Tag: Year End Giving

Change the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Nicolas Hernandez Lopez

(Change the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Nicolas Hernandez Lopez Published: 11/12/2025) Nicolas has been involved with FTSV for the past 10 years as a participant, a volunteer coach, and a Junior Council member. He is consistently pushing himself to become more involved and finding ways to give back. As a coach, Nico is patient and kind, making class fun, impactful, and exciting for the young participants. As a participant, Nico engages in and applies our life skill into the activities. He also goes out of his way to make sure other participants are included. Additionally, he has been part of a group that helped plan community events and games for our chapter.

Nico’s enthusiasm and dedication extends beyond the golf course. He excels in a variety of pursuits, putting to work the skills of setting and achieving goals that he’s learned from First Tee – Silicon Valley. Not only has he become the fastest swimmer on his swim team, Nico also turned a dream into reality by starring in his own weekly podcast at school.

He explains, “Setting goals is like laying out a path to improve and achieve anything you want. When I set a goal, I can easily visualize my progress. It boosts my mental well-being and helps me move forward. Through my time with First Tee – Silicon Valey, I feel like I’ve not only gotten better at golf but also grown as a person. I’ve learned how to set short-term and long-term goals as steps to achieve my final goal along with my coaches and friends.”

Nico Attending National Opportunities

This year Nico was selected by a national panel of judges to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. at the University of Minnesota. There he engaged in conversations and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities on self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. Later in the year he was also selected to attend the Innovators Forum held in Florida. The Innovators Forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, human rights, or environmental sustainability.

Both events are part of the national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. Nico’s FTSV engagement and high character helped him be one of few from around the country to attend these opportunities. We are so proud of him.

Mentoring is Priceless.

Think about the mentor who made a difference in your life. That kind of guidance—listening, encouragement, and wisdom—shapes kids forever. Over the years, First Tee – Silicon Valley has provided this transformative mentorship to more than 100,000 young people. Your steady, monthly support ensures every child in our program has a mentor by their side.

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 FTSV, we provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive community where kids are free to be themselves and discover their inner strength.

Long-Term Impact That Lasts a Lifetime.

We’re proud of the results of our youth development program.

  • 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!

Be Part of the Change and Change the Game for MORE Kids in 2026!

As we look to 2026, we need your help to build on this momentum. A monthly pledge is the most powerful way you can support our kids & teens. Your commitment provides the stability and resources necessary to help thousands of youth grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate leaders.

Donate NOW!

Change the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Li An Panfil

(Change the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Li An Panfil – Published 10/23/25) Li An was a standout participant with First Tee – Silicon Valley since 2013. She is now a freshman at UCLA where she is studying healthcare.

In her time with FTSV she participated in every class offered, including our four Ace seminar classes (Career, Education, Give Back, and Golf). Li An also volunteered regularly, giving almost 300 hours as a FTSV volunteer coach in Gilroy. She also coached and organized Girls Golf events and lead several subcommittees in our FTSV Junior Council. Throughout Li An’s many FTSV engagements, she always went above and beyond and distinguished herself as a respected leader.

Li An’s high character, community contributions, and FTSV engagement helped her selections for the following National Opportunity Achievements:

We Asked Li An about How First Tee – Silicon Valley Impacted Her

“First Tee – Silicon Valley played a big role in developing my perseverance and helped me become a stronger communicator and learn skills that are transferable everywhere in life. It’s a big community feeling, spreading knowledge and helping us to improve and be our best selves.”

Li An applied the life and work skills that she learned and coached in FTSV. As a result, she succeeded academically, built a network of support, lifted others up around her, and achieved scholarships that helped her attend UCLA.

A National Leader with Local Heart.

Among the 140 First Tee chapters nationwide, First Tee – Silicon Valley is at the top or near the top in the following categories:

  • 85% participant diversity
  • 48% participants from low-income households
  • 55% retention rate including a 75% teen 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.

