(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.
Room to Grow, and Good News to Share
We are grateful to share that CA State Senator Dave Cortese has secured $2.125 million in state funding for First Tee – Silicon Valley to strengthen our facility. “Investing in our young people means investing in the places where they learn and build confidence,” said Senator Cortese.
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.