Year Archives - Page 3 of 52 - First Tee

FTSV Summer Activities for Kids!

(FTSV Summer Activities for Kids!) Registration for our SUMMER season opens on Wednesday, May 21^st at 11am and closes on Thursday, May 29^th at 11:59pm. The 8-week summer season begins the week of June 9^th and ends August 9^thwith no classes July 1^st through July 5^th . Register for the Summer season on May 21^st and take part in engaging and fun life skill and golf skill classes at either Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, or Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy.

Classes are broken down by grade group so feel free to invite a friend and take part in our summer classes.

Financial aid is available. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

Continuing Development through the Summer with FTSV Summer Activities for Kids – 3 Ways Summer Activities Benefit Youth

Samantha Sparks writes for Studentassembly.org explains that Summer Activities for kids “are a great option that provides many benefits for your child’s growth and development. Here are three ways that enrolling your kid in summer camp this year can help them thrive.”

Learn New Skills – Making Good Choices and Showing Respect
Grow Socially – Collaborating with Others and Building Positive Self-Identity
Gain Resilience – Pursuing Goals and Overcoming Challenges

Course Program FAQ

General Inquiries – [email protected] or 408-508-4880 OR fill out the form below.

Updated: 05-05-2025 Published: 01-31-25

Mentor Spotlight: National Mentor Month

(Mentor Spotlight: National Mentor Month) Mentorship is the most important part of First Tee – Silicon Valley. For the past 25 years, our coaches have been making a difference in the lives of kids, helping them to learn important life skills and become amazing people. Thank you to the incredible mentors who are the FTSV family. This past year we had over 200 volunteer mentor coaches. Your hard work, care and dedication are what make all the difference!

Let’s meet some of the longtime mentors at FTSV….

Coach John has been coaching for almost 10 years, passing on what he learned as a participant to the next generation of FTSV participants. “As a former participant, it feels like I get to give back what I was taught, just like coaches did for me years ago. Specifically, a lesson that really stuck with me was about dealing with conflicts. Instead of a “I am always right” mentality, FTSV coaches taught me how to work with others to resolve an issue and find win – win solutions using the CARE model.”

CARE = Communicate, Actively Listen, Review Options, End with a Win-Win

For Coach John, it’s the people that make FTSV so special. “FTSV has developed a really good community of people, including the coaches, volunteers and full-time staff. The people are what makes you want to keep coming back. I get to work alongside people who really care about what we do and mentoring kids, and it makes even the challenging days fun and rewarding.”

Coach Tracy started volunteering with FTSV in 2019. As a former Division 1 college golfer and LPGA player, Coach Tracy has plenty of elite golf experience, making her an incredible asset to FTSV. “First Tee – Silicon Valley means that I can share my lifelong passion for golf with the upcoming generation of golfers,” says Tracy. “And while it’s great to see their golf skills improve over the season, it’s even more rewarding to help them learn and apply the life skills in their daily lives.” Coach Tracy is fantastic at turning golf instruction into memorable life lessons, helping participants to thrive both on and off the golf course. On top of coaching with FTSV, Coach Tracy is currently the Mountain View High School girls’ golf coach, and the team took the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division title this year. Congrats Coach Tracy and the Mountain View High School girls!

Since 2017, Coach Jeffy, who has had two of his children in FTSV, has been working with FTSV to make a positive impact in the lives of young people. With clear expectations and thoughtful questions, Jeffy helps our high schoolers think about their goals, make effective plans, and learn how to effectively communicate with peers and in the workplace. He contributes to the positive, supportive environment that exists within FTSV. He’s a living example of what a mentor should be.

“There are parents that think we need to just teach kids golf, but all of our Life Skill behaviors/tips are things that should start at home; FTSV coaches just reinforce them. I encourage parents, if they aren’t going to volunteer, to please be involved in what we are trying to help their kids learn. It’s going to be that much more effective if you can talk with your kids at home about what they are working on in class and help continue that learning.”

Join us!

If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, working as a mentor and making a difference in your community, please visit our website to learn more, or fill out this form to get started. No golf experience necessary. Training is provided. Everyone has life experience! Hope to see you out on the course.

Published: 01-10-2025

FTSV Participant Eliane Juang Awarded 2024 Make Your Mark Grant!

Congratulations to FTSV Ace-Certified Participant, Eliane Juang, for being awarded the Make Your Mark Grant! Eliane was one of 8 First Tee Ace-Certified participants selected nation-wide for the $5,000 grant based on her work in the community.

