Category: News Releases

Atlanta Falcons’ Beadles, Lindstrom; Atlanta United’s Lagerwey headline First Tee’s inaugural Leadership Academy

Teens from across the U.S. will spend a week in PGA TOUR Superstore’s headquarters of Atlanta learning from Arthur M. Blank Family of businesses, civic and sports leader

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 19, 2023) – Youth development organization First Tee will host its inaugural Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore from June 19-23. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about building and running a successful team.

First Tee uses golf as a vehicle through which to teach life skills and values. The nonprofit is collaborating with PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to host its inaugural Leadership Academy, which will feature workshops on cultivating authentic relationships, developing a winning culture and more. The Academy is taking place at various venues across the Atlanta area, including Atlanta Falcons Flowery Branch, Atlanta United Training Ground, Mercedes-Benz Stadium Georgia Institute of Technology, the Bobby Jones Golf Club and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Event highlights include:

  • Georgia Tech head women’s basketball coach Nell Fortner will share advice on achieving individual growth in a team setting during the opening keynote.
  • Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles will speak to participants before they explore the team’s Flowery Branch training facility.
  • Participants will hear from Atlanta United President/CEO Garth Lagerwey before attending a game to witness the team in action.
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium executive Don Rovak will discuss the importance of supporting your team.
  • PGA TOUR Superstore President Jill Spiegel will address the teens at historic Bobby Jones Golf Club.
  • Participants will visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights where Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom, the team’s 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year, will deliver the closing address.

Initially envisioned by PGA TOUR Superstore executive Ralph Stokes, who leads the brand’s diversity, partnerships and community efforts, the event’s curriculum was developed by First Tee and an independent youth development expert. Stokes recently became the first Black president of the Georgia State Golf Association and was among the first Black players on the University of Alabama football team, where he played under legendary coach Bear Bryant.

“From playing team sports, I learned that no matter how great an individual player is, you will not achieve success on your own. The team is no stronger than the weakest link,” Stokes said. “Golf is largely an individual sport, but we felt it was important to collaborate with First Tee on this event because these kids are part of families, communities, clubs and eventually workplaces where they need to function within a team.”

For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more kids across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of the Leadership Series, held locally at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country, and the Leadership Summit, which takes place in Emigrant, Montana. The new Leadership Academy in Atlanta is the latest installment in this exciting portfolio of events. 

“Thank you to PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for their ongoing support of First Tee,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “This new Leadership Academy will provide young people with an amazing and impactful experience.”  

The Leadership Academy is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. 

To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring. 

                                                             ***

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) 
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

About PGA TOUR Superstore 
PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro-Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com. 

Contacts:  
Megan Hart, First Tee 
[email protected]

Megan Mahoney, PGA TOUR Superstore 
[email protected] 

24 high school seniors selected for First Tee’s Scholar program, receiving mentorship, professional development and financial support 

Averaging nearly 10 years of First Tee participation, this year’s scholar class includes 3 first-generation students and 6 collegiate golfers 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (June 5, 2023) – The First Tee College Scholarship Program welcomes 24 new members to its 2023 class, bringing the total number of First Tee Scholars to 70. Each one of these scholars has demonstrated character and work ethic both on the golf course and in the classroom, which will help them succeed at schools across the country, including Howard University, the University of Southern California, Georgetown University, the University of Pennsylvania and Brown University. 

The class of 2023 – comprised of 14 young women and 10 young men – was selected from a competitive national pool of First Tee teens. This diverse group of Scholars represents 21 First Tee chapters across 18 states. The Scholars’ future aspirations range from becoming doctors and lawyers to studying economics, biometric engineering, computer science, professional golf management and journalism. Six plan to play collegiate golf.  

The First Tee College Scholarship Program aims to support alumni after high school graduation by pairing each Scholar with a trained adult mentor to provide guidance throughout their college careers and beyond. Each Scholar will also participate in professional development workshops and receive up to $5,000 per year towards tuition and expenses. 

First Tee re-launched its Scholar program in 2020 to further serve some of its most engaged participants after high school graduation. Texas Wesleyan University’s Malisone Chanthapanya recently became the first First Tee Scholar to graduate from college this May. She earned her degree in finance. 

“Welcome to our new class of Scholars and congratulations on being selected,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The decision to embark on higher education is an important one and I am proud that First Tee can continue to support alumni through the process. Thank you to our partners who support the program and our mentors who provide year-round guidance.”  

Participants across First Tee’s network submitted applications to be a part of the latest Scholar class. Following an online application process, finalists were selected by a committee for one-on-one interviews. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, volunteerism and other criteria.  

