was one of our participants who thrived in challenging situations. She began taking our classes in the 3rd grade, coming from a family that wasn’t very familiar with golf. From the beginning, Natalie 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 had friends who she met through FTSV, other people who she knew she could 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.
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.”
In 2026, Natalie was selected by FT Headquarters to become part of the College Scholar Program. She is one of only 22 selected from the all First Tee Chapters worldwide! Natalie will be using the lessons from the FT Scholar retreat and the lessons learned while at FTSV while attending Stanford University.
Click here to learn about the College Scholar Program and other scholarships through our chapter. Click here to join our program like Natalie did.
Kids Need Us Now More Than Ever
Social pressures, loneliness, mental health challenges, family struggles, and inequities across Silicon Valley weigh heavily on today’s youth. At First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV), we provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive community where kids are free to be themselves and discover their inner strength.
Our 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.
Life Skills and Impact That Last a Lifetime
We’re proud of the results our youth development program delivers.
100% of our long-term participants graduate high school
100% go on to college
100% gain life skills that make them caring, responsible citizens
75% of our high school participants give back as junior mentors
This kind of consistency is possible only when our supporters are consistent too. That’s why monthly pledges are so vital.
Change the Game for MORE Kids! Like Natalie
As we look to 2027, 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.
A gift of any size helps us add classes, support our coaching staff, and reach more underserved young people across Silicon Valley:
$80 a Month will sponsor a full year of golf and life-skills programming for a low-income student, including course fees, equipment, and coaching.
$40 a Month can support one of our participant events, the Girls Golf Tournament or our Annual College Day Tournament, helping cover costs so participants can take part
$20 a Month will cover the registration fee for one low-income student
$100One-Time Donation provides golf equipment and program materials for a student
Make your annual donation OR a monthly pledge today, and help us Change the Game for MORE Kids tomorrow.
(New Ambassador – Meet Michael Serranía Published 10/22/2026) Help us welcome Michael Serranía as a new Ambassador and longtime supporter of our mission. We asked Michael a few questions to get to know him.
Tell us about your background, your personal and professional life.
“I have had the privilege of serving in Catholic education for the past 19 years, including 15 years as a classroom teacher and four years as principal of a Catholic middle school in San Jose. Currently, I serve as a Spanish teacher at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, where I continue to find great joy in working with young people and supporting their families.”
“Beyond the classroom, I have remained committed to community service through past fundraising efforts at my local parish in Morgan Hill and my current service on the finance committee at my daughter’s school. Throughout my career, education has been more than a profession; it has been a calling rooted in service, mentorship, and helping young people discover their potential both inside and outside the classroom.”
Why FTSV?
“When I began exploring opportunities to serve my community in a meaningful way, First Tee immediately came to mind.”
“My connection to its mission is deeply personal. When I was in eighth grade, my school could no longer offer athletics. Losing those opportunities meant losing something much greater than sports. It meant fewer opportunities to belong, build friendships, develop confidence, and experience what it means to be part of a team.”
“Years later, as an educator, I witnessed several of my former students become involved with First Tee. I saw firsthand how the organization helped them grow not only in the game of golf but also in character, confidence, and valuable life skills. Their experiences reminded me of the opportunities I wish had been available to me when I was younger.”
“What draws me most to First Tee is its commitment to mentorship and the belief that young people grow through meaningful relationships and experiences. Serving as a Board Ambassador allows me to continue doing what I love most: supporting young people, investing in their futures, and giving back to the community that helped shape who I am.”
“It is an honor to remain connected to my hometown and contribute my time, talents, and experience to an organization whose mission I genuinely believe in.”
All board members, staff, coaches and instructors see themselves as Mentors. Do you have any memorable mentors?
“Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have several memorable mentors who have helped shape my personal and professional journey, particularly during my high school years.”
“One of my most influential mentors was my social justice and morality teacher at Bellarmine College Preparatory. He challenged me to look beyond the classroom and develop a worldview grounded in service to others. Through his example, I came to appreciate what it truly means to be a person for and with others, a principle that has guided much of my work in education and community service.”
“Another important mentor, Brian, was instrumental in helping me navigate the college application process and later find my footing in mortgage finance early in my professional life. He was a trusted sounding board who offered guidance, encouragement, and perspective when I needed it most.”
“What makes these relationships especially meaningful is that they have endured over time. I still enjoy reconnecting with my mentors, sharing life’s developments, and reflecting on how their guidance continues to influence me.”
“As I begin this next chapter with First Tee, my hope is to offer young people that same sense of encouragement, belonging, and possibility. I know firsthand how a mentor’s investment of time and genuine interest can make a lasting difference. If I can provide even a small measure of the guidance and support that others have so generously given me, I will consider my service to First Tee especially meaningful.”
Volunteer your time and talent as an Ambassador just like Michael. Ambassadors coach, cultivate donors, fundraise for events or campaigns, represent FTSV at outside events, and work on special projects with the CEO.