To be eligible for the grant, one must have completed the Ace Give Back Project, which requires 24 hours of community service, and then submit a detailed report of their project/service. Upon submission, the selection committee evaluates whether the community service or initiative made an impact on a cause or organization in the participant’s community and highlights the impact First Tee has had on their learning and preparation to succeed in this initiative.

ACE Give Back – Service Projects

One of her service projects included tutoring for Tzu Chi where she prepared slide presentations, language activities and structured conversational tutoring for students learning English. The other project involved volunteering her time to play music at nursing homes. For both projects Eliane wrote extensive self-reflection journals and game plan steps as a part of her FTSV Ace Give Back class. Our Ace Give Back class also helps participants like Eliane learn what it means to go above and beyond, be professional, and gain transferable work skills. Eliane demonstrated all of these learnings in her projects to help her earn the grant.

“Community service allows me to build stronger bonds with people around me,” said Eliane. “I love being part of someone’s growth journey and making a positive impact on the community.”

Congratulations Eliane! Your work in the community shows high character, empathy, and a desire to make the world a better place. Thank you!

If you are interested in joining our program like Eliane did years ago, please click here or contact us at [email protected] or 408-508-4880 for more information.

Published: 01-09-2025

Meet New Board Ambassador: Tracy Cone

First Tee – Silicon Valley’s board recently elected Tracy Cone to our Board of Ambassadors.

Tracy has been a FTSV coach at Bayland Golf Links for 5 years. She got into volunteer mode during Covid working with a few non-profits. Attending our year-end Coach Appreciation Dinner, prompted her to ask if she could more involved which led to a natural fit as an Ambassador.

Tracy brings a lot of golf experience to her role as FTSV Coach. She is currently the Girls Golf Coach at Mountain View High School. She played 4 years on the LPGA Futures Tour (1999-2003). Tracy earned a full athletic scholarship to play golf at Arizona State University (1990-1994). The pinnacle of her college career was playing on the ASU team that captured the 1993 and 1994 NCAA Championship Team title.

Tracy said, “While it’s great to see the kids golf skills improve over the season, it’s even more rewarding to help them learn and apply the life skills in their daily lives.”

Golf is not Tracy’s only talent. She has an MA & BA degree in French and has a BS & MS degree in Economics. Fluent in French, logistics, and production – she was the Director of Operations at Covision for 8 years with a proven ability to manage projects across companies, cultures, and oceans. Prior to that role, she was the Regional Manager for Edu-Culture International overseeing summer study abroad programs for high school students in France and Spain. She is also an ultra runner and recently completed her first 100 mile trail run.

LinkedIn: Tracy Cone

Tracy is a great addition to our Board of Ambassadors. Board Ambassadors give advice, assist with projects, represent the organization in the community at events, help raise funds, and expand FTSV’s network throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. Click here to meet all our Board Members. Contact Judy Deaton if you have interest in learning more about a volunteer Board opportunity.

Published: 01-09-2025

Meet New Board Ambassador: Justin Hill

First Tee – Silicon Valley’s board recently elected Justin Hill to our Board of Ambassadors.

After relocating from Manhattan to Silicon Valley, Justin was drawn to First Tee’s mission to promote youth development through golf and integrating the game of golf with life skills.

Justin was relatively late to golf, choosing to play more traditional team sports in his youth, but as he grew older, he began to appreciate the physical and psychological aspects of the game, the camaraderie among the players, and lessons learned from golf that translate off the course.

Justin is thrilled to assist First Tee – Silicon Valley attract more local youth to the game of golf, especially players with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Justin has 14 years of banking experience spanning roles in relationship management, underwriting, and portfolio management held at Truist, RBC Capital Markets, and Capital One. Justin is currently an underwriter at Capital One where he makes debt and equity investments in multi-family affordable housing developments across the U.S. He received his undergraduate Business degree from the University of Oregon and earned his MBA from George Washington University. Justin lives in Cupertino with his wife and two children, Morgan and Porter.

LinkedIn: Justin Hill

Justin is a great addition to our Board of Ambassadors. Board Ambassadors give advice, assist with projects, represent the organization in the community at events, help raise funds, and expand FTSV’s network throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. Click here to meet all our Board Members. Contact Judy Deaton if you have interest in learning more about a volunteer Board opportunity.