First Tee College Scholarship Class of 2023:  

  • Average years with First Tee: 9.6 
  • 3 first-generation college students 
  • 71% ethnically diverse 

2023 Collegiate Golfers:  

  • Jeremiah Brown, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia: Catholic University 
  • Mariane Johnson, First Tee – Gulf Coast: Palm Beach Atlantic University 
  • Kyzar Joshi, First Tee – Massachusetts: Hamilton College 
  • Falyn Lackey, First Tee – Southeastern New Mexico: Western New Mexico State University 
  • Colin Vineberg, First Tee – Greater Baltimore: Dickinson College 
  • Marlo Zamora, First Tee – Greater San Antonio: Trinity University 

The 2023 Scholar class includes: 

Daryn Dickens, First Tee – Greater Washington, DC  
Howard University; Major: History  
Daryn will be following in the footsteps of her mother, father and brother by attending Howard University where she will study history in preparation for law school. 

BJ Little, First Tee – Metro Atlanta  
Georgetown University; Major: Political Science  
BJ was the president of the Student Government Association, a member of the Black Student Union and started the golf team at his high school. 

Maria Ramos, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia  
University of Pennsylvania; Major: Engineering  
Maria is a first-generation college student that plans to study engineering; she has already been honored for her work with AI for creating a program that analyzes social media sentiments to predict stock market trends. 

Visit firsttee.org/college-scholarship to learn more about the program. Learn more about the 2023 Scholar class and download their headshots here. 

### 

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) 
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

Media Contact:  
Megan Hart, First Tee  
[email protected] 

New Study: 9 out of 10 parents are losing sleep, concerned about the state of their child’s development and well-being

85% of parents fear character is a “lost value” & many are looking to extracurriculars (including sports-based programs) to help bridge the gap

PONTE VEDRA, Florida, May 10, 2023 – Character is a “lost value,” according to 85% of parents surveyed by youth development organization First Tee and Harris Poll, a market research and analytics company that has been tracking the sentiment of American adults since 1963. According to the new research, parents believe kids need regular opportunities to build character, and they’ve found extracurricular activities like First Tee can help fill the gap.

Eighty-seven percent of parents say they’ve lost sleep over their kids’ well-being. Contributing factors include bullying (41%), the impact of social media (37%) and technology (35%), and peer pressure (36%). Six in 10 parents say their children have a high level of stress, with the majority saying they are concerned about their children’s emotional (60%), behavioral (59%), social (58%), academic (55%), and physical health (55%).

More than 75% of parents agree that playing golf helps children build character and learn important life skills, benefits that are especially critical today as kids face new challenges that are keeping parents up at night.

First Tee is currently undergoing a multi-year business evolution that’s designed to better meet the changing needs of today’s kids and families. The organization launched an updated curriculum last year that’s being implemented by trained coaches in all 50 states and select international locations.

“The findings from Harris Poll support First Tee’s efforts to impact kids beyond the golf course, using sports as a launchpad to introduce key character-building concepts like resilience, leadership and teamwork,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Parents clearly value these types of opportunities for their kids, and we are committed to making First Tee programming available to families of all means and backgrounds.”

Extracurriculars can help kids build character and confidence

Sixty percent of parents enroll their kids in extracurricular activities to help them build confidence, according to the survey data. Eight of 10 parents say development is more important than recreation when it comes to extracurricular activities. Popular reasons parents put their kids in extracurriculars include socialization (66%), physical outlet (62%), build confidence (60%) and pursue interests (53%).

Sports are the most popular extracurricular activity for kids, with most parents of young athletes reporting that sports have had a positive impact on their kids’ social (94%), physical (93%), behavioral (93%) and emotional (92%) health. Hobbies like coding, music and art trail sports in popularity, followed by scouting.

An ethnicity and socioeconomic “opportunity gap” apparent for parents

While 87% of all parents are losing sleep over concerns for their child’s well-being, the number is higher for Black parents (93%). Black families are least likely (63%) to enroll their kids in activities outside of school, compared to Asian and Pacific Islander families, who are most likely (79%). Families that earn less than $50,000 per year are 27% less likely to enroll their kids in extracurriculars compared to families that earn more than $100,000 annually, highlighting the importance of making youth activities affordable and accessible.

To collect this data, Harris Poll surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. adults in March of 2023, including 542 parents of kids under 18. This is the first of three First Tee/Harris Poll surveys to be conducted through 2025. To learn more about First Tee and to download the report in its entirety, please visit firsttee.org/charactergap.  

About The Harris Poll
 The Harris Poll is a global consulting and market research firm that strives to reveal the authentic values of modern society to inspire leaders to create a better tomorrow. It works with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. One of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., The Harris Poll has tracked public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Stagwell, the challenger holding company built to transform marketing.

###       

MEDIA CONTACTS:    

Megan Hart, First Tee    

[email protected]

(904) 940-4348

Inaugural weeklong First Tee Leadership Academy to be held in Atlanta is newest commitment of PGA TOUR Superstore’s partnership

Held in PGA TOUR Superstore’s homebase of Atlanta, 48 teens will develop new leadership skills by learning about the powerful impact sports has on community, business and civic pride

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, Ga. (March 21, 2023) – First Tee, a youth development organization that uses golf to teach life skills and positive values, is expanding its roster of impactful national participant opportunities to include a new Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. Forty-eight First Tee teens will be selected to travel to Atlanta to attend the inaugural event June 19-23, providing them a unique opportunity to explore team dynamics that will enhance their professional development as they collaborate with peers and adult mentors.