(Change the Game for MORE Kids in 2027! Published 10/8/27)
We provide mentoring, life skills, and opportunity for every young person in Silicon Valley. Here is how you can help us reach more of them in 2027.
Kids Need Us Now More Than Ever
Social pressures, loneliness, mental health challenges, family struggles, and inequities across Silicon Valley weigh heavily on today’s youth. At First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV), we provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive community where kids are free to be themselves and discover their inner strength.
Our 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.
Mentoring Is Priceless
Think about the mentor who made a difference in your life. That kind of guidance, with its listening, encouragement, and wisdom, shapes kids forever. Over the years, FTSV has provided this transformative mentorship to more than 108,000 kids. Your steady, monthly support ensures every child in our program has a mentor by their side.
Life Skills and Impact That Last a Lifetime
We’re proud of the results our youth development program delivers.
100% of our long-term participants graduate high school
100% go on to college
100% gain life skills that make them caring, responsible citizens
75% of our high school participants give back as junior mentors
This kind of consistency is possible only when our supporters are consistent too. That’s why monthly pledges are so vital.
What It Looks Like in a Young Person’s Life
Alonso, one of our recent alum, put it best: “First Tee has helped me become both stronger as a student and more confident. These skills have already helped me in scholarship interviews and will continue to be essential as I continue my education in college.”
A National Leader with Local Heart
Among the 150 First Tee chapters nationwide, First Tee – Silicon Valley is at the top with:
85% participant diversity
50% 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.
Our President & CEO, George Maxe, explains what this means: “Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is essential to our instruction, which includes core values, life skills, work skills, leadership principles, and career planning. This investment will enable us to help more kids and teens with additional class options and improved operations.” We will share more about how these funds will be used in the coming months.
Why Your Gift Still Matters
This state funding is dedicated to capital improvements, meaning it can only be used for facility improvements that benefit FTSV and the community. It cannot pay for the people and programs that make a difference in a kid’s life.
Your annual and monthly giving covers the classes, coaches, equipment, financial aid for low-income families and life-skills curriculum that happen on the course, at school and beyond.
Change the Game for MORE Kids NOW and in 2027
As we look to 2027, 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.
A gift of any size helps us add classes, support our coaching staff, and reach more underserved young people across Silicon Valley:
$1,000 – Sponsor a full year of golf and life-skills programming for a low-income student, including course fees, equipment, and coaching ($80 a Month)
$500 – Support one of our signature participant events, the Girls Golf Tournament or our Annual College Day Tournament, helping cover costs so interested participants can take part ($40 a Month)
$250 – Cover the registration fee for one low-income student (ONLY $20 a Month)
$100 – Provide golf equipment and program materials for a student
Make your annual donation OR a monthly pledge today, and help us Change the Game for MORE Kids tomorrow.
(PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee Published 10/8/26)FTSV participants Suri Lau, Annie Lu and Arden Xu were selected for and competed in the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at historic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course in September. All players conducted themselves with respect and kindness, building lasting relationships while playing golf in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
“The PURE Insurance Championship was exactly what everyone had hyped up the event to be!” said Arden Xu. “Obviously, as a Bay Area kid, playing Pebble Beach Golf Links has been a dream of mine ever since I picked up a golf club. Playing the iconic 7th hole and 18th hole felt like a dream come true. Not only that, but this event was about the quality of the First Tee as an organization. Everything about the PURE Insurance Championship embodies First Tee’s Five Key Life Skill Commitments, and it’s an exemplary model of what the First Tee’s overall mission is. All of the First Tee staff, as well as First Tee Silicon Valley, put the players first, and every detail about the event was meticulously crafted to make it as enjoyable as possible. As First Tee often says, it was a truly life-changing experience.”
“I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to play at the PURE Insurance Championship.” Suri Lau humbly described. “Every day was full of friendly people, delicious food, long-lasting memories, and beautiful views of Pebble Beach. It is such an honor to represent Silicon Valley for this tournament. My experience really strengthened my First Tee values and life lessons. I definitely recommend others to participate in this event.”
For more than 20 years, the PURE Insurance Championship has provided selected First Tee participants from around the country with the unique opportunity to showcase the skills and values they’ve gained through their respective First Tee Chapters. The tournament pairs 80 standout teens from First Tee Chapters nationwide with PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business community. The teens were selected by a national panel of judges who evaluated their essays, letters of recommendations, and golf resume. Throughout the week, our three participants competed in the prestigious tournament, got to eat meals with the professional golfers, and were able to network with their peers and tournament golfers. The annual event was broadcast internationally on Golf Channel and took place September 18th – 20th.