Be Part of the Change.

As we look to 2026, 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.

Help Us Grow Our Impact and the Number of Kids We Serve!

Our youth development 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. 

  • Course Program — ensure high quality classes that are affordable and accessible to all (full cost for one participant to take an 8-week class = $500 – or pledge $40 per month)
  • School Program — equip teachers to deliver our curriculum in their setting (cost of equipment, training, and curriculum per school = $2,000 – or pledge $165 per month)
  • Opportunities — provide our kids with special experiences outside of our classes (cost of quarterly tournaments or scholarship = $5,000 – or pledge $415 per month) 

Make your monthly pledge today—and help us Change the Game for MORE Kids tomorrow.

Make the Pledge!

Changing the Game for MORE Kids: Meet Norah Yang

FTSV is Changing the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Norah Yang, a leader and role model in her classes as a FTSV participant and as a volunteer coach. She has been active as a participant since 2015 and began volunteering as a FTSV coach in 2022.

FTSV is Changing the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Norah Yang

As it relates to her golfing acumen, Norah led her high school golf team to a league championship as a freshman and was awarded MVP in 2021. She has qualified for the USKids World Championship twice and the IMG Junior World at Torrey Pines. Additionally, Norah has placed high in several AGJA tournaments. Norah has represented FTSV at the First Tee National Championship at Stanford University in 2023 and at Clemson in 2024, and at the PURE Insurance Championship held at Pebble Beach in 2023 where she placed 3rd.

Norah responds to her golf achievements: “There are so many applicants for these wonderful events, and to be selected makes me feel so honored and proud. First Tee had supported me every step of my golf journey, from not even knowing how to hold a golf club to being able to compete nationally with amazing golfers. It has taught me so much…”

Norah on the lessons she has learned about setting goals, leadership and overcoming challenges off the course

“First Tee means a lot to me, it has taught me so many lessons outside of what schools offer,” says Norah. “For example, I use goal-setting skills to manage my high school activities and apply the Nine Core Values to deal with various challenges and setbacks in my daily life. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn with the First Tee, and I am so happy to now be in a position where I can start to give back by volunteering to coach incoming FTSV students.”

Meet Norah Yang: National Championship 1
Meet Norah Yang: National Championship 3
Meet Norah Yang: National Championship 2

Of all her achievements, Norah’s 1st place win at the First Tee National Championship in June, was the most notable. Norah finished the tournament 6-under-par and shot a final round 69 to clench the victory on the girls’ side. 

“It has been amazing playing at Clemson …” Norah said. “I have met so many amazing players from all the other chapters and had so many great experiences. Getting here and winning would not have been possible without First Tee – Silicon Valley and all the skills they have taught me.” 

Based on her play at the First Tee National Championship, she will also earn a spot in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, which aims to support talented golfers from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the sport. 

We are a National Leader. We lead the nation among the 140 First Tee chapters in several key program measures including the highest number of participants selected to national academies and leadership opportunities:

85% diversity       48% low-income

55% retention      1:4 mentor ratio

Our Kids Face Heavy Stuff.  The pressures of social media, loneliness, mental health struggles, family dynamics, peer and family judgment, inequities of living in Silicon Valley and devastating world events are all adversely affecting youth. FTSV creates a supportive, safe, and positive environment where kids are empowered to be themselves, and feel included!

There are many Ways to Give First Tee – Silicon Valley Change the Game for MORE Kids… like Norah. $40 a month for high-quality mentorship teaching our character-building life lessons that have proven to make a difference. 

Give Now!

Changing the Game for MORE Kids: Meet Alexandra Varo

FTSV is Changing the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Alexandra Varo. As a participant, Alexandra attributes much of her achievements to the support and skills learned at First Tee – Silicon Valley.

Alexandra’s achievements include:

“I can say that I am a different person now than when I first joined First Tee – Silicon Valley,” says Alexandra. “I consider First Tee – Silicon Valley to be my greatest support system that has given me a place to practice and develop my personal skills.”