Atlanta has burst on to the world stage as the civil rights capital, the technology hub of the south, a destination for marquee sporting events, elite colleges and universities, and so much more. Programming will feature sessions on building diverse and impactful teams, developing authentic relationships and empowering others, with an impressive schedule of guest speakers across the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses including executives from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Participants will also experience the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta University Center and the Bobby Jones Golf Club.

“PGA TOUR Superstore is committed to being a positive influence in our communities and truly believe in the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth both on and off the field,” said Jill Spiegel, President, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We have built a strong partnership with the First Tee and will continue to work together to empower young people with leadership skills built on values such as resilience, integrity and self-confidence that will help them succeed throughout the course of their life.”

“In communities across the country, First Tee is helping kids and teens develop inner strength and discover what they are capable of,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are proud to provide national opportunities like the new Leadership Academy to help them build on that foundation and take their life and leadership skills to the next level as they think about their future and plans after high school. We continue to be grateful to Arthur Blank and PGA TOUR Superstore for their ongoing support. It is changing lives.”

For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more kids across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of the Leadership Series, held locally at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country, and the Leadership Summit, which takes place in Emigrant, Montana. The new Leadership Academy in Atlanta is the latest installment in this exciting portfolio of events.

The Leadership Academy is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring.

For more information on First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.

***

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

About PGA TOUR Superstore

PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro-Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.

Contacts:

Megan Hart, First Tee
[email protected]

Megan Mahoney, PGA TOUR Superstore
[email protected]

Topgolf Callaway Brands and First Tee Expand Partnership to Reach More Young People from All Backgrounds

The organizations build on a shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and empowering young people

PONTE VEDRA, FLA. and CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 13, 2022 – First Tee®, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, and Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) (the “Company” or “Topgolf Callaway Brands”), a global leader in golf equipment, apparel and entertainment, are expanding their longtime partnership. Through the new partnership, Topgolf Callaway Brands will support initiatives that are helping expand First Tee programs, especially in underserved and underrepresented communities, including networkwide access to Topgolf.

“Topgolf Callaway Brands is proud to support First Tee’s mission to empower children and teens through golf,” said Chip Brewer, President & CEO of Topgolf Callaway Brands. “We are excited to become a First Tee Trustee and through our shared values, provide more access and opportunities for youth in the communities we serve.”

Topgolf Callaway Brands has been supporting First Tee since 2001. The Company is expanding their support and becoming a First Tee Trustee on the heels of the First Tee’s 25th Anniversary Network Summit held in Dallas, November 16 – 18, 2022. The Summit brought together more than 600 representatives from First Tee’s network of 150 chapters to celebrate the organization’s anniversary and continue to build momentum for the future with robust workshops and training sessions. The Summit concluded with a networking event at Topgolf.

“We believe in creating experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful, and Topgolf Callaway Brands is an ideal partner to help us expand our reach,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Since launching the organization 25 years ago, it has been our priority to reach young people from all backgrounds, and we are grateful for the support from Topgolf Callaway Brands that will help further our efforts.”

Founded in 1997, First Tee is celebrating 25 years of enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations. 

To learn more about First Tee, please visit firsttee.org.  

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)  

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

About Topgolf Callaway Brands

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) is an unrivaled tech-enabled Modern Golf and active lifestyle company delivering leading golf equipment, apparel, and entertainment, with a portfolio of global brands including Topgolf, Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey, OGIO, Jack Wolfskin, and World Golf Tour (“WGT”). “Modern Golf” is the dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that includes both on-course and off-course golf. For more information, please visit https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com.

###       

MEDIA CONTACTS:    

Sara Henika, First Tee    
[email protected]     
(904) 881-7398   

Lauren Scott, Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.
[email protected]  
(760) 931-1771

Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. honored with First Tee’s Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award

The former First Tee CEO received the award in Dallas, where Chapter leaders gathered this week to celebrate the organization’s 25 years of building game changers

Dallas (Nov. 18, 2022) – First Tee celebrated its 25th anniversary this week with a Network Summit in Dallas that was capped off with a big honor for retired CEO Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and former Commissioner Tim Finchem presented the award to Barrow, who led the nonprofit organization from 2000 to 2017.

Barrow combined passion, enthusiasm and empathy as he led First Tee through a time of incredible growth. Under his leadership, First Tee expanded its network of Chapters, which now stands at 150. The organization also launched its School and Community Programs, which serve millions of kids who may not have access to a golf course.

