First Tee - Florida Gold Coast

Our organization's large territory includes palm beach, martin, st. lucie and broward counties. In 2022, we served 3,314 kids and teens in First Tee, 970 children with special needs and 491 veterans in our Golf programs. 54% of our kids and teens were of non-caucasian ethnicity (primarily african american or hispanic). We partner with other youth organizations that serve under represented children and veterans, such as boys & girls clubs, ymcas, police athletic leagues, special olympics, mission united and the va hospital. Our staff, coaches, volunteers and board members are background checked and receive online and in-person training from First Tee headquarters. Seven of our First Tee high school students were selected to attend First Tee hq participant opportunities, including the pure insurance championship at pebble beach. Eight chapter alumni were awarded college scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. College scholarship awards are offered to qualified and dedicated students who participate in one of our local chapters through their high school years and assist our Golf coaching staff. Candidates are eligible to receive a grant for their college related expenses in pursuing a full-time college degree program at an accredited college or university located in the united states of america for the First four years of their academic attendance. Scholarships are allowed to be used for school tuition, computer equipment, books or dormitory housing. The scholarship amounts depend upon the number of candidates and the available funding. For the year ending december 31, 2022 college scholarships in the amount of $58,516 were provided to students that met strict academic standards which are approved by the scholarship committee.the palm beaches chapter operated a 12-acre Golf practice facility in dyer park, including all turf maintenance. This chapter delivered programs at 12 green grass locations and served 1,543 kids and teens in First Tee, 640 children with special needs and 259 veterans in our Golf programs.

Our broward county chapter grew over 30% in 2022 and delivered programs at 12 green grass locations. This chapter served 925 kids and teens in First Tee, 148 children with special needs and 104 veterans in our Golf programs.

The martin/st. Lucie counties chapter opened a football size artificial turf facility in fort pierce, one of the most underserved areas in our territory. This chapter delivered programs at 9 green grass locations and served 846 kids and teens in First Tee, 94 children with special needs and 128 veterans in our Golf programs.