Category: 2024

Changing the Game for MORE Kids: Meet Tristian Hipolito

Changing the Game for MORE Kids: Meet one of First Tee – Silicon Valley’s long-time participants – Tristian Hipolito.

Tristan has been a wonderful part of our program since he transferred from the First Tee East Bay chapter 9 years ago. Tristan is one of the most active participants in our program, taking multiple classes every season, participating in all of our off-season events, and coaching on Saturdays. He is an empathetic and thoughtful individual who leads by example and is committed to self-improvement. 

Leadership in Action

As a participant, Tristan continuously goes above and beyond. He speaks up and contributes to Life Skill discussions, works exceptionally hard on improving his golf game, and actively seeks out other ways where he can be of service. He recently represented First Tee in the national Participant Advisory Council in Florida where he was one of eight selected from around the country. Tristan is also a member of our Junior Council where he leads his subcommittee on raising money and donations for our chapter.

Tristan often speaks about developing these leadership skills through the Life Skill lessons taught by FTSV Coaches and Mentors. Specifically, Goal Setting and Overcoming Challenges. Tristan spoke about these skills at the FTSV 2024 OPEN Tournament:

Recently, Tristian was awarded the 2024 Dennis Kettman Memorial Scholarship. Each year golfers in the Dennis Kettmann Memorial Tournament raise funds to remember Dennis. Their generosity underwrites this special $5,000 college scholarship for a FTSV chosen participant.

We are a National Leader. We lead the nation among the 140 First Tee chapters in several key program measures including the highest number of participants selected to national academies and leadership opportunities:

85% diversity       48% low-income

55% retention      1:4 mentor ratio

There are many ways to help First Tee – Silicon Valley Change the Game for MORE Kids… like Tristan. $40 a month for high-quality mentorship teaching our character-building life lessons that have proven to make a difference. 

Ways to Give

Participant Spotlight: Edwin Sanchez

First Tee- Silicon Valley participant spotlight: Edwin Sanchez has been hard at work giving back to his community and being the change that he wants to see in the world. He is leading neighborhood clean-up projects, volunteering with us as a youth mentor and coach, and even serving as a part of the District 3 Youth Commission. On and off the course, Edwin continues to show what it really means to be involved and make a difference. Great work, Edwin!

Edwin joined FTSV as a participant 5 years ago. Since then, he has taken over 17 classes, participated in many of our tournaments and events, and started volunteering as a junior coach, passing on the Life Skill knowledge he has learned to the younger participants. Edwin is a committed and caring FTSV participant, and this extends to other parts of his life as well.

Beyond the golf course

He organizes a monthly neighborhood clean-up, getting people together to make positive change. Working with Beautify SJ, Edwin and other community members spend 3 hours every month cleaning and giving back to the neighborhood. When asked about the project, he said “I’ve been doing this for almost 8 months. It fills me with pride to help my community, the place I grew up. FTSV has helped me a lot with my time management and I use that skill regularly, especially on projects such as this one.”

Edwin is also a part of the San Jose Youth Commission, representing District 3. The Youth Commission is a group of young people committed to serving their community through legislation, service projects, and activism. Within this role, Edwin runs a Youth Advisory Committee, working directly with other teens from his district to provide input on policy and programs that impact the city. Currently he is organizing monthly meetings and looks forward to the upcoming projects.

When asked about his passion for social service, Edwin reflected on his upbringing. “My mom took me out almost every week to do some sort of volunteer project. Now that I am in high school, I see a lot of my school field trips are to places I volunteered at in the past, to learn more about the impact these organizations are making.  I took a field trip to one place where my name is on a drawing on the wall from when I was there as a kid, and it really showed me that I have been able to make an impact for a while now. I want to continue to make that impact, both to improve my community and also to build my own confidence and experience with leadership and changemaking.”

“If I had one word of advice, take on volunteering and social service at your own pace. It takes a bit to get used to the time commitment, but it will make you feel good about yourself and reinforces your values. Also, it brings you recognition from your community leaders, and will lead to more opportunities in the future.”

Thank you for all your hard work, Edwin! If you would like to get involved in your community as a First Tee Volunteer Coach, please visit our website or reach out to Julie ([email protected]) to learn more. If you would like to join our program as a participant, please visit our registration page.

PUBLISHED: 11-8-2024

FTSV Parents Participate in FREE Golf Clinic

On Saturday, November 2nd, First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) parents/guardians participated in a free golf clinic at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Thank you so much to all that attended. FTSV staff hope that everyone had fun, learned helpful golf techniques, and gained confidence to play with your child(ren).

