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.
Published: 11-1-2024