“While at First Tee, Joe was appropriately called the “Chief Evangelist” because he was always sharing a great story about the impact First Tee had on a particular young person,” said Monahan, who also serves as Chair for the First Tee Board of Governors. “Joe led with many strengths, but perhaps his greatest was ensuring that the kids remained at the heart of every decision.”

Barrow was CEO when First Tee launched its first national participant event, the Life Skills and Leadership Academy. In 2021 the event was renamed the Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. and evolved to address challenges teens face in their daily lives including social justice issues and diversity, equity and inclusion – topics near to Barrow’s heart.

Barrow took on his role as CEO while First Tee was in its infancy. The nonprofit – which teaches life skills through the game of golf – was first announced by Finchem and other leaders from the golf industry at a Central Park press conference on Nov. 13, 1997. A quarter century later, the organization has served millions of kids.

“I am truly humbled by this recognition,” said Barrow. “And I am deeply proud of the positive impact First Tee has had over the years. It wouldn’t have been possible without my dedicated colleagues, the coaches and Chapter staff, and supporters who believed in our mission.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award was one of several awards First Tee presented in Dallas during the organization’s Network Summit held Nov. 16-18. The Summit brought together representatives from First Tee’s network of 150 chapters to celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary and continue building momentum for the future with robust workshops, training and peer-to-peer networking. Appearances were made by President George W. Bush, honorary chair of First Tee, PGA TOUR player Will Zalatoris, artist and criminal justice reform activist Valentino Dixon and other inspirational speakers. The Summit was presented by Century Golf Partners, supported by 3M and made possible by other corporate partners who stand behind First Tee’s mission. The Dallas event also featured an Alumni Summit presented by Gallagher and an Innovators Forum for participants.

First Tee congratulates all the award winners:

  • Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Southern Company were recognized with Founders Awards for their ongoing and generous support of the organization.
  • Michael Brown of First Tee – Greater Philadelphia and Dave Roughton of First Tee – Greater Sacramento were recognized with the Tim Finchem Leadership Award. Both chapters will receive a $5,000 donation from CapTech.
  • Deb DeNure of First Tee – South Central Wisconsin and Karen Hart of First Tee – Delaware were named the George H.W. Bush Volunteers of the Year. Along with the award, each Chapter will receive a $5,000 donation from FootJoy.
  • First Tee – Delaware and First Tee – Greater Charleston were honored with the Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award. Both Chapters will receive a $5,000 donation from The Toro Company.
  • Neil Young of First Tee – Triangle was awarded the inaugural First Tee Teacher of the Year Award presented by GolfGen who will make a $5,000 donation to the Chapter for its nomination.

“There are more than 10,000 volunteers, Chapter staff members, board members and donors who make First Tee the impactful organization it is today,” said current First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “It’s so special to be able to honor a handful of those people who have truly changed kids’ lives for the better.”

Photos and video from Network Summit including Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., President Bush, and Founders Award winners are available here.

A 25th anniversary press kit with fact sheet, alumni stories, anniversary logo, photos and video is available here.

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of youth through its network of 150 Chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sara Henika, First Tee
[email protected]
904-881-7398

First Tee Celebrates 25 Years of Empowering Youth through Golf

First Tee has grown into a preeminent youth development organization with a network of 150 chapters which will come together in celebration of this milestone Nov. 16-18 in Dallas

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2022) – Twenty-five years ago, on November 13, 1997, then-PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem was joined in New York City’s Central Park by representatives from the leading golf organizations – the LPGA, the Masters Tournament, the PGA of America, the PGA TOUR, and the USGA – public officials, including President George H. W. Bush, and golf dignitaries to announce the launch of First Tee.

Since that time, First Tee has grown into a preeminent youth development organization boasting a network of nearly 150 chapters with programs delivered at 1,400 golf courses, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers in all 50 states and in Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Mexico and Morocco. In 2021, First Tee impacted more than 2.2 million kids and teens. Additionally, more than 10,000 adults are involved each year in support of First Tee’s mission, many of whom have participated in First Tee’s signature positive youth development training.

“I am proud of First Tee’s growth and impact over the last 25 years,” said President George W. Bush, First Tee Honorary Chair. “Their mission to help young people build life skills and strengthen their character using the game of golf has proven successful. Organizations like First Tee are critical to our society and our country’s future. I am grateful my father chose to get involved 25 years ago and pleased to carry the baton since 2011 in support of their work.” 

Under the leadership of Finchem, First Tee was launched as an industrywide initiative to make golf affordable and accessible for all kids. As the first programs were being developed, First Tee began an intentional effort to seamlessly integrate the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, creating a program that empowers youth to build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that they can carry to everything they do.

“We are grateful for the vision of my predecessor, Tim Finchem, and for his leadership in creating First Tee in 1997,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair, First Tee Board of Governors. “Congratulations and thank you to all who have played an essential part in growing First Tee and contributing to the many transformational and inspiring stories we have seen over the last 25 years. Just as importantly, we are extremely excited about the path and trajectory of the program going forward as First Tee continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of young people.”