Published: 01-09-2025

2025 is First Tee – Silicon Valley’s 25th Anniversary

First Tee – Silicon Valley’s 25^th Anniversary (2025) is a year-long celebration of our 25 years of positive impact for our FTSV family and local community.

In addition to recognizing our achievement at all our Events, FTSV will commemorate our Silver Anniversary at our special Community Day on August 16^th at Rancho del Pueblo in San Jose. Check our events page in the coming months for event details.

2025 Events – SAVE THE DATE

Please save the dates for FTSV events which are designed for our community, participants, supporters (both individual and corporate), and families.

Attending our events is a great way for all individuals to learn more about us while having fun. They also provide a wonderful opportunity for corporations to sponsor our youth programs while entertaining customers and clients.

The money raised from these events and our private Invitational in July funds and sustains our youth development program.

Open

at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club on Friday, June 6, 2025
a golf tournament, lunch and dinner — our largest event of the year
Sponsorships available and registration is OPEN NOW

Caddy Club Majors

Donate a minimum of $30 per month for at least 12 months to become a recurring member of our Caddy Club (or make a One-Time $360 donation)
Receive an email confirmation with a link to register in a “tiered” fantasy golf pool for each of the 4 Major championships
Watch your team compete for $16,000 in donated prizes

Partner Events – OPEN to Public

Fund the Kids Tournament – Gilroy Golf Course – Saturday, September 27, 2025
KRTY.com Writer’s Cup – Cinnabar Hills Golf Club – Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Community Events

In addition to our 25^th Celebration Event on August 16^th, Community Events occur once every quarter on a Saturday. These events bring the local communities we serve together to experience our program in a fun, no pressure environment. If interested in attending or getting involved with our Community Events, contact Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt [email protected].

Learn About FTSV’s 25-year History

Our youth development program dates back to 2000 when the San Jose Sports Authority (SJSA) and founding Board Chair, Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. created the Eagles junior golf program for East San José youth at Rancho del Pueblo. 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 100,000 youth since 2000.

Published: 01-09-2025

FTSV Now Accepts Non-Cash Asset Donations

FTSV Now Accepts Non-Cash Asset Donations – You now have the ability to directly donate to FTSV in 100+ Cryptocurrencies, Stock, and DAF using a secure method – The Giving Block.

Making a non-cash donation to support FTSV enables us to make our youth development programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

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.

FAQ: Learn how asset giving can increase impact and lower your taxes

1) How can I donate cryptocurrency to FTSV?

Donating crypto is safe, easy, and fast. Click the Donate Crypto-Stock-DAF pop-up button on our Donate website page and making a charitable gift is a quick three-step process:

Select your preferred crypto and enter your gift amount
Type in your email and basic info (or choose to give anonymously)
Make your gift!

Upon making a donation, you can elect to receive an automatically generated tax receipt that will be sent to the email address you provide after a certain amount of confirmations of the transaction on the blockchain. This confirmation of your donation will help you close the loop when calculating your taxes.

Crypto charitable donations are processed quickly and safely with The Giving Block.

2) How can I donate stock to FTSV?

Donating stock is safe and easy. Click the Donate Crypto-Stock-DAF pop-up button on our Donate website page and making a charitable gift of stock is a quick, five-step process:

Select your stock ticker and confirm the company name in the donation form
Enter your gift amount
Type in your email and address info for the receipt
Enter your brokerage account information
Virtually sign & make your gift!

Upon making a donation, you will receive an email notification from The Giving Block that your gift is being processed. In some circumstances, you may need to take action with your broker. The email will have instructions on any next steps.

Charitable donations of stock are processed safely and typically within 6-8 business days with The Giving Block’s distribution partner. Processing times can be longer during December or when dealing with restricted stock.

3) How can I donate DAFs to FTSV?

Donating from your Donor Advised Funds is safe, easy, and fast. Click the Donate Crypto-Stock-DAF pop-up button on our Donate website page and making a charitable gift is a quick process:

Select the DAF ticker and confirm the company name in the widget
Enter your gift amount
Type in your email and address info for the receipt
Enter your brokerage account information
Virtually sign & make your gift!

Upon making a donation, you can elect to receive an automatically generated receipt that will be sent to the email address you provide.

Grants and donations from your DAF are processed quickly and safely with The Giving Block.

4) Why does FTSV accept cryptocurrency?