A recent graduate from Willow Glen High School, Alexandra is currently attending San Jose State University. She has been an outstanding participant with FTSV since she started in 2021 and quickly started volunteer coaching. As a coach, she has accumulated over 220 hours of service, giving back her time in a meaningful and effective way. Alexandra regularly attends our Girls Golf events as both a participant and a coach and assists at our fundraisers.

“I enjoy volunteering as well as participating in First Tee because it provides an environment where I am able to learn more about myself, learn important life lessons through golf, and gain confidence” says Alexandra. “Throughout the golf seasons, I have learned how to become a better leader and I enjoy assisting in classes to contribute to a positive and fun environment for participants. I look forward to continuing in First Tee as a participant and a volunteer.”

Our Kids Face Heavy Stuff.  The pressures of social media, loneliness, mental health struggles, family dynamics, peer and family judgment, inequities of living in Silicon Valley and devastating world events are all adversely affecting youth. FTSV creates a supportive, safe, and positive environment where kids are empowered to be themselves, and feel included!

There are many ways to help First Tee – Silicon Valley Change the Game for MORE Kids… like Alexandra. $40 a month for high-quality mentorship teaching our character-building life lessons that have proven to make a difference. 

Give Now!

Published 12-05-2024

Origins of #GivingTuesday: When did Giving Tuesday Start?

Origins of GivingTuesday: When did Giving Tuesday Start? According to the national GivingTuesday organization, “GivingTuesday was born and incubated at the 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City. GivingTuesday is now an independent nonprofit and a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.”

2024 #GivingTuesday: December 3rd – #GivingTuesday happens annually on the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The fundamental idea and vision of the GivingTuesday concept is Generosity. The GivingTuesday organization says “Generosity is uplifting, generative, equalizing, and connecting.” Furthermore, “Generosity is GivingTuesday’s universal rallying cry and the foundation of our strategies.”

Origins of GivingTuesday: When did Giving Tuesday Start? FTSV

This #GivingTuesday, First Tee – Silicon Valley needs help from YOU to Change the Game for MORE Kids!

Our Kids Face Heavy Stuff.  The pressures of social media, loneliness, mental health struggles, family dynamics, peer and family judgment, inequities of living in Silicon Valley and devastating world events are all adversely affecting youth. FTSV creates a supportive, safe, and positive environment where kids are empowered to be themselves, and feel included!

We are committed to providing affordable access to all youth – no matter their financial hardship or background. We need support from the community to grow affordable access for our youth development golf and life skills program at our 3 golf course locations. Help us provide an 8-week session to 200 additional participants.

Origins of GivingTuesday: When did Giving Tuesday Start? Change the game

There are many ways to help First Tee – Silicon Valley Change the Game for MORE Kids. The most convenient way to help MORE Kids is to make a pledge. $40 a month for high-quality mentorship teaching our character-building life lessons that have proven to make a difference. 

Give Now!

Published: 11-27-24

Changing the Game for MORE Kids: Meet Isabella Herrera

Changing the Game for MORE Kids: Meet one of FTSV’s most active participants – Isabella Herrera.

Isabella is a rising senior and has been a highly engaged participant since 2013. She has taken multiple classes each year, participated in our Girls Golf program, represented our chapter at PGA TOUR Superstore events, has volunteered at our community outreach events, and coached classes. Isabella is also an Ace program participant, taking on the extra challenge as she works to become Ace certified. 

Amongst many of Isabella’s accomplishments and opportunities, she participated in the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow Jr. A five-day learning and empowerment academy. Attending participants participate in important conversations embracing topics of self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. First Tee invites its partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice, to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches. 

The experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position our teens to be Game Changers in their current and future communities. The academy is the ultimate tribute to Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a fearless champion of change.