First Tee has been undergoing a modernization effort to stay relevant and connected to kids and teens now and in the future. It refreshed its brand for the first time in 2020 and recently released a robust age-based curriculum update to better position the organization to reach teens and keep kids engaged in the program longer. Technology efforts are also underway to centralize and better support program registration, adult training and onboarding, and tools for coaches. In 2023, the first participant-facing app will launch, providing supplemental digital experiences and gamification for young people in the program.  In recent years, the organization also reinvested in its College Scholarship Program, and it touches hundreds of kids each year through national participant events, spanning from the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach to a five-day DEI-focused academy in Philadelphia.

“Since day one, First Tee has been intentional about reaching young people from diverse backgrounds, and that commitment continues today,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Most years, between 40 and 50 percent of participants at chapters are non-Caucasian, and approximately 38% are female. Our network of chapter leaders, coaches, volunteers, board members and donors remain committed to breaking down barriers. And they continue to inspire me as we prepare for the future.”

Throughout this anniversary year, First Tee has highlighted its alumni who’ve gone on to careers in the golf industry and beyond. First Tee’s final alumni feature showcases Ariana Saenz, a former participant at First Tee – Greater Houston, who went on to play collegiate golf at the University of Houston and Texas A&M. Saenz is set to graduate with a master’s degree in human resources later this year and hopes to pursue a career in the golf industry.

“From age seven to 18, I was exposed to a set of morals and life skills at First Tee that poured the foundation for the woman I am today,” said Saenz. “Along the way, I earned a college golf scholarship and went from being a participant to a volunteer who learned the value of giving back to the community and serving others.”

Nov. 16-18, representatives from First Tee’s network of 150 chapters will convene in Dallas for its Network Summit – the first in five years – to celebrate the anniversary and continue building momentum for the future with robust workshops, training and peer-to-peer networking. The Summit is presented by Century Golf Partners and made possible by other corporate partners who stand behind First Tee’s mission.

To learn more about First Tee, its impact and future vision, please visit:

A press kit with fact sheet, alumni stories, anniversary logo, photos and video is available here.

### 

MEDIA CONTACT:                                                                              
Sara Henika, First Tee                                                                  
[email protected]
904-881-7398 

USGA Continues Grow-the-Game Investment by Awarding 25 Chapter Grants to Celebrate First Tee’s 25th Anniversary

USGA and First Tee continue to expand inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts at the local level with IDEA Grants

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2022) — Commemorating a 25-year partnership with a focus on growing the game, the USGA has continued its investment in First Tee by awarding IDEA grants to 25 chapters across America.

The USGA’s IDEA Grant Program delivers direct funding to community-based programs that break down barriers to participation in golf and First Tee’s character-building programs, improving pathways to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. In 2022, 25 chapters — from Massachusetts to California — were awarded up to $25,000 each to provide transportation, hire diverse coaches, train volunteers and build programs in diverse communities, among other activities. 

Totaling $325,000 in 2022, the USGA’s investment in First Tee is the latest demonstration of its long-standing commitment to ensuring recreational golf continues to thrive. What started as a $3 million, three-year commitment by the USGA as a founding partner in 1997 has helped underpin First Tee’s ability to reach more than 2 million youth annually. 

“This year’s IDEA grants are the latest milestone that reflect significant progress made to date in partnership with First Tee,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “The best way to introduce youth to the game is by meeting them where they are in their communities, and we are going to continue to drive resources toward the local level to ensure a more accessible and inclusive game for generations to come.”


First Tee was founded in 1997 through the leadership of five golf organizations, aimed at making golf more affordable and accessible in the United States through a national grassroots program. As the first programs were being developed, First Tee began an intentional effort to seamlessly integrate the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, creating learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. Many alumni continue to play and work in the game, inspiring the next generation.

As part of more than 25 years of substantial growth that led to the establishment of 150 First Tee chapters with more than 1,400 program locations in communities across America, the USGA’s targeted support has helped First Tee drive greater equity among underrepresented youth to access golf. The IDEA grants, launched in 2021, fund innovative initiatives for golfers with disabilities, those in Spanish-speaking communities, Indigenous people and at-risk students, among others.  

First Tee is focused on increasing diverse participation year over year through many strategies, including hiring and training diverse coaches and implementing the First Tee School Program in Title 1 schools. The efforts are contributing to the diversification of the sport: Since 1997, there has been a 25 percent increase in non-Caucasian golfers, many of whom entered the game through First Tee.