Crypto Philanthropy is a new and thrilling fundraising avenue for nonprofit organizations like FTSV. With more than 300 million crypto users worldwide and the value of many cryptocurrencies rising, the crypto community is in a position to make a wide-reaching impact through philanthropy. Donating crypto is also one of the most tax-efficient ways for individuals to support causes that matter to them. We are excited about what the future holds in the crypto and blockchain space, and believe that we’ve just scratched the surface of its true fundraising potential.

5) Why does FTSV accept stock?

Stock fundraising is a critical donation revenue driver for nonprofit organizations like FTSV.

With over 60% of Americans owning stock and billions in stock donated to US charities every year, stock donations can make a wide-reaching impact through philanthropy. Studies show that nonprofits that accept noncash assets typically grow 50% faster than those that do not and they grow 66% faster when they accept non-cash securities such as stock.

Donating stock is also one of the most tax-efficient ways for individuals to support causes that matter to them. We are excited about what the future holds in the crypto and blockchain space, and believe that we’ve just scratched the surface of its true fundraising potential.

6) Why does FTSV accept DAFs?

Donating from your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a smart and impactful way to give to FTSV.

7) Which cryptocurrencies do you accept?

We currently accept more than 100 cryptocurrencies, including:

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USD), Tether (USDT), XRP (XRP), Avalanche (AVAX), Samoyedcoin (SAMO), Galxe (GAL), STEPN (GMT), Tune.FM (JAM), Chiliz (CHZ), Qredo (QRDO), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Polygon (MATIC), Dai (DAI), Litecoin (LTC), ChainLink (LINK), Uniswap (UNI), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Decentraland (MANA), Filecoin (FIL), The Sandbox (SAND), ApeCoin (APE), Fantom (FTM), Axie Infinity Shards (AXS), Tezos (XTZ), Aave (AAVE), Zcash (ZEC), Maker (MKR), The Graph (GRT), Gala (GALA), Quant (QNT), Enjin Coin (ENJ), Loopring (LRC), Synthetix (SNX), Basic Attention Token (BAT), Curve Dao Token (CRV), Amp (AMP), Compound (COMP), Skale (SKL), PAX Gold (PAXG), yearn.finance (YFI), Ankr (ANKR), 0x (ZRX), Livepeer (LPT), Render Token (RNDR), Dogelon Mars (ELON), UMA (UMA), SushiSwap (SUSHI), Storj (STORJ), Ren (REN), Lido (LDO), Ethereum Name Service (ENS), Injective (INJ), Fetch.ai (FET), Orchid (OXT), API3 (API3), Mask Network (MASK), Somnium Space (CUBE), Gemini Dollar (GUSD) and more!

We are continually in the process of adding support for new cryptocurrencies, so please check back soon for more giving options.

If you don’t see a cryptocurrency you would like to donate in, please fill out this form to be connected with our Crypto Philanthropy partners at The Giving Block.

8) I need assistance with my donation. How can I get in touch?

Thank you for your interest in supporting FTSV. To contact us about making a donation, please email [email protected] with the subject line, ‘Crypto -Stock – DAF Donation.

Changing the Game for MORE Kids: Meet Nico Hernandez

FTSV is Changing the Game for MORE Kids: Meet Nico Hernandez, a long-time participant and volunteer Junior Coach (at Baylands Golf Links), Nico is now inspiring a whole new generation of young golfers.

Grateful for all that FTSV has done for him, Nico takes pleasure in giving back to the First Tee community, arriving early to help set up for the day’s activities, and staying late for tear down. Nico says, “I’m super passionate about doing whatever I can for our participants because I’ve been there myself. My goal is to become a future generation leader and understand anything they’re going through because I’ve experienced the same thing from my own time as a participant.”

Changing the Game outside the Golf Course

Nico’s enthusiasm and dedication extends beyond the golf course. He excels in a variety of pursuits, putting the skills of setting and achieving goals that he’s learned from First Tee to work. Not only has he become the fastest swimmer on his swim team, Nico also turned a dream into reality by starring in his own weekly podcast at school. He explains, “Setting goals is like laying out a path to improve and achieve anything you want. When I set a goal, I can easily visualize my progress. It boosts my mental well-being and helps me move forward. Through my time with First Tee, I feel like I’ve not only gotten better at golf but also grown as a person. I’ve learned how to set short-term and long-term goals as steps to achieve my final goal along with my coaches and friends.”

