May 20th, 2023 Alum Rock School District (ARUSD) and First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) partnered to deliver a community resource event, Parent University (a record-setting success), hosted at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Over 700 students and families from across the ARUSD community came out to join the festivities – an all-time high attendance by over 200 in the 5-year history of the event! We set up games in golf areas and each venue was packed with families learning how to play golf and experiencing our games and activities.
The day began with speeches by ARUSD Board of Trustees, Superintendent, Dr. Hilaria Bauer, and California State Senator, Dave Cortese, who said:
“Eighteen years ago, the First Tee program in San Jose was launched and it is a real big deal! Alum Rock Union School District is really smart to partner with First Tee to do this work. The way we keep assets like Ranch Del Pueblo is to enroll our kids. This will send a strong message to City Hall that this is important. Congratulations to all of you who stepped forward and want to give your kids an opportunity, and send a message to the City and to the State of California, that these kind of programs are important. To embrace equity, you do not remove a program or a golf course like this from a place where it’s needed — from the place where we have diversity and an integrated, beautiful, multi-cultural community.”
Everyone then made their way out to the various stations around the golf course and rotated stations. Each station had a life lesson and golf skill for the families to engage in. Participants who enjoyed the games, were able to register for our 8-week summer season. Afterwards, families ate lunch, listened to music, and enjoyed the beautiful day.
What we’re saying about the record setting Parent University event
“We are honored to partner with ARUSD and we look forward to this event each and every year,” says FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “Parent University is an exceptional example of a community coming together to serve and benefit its residents. Our hope is that families see our program and Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course as a safe and welcoming option.”
“Thank you to Norma Flores, Student Services Director for ARUSD, and Dr. Bauer for their continued support and belief in what our First Tee – Silicon Valley Life Skill program can bring to their schools and students.”
“ARUSD salutes First Tee – Silicon Valley and the Rancho del Pueblo team,” said Norma Flores. “Alum Rock kids have now embraced the game of golf and see both organizations as true community partners. The most important shot in golf is the next one, so we are truly looking forward to that next shot with First Tee – Silicon Valley!”
Want to be a partner?
Interested in having your school or youth development program partner with First Tee – Silicon Valley? Please contact our Program Coordinator, Joe Stuban at 408-508-4885, [email protected], or visit our outreach page.
Interested in joining our program as a participant, give us a call at 408-408-4884, email [email protected], or check out our youth classes page.