During the clinic, FTSV staff members walked parents through how classes are structured, reviewed our life skill curriculum, and introduced a few of our golf cues. Parents were then able to hit as many balls as they liked, while FTSV coaches provided feedback and golf tips. Afterwards, parents put their new skills to the test with fun games just like it’s done in our participant classes. The clinic came to an end and everyone left excited and encouraged to take up the game, or play more.

Golf can be a challenging sport. It takes deliberate practice, patience, and a growth mindset. FTSV believes that when parents/guardians understand and are involved in their participants’ golf journey, everyone has more fun and sees improvement more quickly. We hope these clinics help the parents learn some golf skills so they can join their kids. Golf can be a great family activity as anyone can play at all ages.

Golf has jargon that can be intimidating so we created a resource document that details what you need to know to get range balls, set a tee time, and learn everything else someone might need to know about playing at a golf course. From everyone at FTSV, we hope to see you out at the course!

If you have any questions regarding anything golf related, feel free to call or email Coach Phoenix (650-887-7104, [email protected]).

Published: 11-8-2024

Join the Movement: Empowering Youth through Volunteerism

Join the Movement: Empowering Youth through Volunteerism at First Tee – Silicon Valley! At FTSV, we are constantly seeking passionate individuals who are committed to shaping the lives of young people and providing them with the tools they need for a bright future. By volunteering your time as a coach or mentor, you’ll help instill core values and essential life skills in our kids and teens, guiding them toward success. Together, our coaches and volunteers create a positive and safe space for growth, allowing young people to flourish and develop into confident, capable leaders. With just a few hours of your time, you can make a lasting, meaningful impact on their lives.

Why Your Role is Essential

The involvement of community members like you is absolutely vital to FTSV’s success. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on volunteers who are eager to make a difference in the lives of youth. Our coaches and mentors help deliver a fun, engaging curriculum focused on life skills development. In order to maintain an effective, personalized experience for our participants, we aim for a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, meaning every volunteer is important. By volunteering, you’ll not only help build character in young people, but you’ll also have the opportunity to grow your own leadership and mentorship abilities, all while being part of something much larger than yourself.

The Importance of Giving Back to Your Community

Volunteering and giving back to your community aren’t just about helping others—it’s also about feeling good about yourself and being a part of something bigger. Studies show that giving your time and energy can boost your mood, increase feelings of purpose, and create a sense of fulfillment and belonging.

As the saying goes, “be the change you want to see in the world.” By volunteering at FTSV, you’re doing just that—you’re helping to create a future where kids and teens have the opportunity to succeed, grow, and become the next generation of high character leaders. Every caring action, every piece of advice a coach delivers, no matter the size, can make a big impact.

Please considering visiting our volunteer page to apply.

Published: 11-8-2024

Meet New FTSV Board Director: Shawn Fox

First Tee – Silicon Valley recently elected Shawn Fox to our Board of Directors.

Shawn started golfing when Tiger did. His grandfather, who he still plays with, introduced him to the game. He went on to compete in college and other golf tournaments. He shared that golf taught him so many lessons and created so many marquee moments in his life. Shawn lives in Redwood City and plays at Baylands Golf Links (FTSV class course location). He is excited to shift his time to philanthropic endeavors and support a non-profit that he relates to with the character-building mission through a sport he loves. In addition to joining the FTSV Board of Directors, Shawn will also be joining our volunteer coaching staff.

Professionally, Shawn is a solution-oriented leader with more than 18 years of experience driving transformative growth and maximizing performance across diverse organizations. His recent positions were Head of Business Planning at Tesla and Director, Strategy and Commercial Performance at Anheuser-Busch InBev. Shawn graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology, Management and earned his MBA at Columbia Business School.

LinkedIN: Shawn Fox

Shawn is a great addition to our FTSV Board of Directors. Director responsibilities include voting, providing planning, performance, legal and financial oversight, and raising sufficient funds to ensure FTSV’s success. Click Here to meet all our Board of Directors and learn more.

Contact Judy Dixon if you have interest in learning more about our volunteer Board opportunities as a Director or Ambassador.

Published: 11-8-2024

Meet New FTSV Board Director:  Maximilian von Poelnitz

First Tee – Silicon Valley recently elected Maximilian (Max) von Poelnitz to our Board of Directors.

Max saw the FTSV banner at Baylands Golf Links (FTSV course class location) and said to himself – “It’s time to get involved.” He moved here 4 years ago and used to do lots of volunteering. The idea of golf to teach children larger life skills felt like a good fit. In addition to joining the FTSV Board of Directors, Max will also be joining our volunteer coaching staff.