No matter if it’s academics, social interactions, or golf, Nico feels confident in tackling any challenge. His positive attitude and mindful approach to his activities has helped him and the people he’s around to flourish.

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.

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!

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

Donate Now!

Changing the Game for MORE Kids: Meet Norah Yang

FTSV is Changing the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Norah Yang, a leader and role model in her classes as a FTSV participant and as a volunteer coach. She has been active as a participant since 2015 and began volunteering as a FTSV coach in 2022.

As it relates to her golfing acumen, Norah led her high school golf team to a league championship as a freshman and was awarded MVP in 2021. She has qualified for the USKids World Championship twice and the IMG Junior World at Torrey Pines. Additionally, Norah has placed high in several AGJA tournaments. Norah has represented FTSV at the First Tee National Championship at Stanford University in 2023 and at Clemson in 2024, and at the PURE Insurance Championship held at Pebble Beach in 2023 where she placed 3rd.

Norah responds to her golf achievements: “There are so many applicants for these wonderful events, and to be selected makes me feel so honored and proud. First Tee had supported me every step of my golf journey, from not even knowing how to hold a golf club to being able to compete nationally with amazing golfers. It has taught me so much…”

Norah on the lessons she has learned about setting goals, leadership and overcoming challenges off the course

“First Tee means a lot to me, it has taught me so many lessons outside of what schools offer,” says Norah. “For example, I use goal-setting skills to manage my high school activities and apply the Nine Core Values to deal with various challenges and setbacks in my daily life. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn with the First Tee, and I am so happy to now be in a position where I can start to give back by volunteering to coach incoming FTSV students.”

Meet Norah Yang: National Championship 1

Meet Norah Yang: National Championship 3

Of all her achievements, Norah’s 1^st place win at the First Tee National Championship in June, was the most notable. Norah finished the tournament 6-under-par and shot a final round 69 to clench the victory on the girls’ side.

“It has been amazing playing at Clemson …” Norah said. “I have met so many amazing players from all the other chapters and had so many great experiences. Getting here and winning would not have been possible without First Tee – Silicon Valley and all the skills they have taught me.”

Based on her play at the First Tee National Championship, she will also earn a spot in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, which aims to support talented golfers from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the sport.

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

Give Now!

Dakota Chang Attends First Tee Innovators Forum

(Dakota Chang Attends First Tee Innovators Forum) Each year, a group of exceptional First Tee teens are selected and gather at the First Tee Innovators Forum, where they develop a meaningful service project to bring home to their community. The projects are focused on education, health, human rights or environmental sustainability. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, the Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities. First Tee – Silicon Valley participant Dakota Chang applied, and was selected to attended the event last month, where she deepened her understanding on community service, built relationships with change makers, and started to develop her own project to complete back here in the Bay Area. Thanks for representing FTSV in such a positive way, Dakota!

Connection between FTSV Goal Ladder & SMART Goals

During her time at the Innovators Forum, Dakota attended case studies and other workshops focused around creating and implementing community service projects. For her, one of the biggest take-aways was learning from Mia Bishop, a psychotherapist helping children and teens in Atlanta, GA. Bishop spoke about the importance of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals for a project’s success. Dakota immediately saw the connection between SMART goals and FTSV’s goal ladder, both emphasizing the importance of being thoughtful when planning a project and measuring progress. Additionally, Dakota was inspired to hear how someone could both build a career and give back at the same time.

“It was really cool hearing how she focused her career around helping others and making a difference. I was worried about having to split my time between community service and working, but after hearing about how Ms. Bishop built her job around helping others, it made me excited about finding that crossover in my own life.”

Dakota’s Service Project

Now back in the Bay Area, Dakota is continuing to plan out her own service project. Currently, she plans to partner with local senior living facilities to provide technology assistance. One of the biggest points she learned at the Innovators Forum was the importance of working directly with communities to develop solutions, so her first objective will be conducting interviews and surveys to identify where she could make the most impact. She is also taking our Ace Give Back project that will help provide additional guidance on making the most of her giving back experience. FTSV is proud of you, Dakota! Keep up the great work!

National Opportunities

If you are interested in learning more about the National Opportunities available in 2025, please visit our website or reach out to Coach Phoenix ([email protected]). National Opportunities are available to FTSV high schoolers and are free to attend. Participants are selected to apply based on multiple factors.

Published: 12-11-2024