The 2022 grant recipients include:

  • First Tee — Four Corners, located in southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico, primarily serves at-risk Native American and Latino youth through programs at Aztec Boys & Girls Club, Sycamore Park Community Center and local elementary schools. The USGA’s IDEA grant funding helps the chapter subsidize green fees, cover curriculum costs and financially support Native American youth participating in junior tournaments.
  • The expansion of First Tee — Greater Charleston’s Game Changers program provides mentoring, STEM and character education, safe spaces, transportation, meals and enrichment activities for students starting in sixth grade and guiding them through high school graduation. The chapter offers programming five days a week during the summer months and every Saturday during the school year with support from the USGA’s IDEA grant funding.
  • Increased opportunities for adaptive youth golfers have been made possible at First Tee — Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The USGA’s IDEA grant has allowed the chapter to add programming for teens and children with autism, partner with Special Olympics of Hamilton County, host programming for kids with life-threatening and chronic health challenges and provide transportation to Reeves Golf Course for an eight-week life skills course.
  • A two-time IDEA grant recipient, First Tee — Greater Pasadena hosts clinics for the Latina Golf Association while the USGA’s IDEA grant helps cover course and coaching fees for the events tailored toward Hispanic women who have never touched a golf club. 
  • The all-female leadership team at First Tee — Hampton Roads works to increase access to golf for young people of diverse cognitive and physical abilities by partnering with the Special Olympics to host multiple adaptive events and provide members of the adaptive community with access to chapter facilities free of charge. 
  • Eighty-six percent of First Tee — Monterey County participants are Latino, and a partnership with Valley Heath allows the chapter to provide programming to underserved individuals without health care. With support from the USGA’s IDEA grant, this chapter can create golf and life skills classes for Special Kids Connect while expanding its overall ADA accommodations.
  • First Tee — Pittsburgh provides life skills and youth development through a work preparedness program, adaptive golf for special-needs students in the South Fayette School District and community partnerships with Pittsburgh Police Department and Allegheny Youth Development. These initiatives are supported by IDEA grant funding, which covers transportation costs and the purchase of a van to transport youth to year-round sessions.

Since 1997, the USGA has invested more than $33 million in junior programs, including First Tee; LPGA-USGA Girls Golf; Drive, Chip & Putt; and the AJGA as part of a long-standing organizational commitment to advancing the game of golf with exposure beginning at the junior level. Introducing golf at a young age has proven to be a critical tactic in reducing barriers of entry to welcome greater diversity to the game. More than one-quarter of today’s 3.1 million junior golfers are non-Caucasian compared with 6 percent of youth more than 20 years ago. 

In addition to its initial $3 million starter investment in 1997, the USGA immediately began to deliver sizable grants to build First Tee programs in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Kansas, Alabama, Arkansas and many other communities. 

IDEA Grant applications were open to all First Tee chapters affiliated with one of the USGA’s 58 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). Located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, AGAs serve millions of golfers at the recreational level by increasing engagement and participation and improving the golfer experience.

2022 USGA IDEA Grant Recipients:

First Tee — Central MississippiFirst Tee — Greater Philadelphia (Pa.)
First Tee — Cleveland (Ohio)First Tee — Greater Portland (Ore.)
First Tee — Coastal CarolinasFirst Tee — Hampton Roads (Va.)
First Tee — ConnecticutFirst Tee — Indiana
First Tee — Greater Dallas (Texas)First Tee — Massachusetts
First Tee — Denver (Colo.)First Tee — Metropolitan New York
First Tee — Fort Worth (Texas)First Tee — Monterey County (Calif.)
First Tee — Four Corners (N.M., Colo.)First Tee — Pittsburgh (Pa.)
First Tee — Greater Charleston (S.C.)First Tee — Sandhills (N.C.)
First Tee — Greater Chicago (Ill.)First Tee — South Dakota
First Tee — Greater Cincinnati & Northern KentuckyFirst Tee — South Puget Sound (Wash.)
First Tee — Greater Pasadena (Calif.)First Tee — Southern Colorado
 First Tee — West Michigan

PURE Insurance Surprises First Tee Participant with Scholarship at the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship

PURE Insurance Grows Its Support of First Tee with a Commitment for $1M to the First Tee College Scholarship Program

PEBBLE BEACH, CALI., Sept. 22, 2022 – First Tee®, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, announced Isabelle Junio as a First Tee Scholar for the Class of 2023, thanks to the support of PURE Insurance.

PURE Insurance has served as title sponsor of the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee since 2017. Since coming on board as title sponsor, PURE has continued to deepen its relationship with First Tee, most recently with their support of First Tee College Scholarship Program through a commitment of $1M over five years.

Leaders from PURE Insurance extended a surprise invitation to the scholarship program to 17-year-old Isabelle Junio, a high school senior from First Tee – Phoenix, yesterday at the PURE Insurance Championship.  Junio is a senior at Millennium High School with a GPA of 4.58. She volunteers for the Agua Fria Fine Arts Festival and aspires to become an engineer.

 “Our admiration for and support of this incredible organization continues to grow,” said Katherine Richardson, EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer at PURE Insurance and Head of PURE Foundation. “It’s particularly gratifying to know that we can impact the remarkable young men and women of First Tee, like Isabelle, in such a powerful way.” 

