The First Tee Drive Your Future Academy 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 and impact of volunteerism. The selected teens will have an opportunity to participate in activity-based workshops with industry leaders as well as a golf outing.
Key Commitments
Collaborating with Others
Building Positive Self-Identity
Learning Objectives
- Leverage relationships to build a successful network
- Embrace a positive self-identity and build confidence through lived experiences
- Appreciate the impact of volunteerism and seek opportunities to demonstrate this in their communities
Event Info
Date: October 8-12, 2026
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Applications Open: May 13, 2026
Applications Close: July 15, 2026
Reach out to your Chapter to learn more.
2026 Participant Field
| First Name: | Last Name: | Chapter: |
| Giulianee | Ayala | First Tee – Central Iowa |
| Mika | Myers | First Tee – Coachella Valley |
| Beth | Miller | First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains |
| Adalen | Brown | First Tee – Eastern Michigan |
| Sailor | Chen | First Tee – Fort Worth |
| Daisy | Song | First Tee – Greater Baltimore |
| Eva | Newell | First Tee – Greater Houston |
| Bailey | Rideaux | First Tee – Greater Houston |
| Victoria | Nelson | First Tee – Greater New Orleans |
| Emery | Case | First Tee – Greater Philadelphia |
| Autumn | Jue | First Tee – Greater Philadelphia |
| Juliana | Schmerling | First Tee – Greater Philadelphia |
| Abby | Kuti | First Tee – Greater Richmond |
| Maeve | McGuire | First Tee – Greater Washington, DC |
| Aaliyah | Shabazz | First Tee – Greater Washington, DC |
| Callie | Somers | First Tee – Greater Wilmington |
| Khloe | Ross | First Tee – Los Angeles |
| Emiliana | Zamora | First Tee – Massachusetts |
| Keira | Daly | First Tee – Metropolitan New York |
| Erica | Egor | First Tee – Metropolitan New York |
| Riley | Powell | First Tee – North Florida |
| Lily | Shay | First Tee – Orange County |
| Harlee | Jackson | First Tee – Pine Mountain |
| Roxanna | Gonzales | First Tee – San Diego |
| Kalia | Sego | First Tee – San Diego |
| Hannah | Loo | First Tee – San Francisco |
| Rebeka | Filko | First Tee – Sarasota/Manatee |
| Sharleen | Ho | First Tee – Silicon Valley |
| Zoe | Huchim Velazquez | First Tee – Silicon Valley |
| Dahlia | Suarez | First Tee – Silicon Valley |
| Malia | Works | First Tee – Syracuse |
| Emily | Roedig | First Tee – The Lowcountry |
| Aditi | Honna | First Tee – Triangle |
| Zoe | Mack | First Tee – Triangle |
| Anvitha | Ranganna | First Tee – Triangle |
| Zuri | Ruiz | First Tee – Upstate South Carolina |
Selection
Up to 36 participants will be selected from the chapter network for the four day academy experience. Participants will submit, essays, activities chart and a chapter letter of recommendation.
How to Participate
This event is only available to teens involved in chapters of First Tee. Most of the events and programs have a selection process that includes an application reviewed by a committee. Parents, if you want your child to participate, please inquire at your chapter.