(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 is one of our participants who thrives 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 has 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 even has friends who she met through FTSV, other people who she knows she can 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.
Listen and watch Natalie’s Impact Story…
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:
- $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.