Nancy Rivera is one of 25 high school graduates selected to the First Tee College Scholarship Program based on academic performance, length and involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism. She joins a class of 25 Scholars in the First Tee College Scholarship Program’s Class of 2022. This is the largest class to date and a significant milestone as the youth development organization celebrates 25 years of helping young people build their strength of character through golf.
Meet our scholar!
Nancy Rivera, First Tee – Silicon Valley
Graduating from University Preparatory Academy in San Jose, CA
- 18-year-old incoming college freshman at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she plans on pursuing the pre-med track
- Nancy has been involved with First Tee Silicon Valley for five years. She attended the 2021 First Tee Leadership Summit and 2021 First Tee Innovators Forum.
- At the 2021 First Tee Innovators Forum, Nancy developed the idea to provide educational support and workshops for her community. The workshops are offered in Spanish and include resources on how to effectively support their child as they pursue post-secondary education, such as the process of completing the FAFSA, SAT/ACT and scholarship opportunities, how to navigate online resources, and more.
- She is a first-generation college student.
- Founder of her high school’s LatinX club
- Nancy volunteers every weekend preparing and serving meals for her community, having been awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award for the number of volunteer hours she had in 2021.
- Aspires to become an OBGYN.
- 3.6 GPA
- “My parents taught me the importance of superación, which has two meanings: to overcome and to improve oneself. My parents exemplified it and First Tee – Silicon Valley helped me exhibit it. I am driven by superación, to overcome challenges and help create a future for myself and family. Through my experiences with various First Tee coaches, I realized I did not have to face challenges alone.”
First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to First Tee alumni across the U.S. by providing support throughout their post-graduate careers. Nancy will be paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide her throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in person throughout the year, and up to $5,000 per year toward tuition.
“I offer congratulations and a warm welcome to our Class of 2022 First Tee Scholars,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “With the support of our donors, we’re able to provide this ongoing support as they matriculate through college and prepare for future careers. These outstanding young leaders have bright futures ahead, and we believe the skills and values developed through First Tee will empower them throughout their collegiate journey and beyond.”
Applications for the Class of 2022 were received from participants across the First Tee network. Following an online application process, Nancy participated in one-on-one interviews and was selected by a national committee. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, volunteerism, and other criteria.
Congratulations Nancy on your well-deserved honor! We are fortunate to have you in our program. Thank you for giving back and being a role model for us all! We are excited for your academic future.