The surprise happened during a private fundraising event hosted by PURE and benefiting the First Tee College Scholarship program.

Earlier this year, First Tee announced the Class of 2022 First Tee Scholars. With 25 Scholars, it’s the largest to date and includes Jacob Zakaria who was surprised by PURE at the 2021 PURE Insurance Championship.

Junio, Zakaria and all the scholars in the program are paired with dedicated, trained adult mentors who will help encourage them throughout their college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. In addition, the scholars have access to professional development workshops, financial assistance, and help securing internships and job placement. PURE Insurance employees will serve as mentors and the company will contribute to professional development and educational sessions, sharing industry knowledge and expertise with the scholars, as well as offer internship opportunities.  

“Pursuing a college degree is both competitive and challenging for today’s graduating high school students,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “We’re grateful for PURE Insurance’s commitment to our mission through the PURE Insurance Championship, and now through the First Tee College Scholarship Program. This meaningful partnership will allow us to support more First Tee alumni through their college experience with the support of PURE Insurance and its dedicated employees.”  

With the support of PURE Insurance and other generous donors, First Tee will expand the Scholarship Program to more than 200 Scholars by 2030. To learn more about First Tee, please visit https://firsttee.org/.  

Four Teens Earn Selection into the First Tee College Scholarship Program

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL.  (September 12, 2022) – First Tee participants from Minnesota, Massachusetts, San Francisco and Orange County, Calif. have each been awarded scholarships and selection in to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The teens were selected following their participation in the First Tee Leadership Series and Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore based on their intentional and innovative commitment to personal growth and development as leaders throughout the course of the program.

First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore congratulate:

  • Gabriella Mercado from First Tee – Orange County:  Gabriella is a 16-year-old high school junior from Placentia, Calif. She’s been involved with First Tee for seven years. She holds a 4.0 GPA and has aspirations of playing college golf and then becoming a sports lawyer.  Gabriella enjoys community service and in her first two years of high school accumulated more than 225 hours.
  • Jaylyn Remolona from First Tee – San Francisco: Jaylynis a 15-year-old high school junior from San Francisco.  Jaylyn attends Mercy High School in Burlingame has been involved with First Tee for seven years. She holds a 3.65 and outside of school her two hobbies are golf and singing.  
  • Kyzar Joshi from First Tee — Massachusetts: Kyzar is 17-year-old high school senior at Ashland High School in Ashland, Mass.He has been involved with First Tee for more than 10 years. He holds a 4.12 GPA and his career aspirations include playing college golf and majoring in finance or economics in college.  Kyzar serves as his class treasurer, and helped lead the Ashland High School golf team to the state section tournament. Kyzar is in the process of completing the ACE level of the First Tee Curriculum.
  • Saloni Somia from First Tee – Minnesota:  Saloni, from Plymouth, Minn.,is a17-year-old high school senior at Minnetonka High School. She has been involved with First Tee for four years. She holds a 4.0 GPA and serves as the President of her school’s National Honor Society, Captain of the Minnetonka Girls Golf Team, Founder and President of Everyone Eats (an organization that provides homeless youth allergy friendly foods) and co-founded a teen-led YouTube channel that gives good allergy advice to teens.

As First Tee Scholars, the teens will receive support throughout their post-graduate careers. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. In addition, each scholar is paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in person throughout the year.

“We are very proud of these four deserving teens from across the country,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “They each showed dedication and impressive character traits throughout the Leadership Series and Summit.  They are leaders in their schools, at home and at their First Tee chapters. Through the First Tee College Scholarship Program, we will continue to support them in their personal and professional development and empower them to hone their leadership skills as they pursue their careers. We’re thankful for partners like PGA TOUR Superstore who support these game changing initiatives.”

The four teens were selected from the more than 250 participants who attended the Leadership Series and Summit.  Boasting an average GPA of 3.9 the teens meet the College Scholarship Program eligibility requirements which are based on academic performance, length and involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism.

First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners who stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission. For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman Arthur M. Blank have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of the Leadership Series and Summit.

“We are committed to being a positive influence in our communities and truly believe in the positive impact sports has in developing and supporting youth,” said Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We are proud to partner with the First Tee to empower young people with values-based leadership skills that will help them succeed throughout the course of their life. Congratulations Gabriella, Jaylyn, Kyzar and Saloni.”

Photos and broll of the Scholars is available here.

First Tee & Southern Company Present ‘Game Changers Pavilion’ at TOUR Championship

Kids and families invited to an interactive experience inspired by First Tee’s mission at Southern Company’s SO COOL Zone, Aug. 24-28

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL. & ATLANTA, GA.  (August 16, 2022) – First Tee Game Changers Pavilion, an interactive experience inspired by First Tee’s mission to empower young people to become game changers in their communities, will return to the 2022 TOUR Championship, Aug. 24-28, in Southern Company’s SO COOL Zone.