In addition to our participating teens, our chapter organized a field trip that brought 36 FTSV teen participants to cheer on Suri, Annie, and Arden. Thanks to the generous grant by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, our field trip teens rode to Monterey in style with a charter bus. During their time at Pebble Beach, the teens enjoyed walking the course, taking pictures, and watching the pros in action. One group even followed Arden for much of the day, proudly cheering him on every step of the way! Everyone also made sure to explore all that Pebble Beach has to offer, from the market and shops to the beautiful museum. Taking in the sights and enjoying the scenery was an added bonus to an already unforgettable day. It was a wonderful opportunity for our teens to come together, support their fellow participants, and experience the excitement of professional golf firsthand.
Congratulations to all the athletes and thank you to the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for hosting First Tee – Silicon Valley!
(Dakota Chang:Awarded Ace Certification Status! Published 10/8/26) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to share that Dakota Chang was awarded the distinguished honor of being Ace-Certified!
Ace is the highest level of certification at First Tee and less than 1% of First Tee participants from across the country achieve Ace certification. Dakota will receive local and national recognition from First Tee for completing her Ace classes and the post-class documents. More importantly, her work in our Ace classes helped her apply the First Tee Life Skills to college and career exploration, and to volunteer experiences. The Ace classes also assisted in developing transferable skills that will aid her in her professional development.
Dakota is a senior at Carlmont High School in Belmont. She began our program as a participant in 2015 and has volunteered as a coach since 2023. Dakota is one of the most diligent, engaged, and impactful participants in our program’s history. She has taken (4) 8-week classes every year since 2015, participated in our regional and local events, recently helped our team win the 2026 NorCal First Tee Regional Cup, and was selected to the First Tee Leadership Academy in Georgia, and the Innovators Forum in Florida. Additionally, she took on several leadership positions within our Junior Council where she worked with her peers on a new coach app that we rolled out this year, and she helped put together our Family Fest, which was an event where we celebrate our participants and families.
Since she was 7 years old, Dakota and her brother and father have been coming on Saturdays, taking classes and staying the entire day (7am to 4pm) to assist with a myriad of tasks. She and her family arrived first thing in the mornings to help us set up the games and stayed after her classes to help us pick up and pack up. As soon as she was old enough, she started volunteer coaching and now leads sections of our classes.
She has been taking Ace classes since she got into high school and being Ace-certified was a personal goal that she can now check off her list.
What does FTSV mean to her?
“FTSV is like a second family to me. It is a community where I can freely express myself because the coaches and my fellow participants prioritize making it a supportive and welcoming environment for all. I was able to grow as a person at my own pace because of the coaches’ patience and gentle encouragement. Most importantly, FTSV taught me that leadership doesn’t mean being the loudest in the room. Instead, it means being the one that facilitates others’ ideas and allows their voices to be heard. It was this kind of mindset that I carried with me into the Coaching App subcommittee.
What are her takeaways from Ace?
“I learned how to ensure that I have the best college experience possible by properly researching and ranking colleges and manage college budgets. I also learned how to conduct informational interviews to be able to explore and understand careers, helping me flesh out my long-term goals so I can begin working towards them.”
Ace includes four (4) 8-week Ace sessions, each with post-class projects.
Education – financial planning for college (budgeting, saving, grants, scholarships), college application process, school identification and exploration strategies
Career – resume-building, interview skills, transferable, adaptive and content skill development, and professional correspondence
(2026 Innovators Forum Published 10/8/26) This November, two First Tee – Silicon Valley participants were selected by a national panel of judges to attend the Innovators Forum at Ponte Vedra. The Innovators Forum is part of First Tee’s national opportunities schedule where students from around the country apply to participate in leadership and development events to further their education and experience gained through First Tee. The Innovators Forum equips and empowers teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities based on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Selected participants have the chance to learn from industry leaders through interactive workshops and group sessions with their peers.
This year, FTSV is proud to be represented by Edwin Sanchez and Vian Tran.
Meet Edwin Sanchez:
Edwin has been a dedicated participant in First Tee – Silicon Valley for the past seven years while accumulating volunteer hours as a junior coach in recent years. Since joining in 2019, he has actively participated in classes, tournaments, and special events while continuously developing his golf skills and leadership abilities. Driven, determined, and always eager to overcome challenges, Edwin consistently demonstrates a great attitude while always being eager to learn. More recently, he has taken on the role of volunteer coach, where his kindness, empathy, and ability to connect with younger participants have made him a fantastic mentor. His commitment to personal growth, openness to feedback, and leadership qualities make him a valued member of our First Tee family.
Meet Vian Tran:
Vian has been a dedicated participant in First Tee – Silicon Valley for nearly 11 years, having joined the program when she was six years old. Since her freshman year, she has taken on an active role as a volunteer coach, contributing over 150 hours of service. Through her involvement in our Ace classes and community events, Vian has demonstrated leadership, compassion, and a strong commitment to giving back. As a coach, she helps younger participants develop valuable life skills through golf while serving as a positive role model. Beyond First Tee, she is a member of the varsity girl’s golf team at Evergreen Valley high school. She also plays an important role at fundraising events, confidently sharing her personal experiences and the impact First Tee has had on her life.