According to Isabella “A game changer is someone who is constantly pushing personal and societal boundaries in order to create a lasting impact on the world around them.” She does so consistently in her role as a junior coach, leading and teaching by example. She also pushes herself as a member of the Youth on Course Leadership Council, advocating for her peers on a national level.

During the week, Isabella attended workshops, met inspirational people, and completed group activities all based around building leadership and teamwork skills. For Isabella, one of the most memorable actives was when she played golf with Victoria Arlen. Victoria is a four-time paralympic medalist in swimming, an ESPN sportscaster, and even performed on Dancing with the Stars, all after having to re-learn how to walk after losing the ability to eat, speak, walk and even more.

Changing the Game by embracing your self-identity

For Isabella, her biggest take away was about herself identity. “My self-identity isn’t something casual I brush past, it’s something I should fully embrace and be proud of. The more pride I have, the more connection I have to myself and that strengthens my self-identity. Putting myself out there when I play golf is what makes me special. Golf is traditionally a white male sport, so being able to not only represent girls but also Latinas when I am playing hopefully can help inspire others to do the same, not just in golf but in sports in general. Representation matters!” Isabella has been a voice for Diversity, Identity and Equality within the game of golf and continues to advocate through outreach and awareness amongst her peers and beyond.

Our Kids Face Heavy Stuff.  The pressures of social media, loneliness, mental health struggles, family dynamics, peer and family judgment, inequities of living in Silicon Valley and devastating world events are all adversely affecting youth. FTSV creates a supportive, safe, and positive environment where kids are empowered to be themselves, and feel included!

There are many ways to help First Tee – Silicon Valley Change the Game for MORE Kids… like Isabella. $40 a month for high-quality mentorship teaching our character-building life lessons that have proven to make a difference. 

Ways to Give

Published: 11-22-24

Change the Game for MORE Kids!

First Tee – Silicon Valley needs help from you to Change the Game for MORE Kids!

We have MORE Capacity. First Tee – Silicon Valley is thrilled to share that we have a new 25-year agreement for expanded access at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course which doubles our course capacity. We have the space to help 10,000 kids annually – now we need the funding to support our growth.

Mentoring is Priceless.  If you had a mentor growing up, you know that having someone to listen and give guidance to overcome life’s challenges can be transforming. When we look back on the over 100,000 kids First Tee – Silicon Valley has worked with, we are filled with pride and joy knowing that our mentors and our youth development program was there for the kids of our community.

We have Long-term Mentoring Impact. Our intentional focus on the recruitment, retention and progression of our participants has a big impact.

100% of our long-term kids and teens graduate high school

100% of our long-term teens attend college

100% learn life skills that make them good citizens! 

75% of our long-term high school participants give back as junior mentors

Our Kids Face Heavy Stuff.  The pressures of social media, loneliness, mental health struggles, family dynamics, peer and family judgment, inequities of living in Silicon Valley and devastating world events are all adversely affecting youth. FTSV creates a supportive, safe, and positive environment where kids are empowered to be themselves, and feel included!

We are a National Leader. We lead the nation among the 140 First Tee chapters in several key program measures including the highest number of participants selected to national academies and leadership opportunities:

85% diversity       48% low-income

55% retention      1:4 mentor ratio

Meet Alexandra. “I can say that I am a different person now than when I first joined First Tee – Silicon Valley,” says Alexandra. “I consider First Tee – Silicon Valley to be my greatest support system that has given me a place to practice and develop my personal skills.” Listen to Alexandra share her personal story and how FTSV is helping her on her journey to be the first in her family to attend college.

$500 Donation.  Will underwrite one low-income course participant and one Title 1 student to experience our school program. That’s $40 a month for high-quality mentorship teaching our character-building life lessons that have proven to make a difference. 

Ways to Give.   We are locally funded by people like you! Consider a recurring or one-time donation or select FTSV as your Company Matching or Donor Advised Funds charity.

Click Here for credit card donation or make a pledge to mail us a check.

PUBLISHED: 11-7-2024