Professionally, Max is a climate and food tech investor excited by innovation in personal nutrition, electrification and B2B bio tech. He is currently Managing Director at Ajinomoto CVC and Investor at numerous companies. He has over 15 years of experience across North America and Asia. Max has built numerous start-ups, founded a venture capital firm, invested as a CVC, and joined as an LP in Loyal VC. He received his BA in History from Wake Forest University and earned his MBA at INSEAD. 

LinkedIN: Maximilian von Poelnitz

Max is a great addition to our FTSV Board of Directors. Director responsibilities include voting, providing planning, performance, legal and financial oversight, and raising sufficient funds to ensure FTSV’s success. Click Here to meet all our Board of Directors and learn more.

Contact Judy Dixon if you have interest in learning more about our volunteer Board opportunities as a Director or Ambassador.

Published: 11-8-2024

Change the Game for MORE Kids!

First Tee – Silicon Valley needs help from you to Change the Game for MORE Kids!

We have MORE Capacity. First Tee – Silicon Valley is thrilled to share that we have a new 25-year agreement for expanded access at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course which doubles our course capacity. We have the space to help 10,000 kids annually – now we need the funding to support our growth.

Mentoring is Priceless.  If you had a mentor growing up, you know that having someone to listen and give guidance to overcome life’s challenges can be transforming. When we look back on the over 100,000 kids First Tee – Silicon Valley has worked with, we are filled with pride and joy knowing that our mentors and our youth development program was there for the kids of our community.

We have Long-term Mentoring Impact. Our intentional focus on the recruitment, retention and progression of our participants has a big impact.

100% of our long-term kids and teens graduate high school

100% of our long-term teens attend college

100% learn life skills that make them good citizens! 

75% of our long-term high school participants give back as junior mentors

Our Kids Face Heavy Stuff.  The pressures of social media, loneliness, mental health struggles, family dynamics, peer and family judgment, inequities of living in Silicon Valley and devastating world events are all adversely affecting youth. FTSV creates a supportive, safe, and positive environment where kids are empowered to be themselves, and feel included!

We are a National Leader. We lead the nation among the 140 First Tee chapters in several key program measures including the highest number of participants selected to national academies and leadership opportunities:

85% diversity       48% low-income

55% retention      1:4 mentor ratio

Meet Alexandra. “I can say that I am a different person now than when I first joined First Tee – Silicon Valley,” says Alexandra. “I consider First Tee – Silicon Valley to be my greatest support system that has given me a place to practice and develop my personal skills.” Listen to Alexandra share her personal story and how FTSV is helping her on her journey to be the first in her family to attend college.

$500 Donation.  Will underwrite one low-income course participant and one Title 1 student to experience our school program. That’s $40 a month for high-quality mentorship teaching our character-building life lessons that have proven to make a difference. 

Ways to Give.   We are locally funded by people like you! Consider a recurring or one-time donation or select FTSV as your Company Matching or Donor Advised Funds charity.

Click Here for credit card donation or make a pledge to mail us a check.

PUBLISHED: 11-7-2024

FTSV Ace Classes

First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) recently wrapped up one of our four 8-week Ace classes throughout the year. This past fall season FTSV delivered the Ace – Education Class to 11 FTSV high school participants. In this Ace class, participants:

  • Explored the different post high school educational opportunities;
  • Performed research on college offerings including; student life experiences, academic offerings, and campus support;
  • Reviewed specific details on the college application process;
  • Worked on effective personal statement writing techniques & approaches;
  • Explored ways to pay for college including details on grants & scholarships;
  • Engaged in budgeting techniques; and
  • Learned about saving options and loan/interest details.

This upcoming winter we will be delivering our Ace Give-Back classes that covers the following:

  • Transferable work and self-management skills, learned through volunteering;
  • Going above and beyond framework;
  • Interviewing strategies;
  • Professional correspondence;
  • Volunteer opportunity exploration; and
  • Group norms and dynamics – collaboration.

The goal of our Ace classes is to apply the life skills that we learn throughout First Tee to the next steps of their upcoming adult life. Additionally, we aim to equip our high schoolers with specific tools to succeed post high school.

All 9th graders and above (new or returning) may take the upcoming Ace-Give Back and other Ace classes. However, in order to be Ace-certified, which is the highest First Tee participant honor, participants that have been in our program for more than 3 years may also complete the supplemental Ace course work and submit an application for Ace-certification.

