“Because of First Tee, I know I can reach my dreams and goals in the future.”
– Nikki, participant
First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course; it offers exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of First Tee national corporate partners, more advanced participants can apply to attend these golf and leadership events. These events often become life-changing experiences. Youth meet new people, play golf, achieve greatness, and show our Nine Core Values in action.
We are pleased to announce the schedule of participant opportunities conducted by the home office. As one of the leading chapters in the network, it has been a great honor of ours to have many of our participants here in Seattle selected for these opportunities. And we hope YOU are the next one to be selected!
How to Apply:
1) Review the schedule and event details below.
2) Review the application and Eligibility Criteria for each 2025 event HERE and determine if you would qualify. Might be this year or might be in the future!
3) Send an email to Evan Johnsen with your intent to apply, and if you’re eligible, you’ll be provided with the application link and access code.
4) We will select our most qualified nominees and then provide instructions to complete the application.
2024 Schedule of Events
2025 Event Details
First Tee College Scholarship Program
Purpose
The First Tee College Scholarship Program provides valuable, life-changing opportunities for the youth of First Tee. This program awards participants who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. Thanks to our generous donors, First Tee is proud to offer up to a $20,000 scholarship, mentoring throughout the college experience, professional development workshops and assistance in securing internships and jobs through the First Tee College Scholarship Program.
2025 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the First Tee College Scholarship Program, applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements:
- Must be classified as a high school senior as of December 31, 2024
- Minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
- Test-Optional
- Intent to attend a four-year accredited college or university in Fall 2025
- If selected, the participant must be able to attend the Pre-College Retreat and the annual Winter Workshop
- Registered and active in First Tee headquarters database at the time of application deadline
- Involved in chapter activities at the time of application submission
- Participants who have spent a longer amount of time in First Tee programs will receive higher consideration in the selection.
- Evidence of responsible volunteerism or citizenship through meaningful involvement in community and/or civic activities
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: January 15, 2025
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025
First Tee National Championship
Purpose
First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s top players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level. First Tee National Championship is played at acclaimed college campuses, including Clemson University, Notre Dame and Stanford University, and is the only national event that is purely tournament golf.
2025 Event Information
Date: June 22 – 26, 2025
Location: South Bend, IN
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: January 15, 2025
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025
Participant Announcement: April 29, 2025
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 48
First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
Purpose
First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is a five-day learning and empowerment academy. Participants selected to attend the academy will participate in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. First Tee invites its partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice and working to improve race relations, 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 advocates for justice and social change in their current and future communities. First Tee Game Changers Academy is the ultimate tribute to Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a fearless champion of change.
2025 Event Information
Date: July 7 – 12, 2025
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Selection Process and Application
Participant Application Release: January 15, 2025
Participant Application Deadline: March 20, 2025
Participant Announcement: May 13, 2025
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 72
PURE Insurance Championship
Purpose
The PURE Insurance Championship provides First Tee participants a national stage on which to showcase the skills and values they’ve learned at their chapter. Throughout the week, teens can network with peers, PGA TOUR Champions players and leaders from the business world who are competing in the amateur field, gaining exposure to the opportunities golf can provide both on and off the course. During the tournament, which is hosted at iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, each teen is paired with a golf legend who provides mentorship as they compete for the pro-junior title. First Tee and title sponsor PURE Insurance are committed to ensuring teens from underserved communities have access to this event. Golf resume, personal growth through First Tee and socioeconomic need are all considerations in determining the field.”
2025 Event Information
Date: September 16 – 21, 2025
Location: Pebble Beach, CA
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: January 15, 2025
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025
Participant Announcement: June 27, 2025
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 81
First Tee Innovators Forum
Purpose
First Tee Innovators Forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Selected participants have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, First Tee Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities.
2025 Event Information
Date: October 2-5, 2025
Location: Ponte Vedra, FL
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: May 14, 2025
Application Deadline: July 16, 2025
Participant Announcement: August, 20, 2025
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 32
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere
Purpose
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere is a female empowerment event recognizing young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their chapters, schools and communities. The five-day academy experience focuses on the importance of building a strong network and how to approach mentorship opportunities, navigating post-graduation and career planning, and appreciating the value/impact of volunteerism.
2025 Event Information
Date: November 6-10, 2025
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: May 15, 2025
Application Deadline: July 16, 2025
Participant Announcement: September 10, 2025
Number of Participants Selected: 36