(FTSV Participant Tristan Hipolito Awarded 2025 Make Your Mark Grant! Published 01/07/2026) Congratulations to FTSV Ace-Certified Participant, Tristan Hipolito, for being awarded First Tee’s 2025 Make Your Mark Grant! Tristan was one of 6 First Tee Ace-Certified participants selected nation-wide for the $3,000 grant based on his work in the community.
To be eligible for the grant, one must have completed the Ace Give Back Project, which requires 24 hours of community service, and then submit a detailed report of their project/service. Upon submission, the selection committee evaluates whether the community service or initiative made an impact on a cause or organization in the participant’s community and highlights the impact First Tee has had on their learning and preparation to succeed in this initiative.
His service projects included volunteering with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and with Second Harvest. For both projects Tristan wrote extensive self-reflection journals and game plan steps as a part of his FTSV Ace Give Back class. Our Ace Give Back class also helps participants like Tristan learn what it means to go above and beyond, be professional, and gain transferable work skills. Tristan demonstrated all of these learnings in his projects to help him earn the grant.
“Sorting and handing out food for those in need was deeply rewarding, as I saw the immediate impact of my efforts, whether personally handing groceries to families or helping sort food to be handed out. Furthermore, the work I did not only provided access to food for the community but also helped me grow through honing my communication skills for efficient coordination when giving out food.”
Congratulations Tristan! Your work in the community shows high character, empathy, and a desire to make the world a better place. Thank you!
If you are interested in joining our program like Tristan did years ago, please click here or contact us at [email protected] or 408-508-4880 for more information. Click here to learn about our Ace classes.