In addition to the two Ace classes mentioned above, we also have the Ace-Career class in the spring and the Ace-Golf class in the summer.

Any high schooler is encouraged to join our Ace classes on Fridays from 4:30pm-6pm this winter. For the Career and Education classes, any high schooler 10th grade and above may join the classes. To register, please click here.

For more information on our four Ace classes, please click here, email [email protected], or call 408-508-4884.

Published: 11-7-2024

FTSV Shows Appreciation to Adult and Junior Coaches

First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) shows appreciation to FTSV adult and junior coaches on Friday, November 1st and Saturday, November 2nd, with games, prizes and dinner.

FTSV Junior Council Plans the Junior Coach Appreciation Event for November 1st

For the first time, FTSV chose to have two coach appreciation events – one for the junior coaches (teen coaches under 18 years old) and the other for adult coaches. Also new this year, the FTSV Junior Council was tasked to plan the event for their peers.

Junior Council members were split into planning committees and were guided by Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “Our Junior Council is made up of participants that have been in our program for several seasons and years. Throughout their journey in First Tee, they gained communication, self-management, and goal setting skills that were perfect for planning and executing this event. They effectively managed the event budget, coordinated specific roles, and collaborated on various day-of responsibilities. I am so proud of how they worked together, and pushed themselves out of their comfort zone to put on a great event.” Said Chris Moreno-Hunt, FTSV Program Director.

Junior coaches were treated to a mini-putt course, board games, card games, and cornhole. Dinner was VERY popular amongst the kids, with build-your-own burrito bowls from Chipotle. The event wrapped up with the announcement of our raffle prizes and the Junior Coach of the Year.

Adult Coaches enthusiastically attend the November 2nd Party

Party-vibes abound at the Adult Coach appreciation event. There was comradery, an indoor chipping contest, several raffle and tee prizes, an Italian feast from La Villa, and an epic game of Giant Jenga. The event brought together coaches from our three program locations, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, and Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy. The event attendance also increased from the previous year (40 people), making the event a great and fun bonding/celebratory night. Coaches are catching on, that this annual event is “the place to be.”

“We are HUGELY thankful for all of our coaches, who give back to kids and teens with their time and wisdom from their life experiences. They are the connectors between the kids and teens and all our life skills curriculum, so their role is critically important. Then when we multiply this by our high number of coaches, we increase the chances that all our participants will benefit from mentoring. Thank you, Coaches!” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO.

Being a coach in First Tee – Silicon Valley is an incredibly impactful thing to do.

Character building is a long-game, a never-ending process, and is developed through mentorship and experiences.  Simply by spending their time coaching and guiding others, our coaches are changing lives for the better.

The world is always in need of high character individuals, and being a coach provides the opportunity to help build high character leaders for the future.

Additionally, not only are coaches impacting others, they are building a community for themselves full of hard working, kind, growth-minded people who want to spend their free time doing something for others.

Interested in becoming a coach? Please visit our VOLUNTEER PAGE. No golf experience necessary!

Published: 11-7-2024

FTSV Awarded USGA IDEA $15K Grant

First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) was awarded the USGA IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) $15K Grant to underwrite our Spanish-language instructors and volunteers to assist with programming in the predominantly Hispanic communities that we serve.

FTSV wants to grow our partnerships with Title I schools to bring our Community Partner School Program to more kids in underserved and underrepresented communities. We intentionally recruit Title 1 schools near our on-course golf locations. The School Program equips educators to successfully deliver FTSV’s curriculum of life skills through golf. It includes equipment on loan, training, support, coordination, and a field trip to FTSV course locations. Our staff collaborates with the schools to attend on-site parent information meetings and community events, where we can promote transition to our Golf Course program.

We currently have 2 adult Spanish-speaking part-time employees, Victor and Lina, who help us facilitate marketing outreach to the Spanish community. FTSV creates Spanish version videos and collateral materials. Our Spanish-speaking staff members make follow up phone calls to Spanish-speaking parents and assist them in registering for, and navigating our Golf Course program. They assist in demystifying golf jargon and golf course play outside of our program. Lastly they promote our local/regional/national opportunities, including scholarships, national academies, our tournaments, golf course discounts, our golf club lease program. In other words, they will simplify the process, establish important relationships that will break down barriers, and help participants maximize their engagement in our program offerings.

USGA Directs $200,000 Annually Toward Local Programs

As a founding partner of First Tee, the USGA directs $200,000 annually toward local programs that help build up young people and address the barriers that many face at this critical entry point into the game. FTSV was one of 28 chapters that received up to a $15,000 IDEA grant.