The 1,200 square-foot, air-conditioned space will bring to life what it means to be a game changer and help connect youth attending the tournament to the excitement and personal impact associated with golf and First Tee programs offered throughout the country.  

Highlights of the immersive experience include an “Aim for Greatness” digital video board and our “Make an Impact” paint wall that will provide fans an opportunity to swing a golf club and empower them to embrace challenges and work together to make something beautiful through golf.

Visitors will also be invited to pose as a standard bearer in the “Good Group” photo op and encouraged to post on social media tagging the game changers in their lives who encourage them to be the best version of themselves. Kids are invited to top their visit off with a complimentary SO COOL snow cone.

The First Tee Game Changers Pavilion is being made possible by Southern Company, First Tee’s Education Patron since 2012. Southern Company’s support has helped to expand the First Tee School Program to an additional 1,400 schools in communities across the country reaching more than 700,000 students annually.  

“We are thankful to work with longtime partner Southern Company again this year to host the Game Changers Pavilion at the TOUR Championship,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This year is special as we celebrate our 25th anniversary of empowering young people. We look forward to using this national platform to inspire and engage even more kids and teens with our game-changing programs.”

As part of the week’s activities, First Tee – Metro Atlanta will bring hundreds of kids from their chapter and after-school community program to experience the TOUR Championship and the Pavilion.

Once again, the TOUR Championship will offer its Youth Ticket Program, which allows for two youth ages 15 and under per ticketed adult to be admitted free of charge to watch the PGA TOUR’s best players compete for the FedExCup.

On the morning of Thursday, Aug. 25, the HOPE Tee Shot will honor two First Tee — Metro Atlanta participants – Haven Ward and Ethan Quitman – in a special ceremony on the first tee just minutes before the first pairing tees off in the TOUR Championship. The tee shot is a symbol and reminder of the hope that continues to build in the East Lake community and throughout Atlanta.

To learn more about First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.

***

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of youths through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair. 

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a net-zero future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine,

DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, Forbes and the Women’s Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Media Contact:
Sara Henika
[email protected]
(904) 881-7398

CDW Gets Behind First Tee as a Trustee, Supporting Its Character-Building Programs  

CDW Supports Chapters, Coaches and Technology Advancements

PONTE VEDRA, FL. and LINCOLNSHIRE, ILL., August 4, 2022 – First Tee®, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, has welcomed CDW as its newest Trustee.  As a global leader in technology products and services for business, government, and education, CDW’s investment will support essential technology enhancements to meet the evolving needs of the coaches, kids and families that First Tee serves. 

“CDW is proud to stand behind First Tee as a Trustee,” said Anand Rao, chief marketing and digital officer for CDW. “Part of our support will help the organization to modernize its technology. This aligns very well with CDW’s aspiration to achieve equity by closing the digital divide that persists in traditionally underserved communities. In our connected world, CDW believes every person should be able to experience the unlimited possibilities that technology unlocks.” 

First Tee has embarked on a multi-year re-investment to modernize and enhance the organization, including curriculum, brand and technology evolutions. As a Trustee, CDW will support virtual coach trainings to ensure nationally trained coaches are empowered to deliver First Tee’s enhanced character-building curriculum at chapters across the country.  In addition to the trainings, CDW will make a significant impact on a local level through chapter grants in select markets.  These grants will be utilized to support technology advancements and upgrades, including devices, connectivity and security. 

“CDW is helping us break the barrier of connectivity between chapter leaders, coaches, and families,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “The impact of their support will be long lasting as we continue to evolve and reinvest in our character building programs to ensure we reach kids and families in new and innovative ways.” 

The Trustee designation comes following a week of inspirational and empowering golf activities hosted by CDW for First Tee – Greater Detroit participants during the Rocket Mortgage Classic. The week kicked off on Monday with an unveiling of a new Trackman golf simulator at Durfee Innovation Society, a program location for the chapter, followed by a junior clinic on Tuesday featuring PGA TOUR player Gary Woodland among other notable golf personalities.   

“Creating positive, long-term community impact is only possible when we work together,” said Todd Krieger, Interim Chief Executive Officer, First Tee-Greater Detroit “We’re thankful for partners like CDW who are helping us create fun and safe spaces for our kids to build their confidence and further explore their interest in golf and the opportunities it can provide.” 

Launching in 1997, First Tee is celebrating 25 years of enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.    

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)   
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

About CDW 

CDW Corporation (Nasdaq: CDW) is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW was founded in 1984 and employs approximately 14,600 coworkers. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2022, CDW generated Net sales of approximately $23 billion. For more information about CDW, please visit www.CDW.com. 

###      

MEDIA CONTACTS:    

Sara Henika, First Tee     
[email protected]  
904-881-7398

Sara Granack, CDW 
[email protected] 
847-419-7411