Since the grant program’s inception in 2021, the USGA has awarded 100 grants to more than 50 chapters, supporting initiatives that strengthen inclusion among participants, coaches and volunteers. In total, $810,000 has been awarded to date, with several chapters receiving funding year-over-year to sustain the growth that has been generated from grant activities.

“The work that so many First Tee chapters have done – and will continue to do – as a result of IDEA grant funding is inspiring and goes well beyond the golf course,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “It’s important that we not let up on these efforts and continue to deliver resources toward the programs that help eliminate financial, language or accessibility barriers so that even more kids can enjoy our game.”

“Our chapters are reaching young people from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds, offering not only direct access to the game of golf but empowering them to become future leaders,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Our network is stronger because of the USGA’s continued investment in our mission.”

The National Golf Foundation reports that 3.5 million youth currently play golf, marking a 40% increase in participation from 2019-23. Additionally, the junior segment is more diverse than the overall golf population, with higher percentages of females, people of color and adaptive golfers than ever before.

The means by which young people connect with the game varies greatly from community to community.

(Read the Full Press Release)

Published: 11-1-2024

Benefits of Volunteering on your Mental Health

(Benefits of Volunteering on your Mental Health) There are many benefits to the community when we volunteer our time. Did you know there are also benefits to your mental health?

Angela Thoreson, a licensed independent clinical social worker in Psychiatry & Psychology in Austin, Minnesota, wrote in a Mayo Clinic article that “ Research has shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits, especially for older adults…”

The main benefit of volunteering is noticeable improvements in mental health. Angela Thoreson explains that “Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine… Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such has heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and general illness.”

As an adult, research shows that volunteering “leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety especially amount people 65 and older.” Additionally, volunteering as an adult “can give you a sense of purpose” writes Trish Lockard in an article for National Alliance on mental Illness (NAMI). “Dedicating time to a cause can give you new direction and allow you to find meaning in something unexpected. It can also take your mind off your own troubles while keeping you mentally stimulated.”

Coaching kids

FTSV Coaching is Impactful!

Coaching participants about FTSV’s Life Skills – collaborating with others, pursuing goals, overcoming challenges, showing respect, making good choices, and building a positive self-identity – gives volunteer coaches that worthy cause to rally behind and building blocks to living a happy and healthy life. When you teach those skills, you must also demonstrate them, and that will lead to improved mental health.


Being part of a team also leads to improved mental health. First Tee – Silicon Valley is looking for adult coaches to join our team of over 200 coaches. By becoming a coach or volunteer, you will contribute to the development of the life skills and character of our participants, helping to set them up for the future. You will also benefit personally through the people you will meet and work with.

We rely on Volunteers like you!

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on community members determined to make a difference to work with us, delivering our fun life skill curriculum to the participants. If volunteering as a coach sounds like a good fit for you, please visit our volunteer page where you can apply. Please also consider inviting a friend, or a work colleague.

Updated: 2-7-25 Published: 10-22-2024

Support Our Mission – Become an Ambassador

(Support Our Mission – Become an Ambassador) Leadership, engagement and fundraising are key to First Tee – Silicon Valley’s sustainability and success.  Consider being part of a volunteer Board Ambassador program that believes youth development makes a difference. 

You are the right person for this role if you are passionate about supporting and advocating for our mission to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

Ambassadors represent the diverse interests, needs and concerns of the constituency we serve in the underserved communities within our service area which spans from the southern city of Hollister to Milpitas in the East Bay to Southern San Mateo on the Mid-Peninsula.

Ambassador Attributes include:

  • Diversity that embodies all the differences of the kids we serve
  • Modeling The First Tee Code of Conduct and “Respect for Our Organization”
  • Reflection of high standards of conduct in their professional and public lives
  • Outreach into golf clubs, professional associations, corporate hierarchies, and personal networks
  • Willingness to make a difference in the lives of our youth constituents

The Ambassador Role is to give advice, assist with projects, represent the organization in the community at events, help raise funds, and expand FTSV’s network.  Many of our Ambassadors also choose to serve as volunteer coaches so they can directly mentor our youth and make a positive difference as a role model. Visit our volunteer page to learn more.

Complete the  volunteer form to get started as an Ambassador and/or Coach. We look forward to getting to know you through our interview and our on-boarding process which includes background checks, Safesport training and mission-program training.

Click here to meet all our Staff, Coaches and Board Members.

Published: 10-11-2024