Program areas at First Tee - Florida Gold Coast
Our organization's larger territory includes palm beach, martin, st. lucie and broward counties. We served 4,459 kids and teens in First Tee programs, 978 children with special needs and 655 veterans. 63% of our students are ethnically diverse (primarily african american or hispanic) and 41% female. We partner with other your organizations that serve under represented children and veterans, such as boys and girls clubs, ymca, police athletic leagues, special olympics, mission united and the veterans administration hospital. Our staff, coaches, volunteers and board members are backgroound checked and receive online and in-person training from First Tee headquarters. Eleven of our First Tee high school students were selected to attend First Tee head quarters participant opportunities, including the pure insurance championship at pebble beach. Eight chapter alumni were awarded college scholarships for the 2023-2024 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, 2023 college scholarships in the amount of $51,042 were provided to students that met strict academic standards which are approved by the scholarship committee.
The martin/st. Lucie counties chapter opened a football size artificial turf facility in ft. pierce, one of the most underserved areas in our territory. This chapter delivered programs at 9 green grass locations and served 1,184 kids and teens in First Tee programs, 125 special needs students and 212 veterans.
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 1,892 kids and teens in First Tee programs, 669 special needs students and 308 veterans.
The broward county chapter grew 22% in 2023 and delivered programs at 12 green grass locations. This chapter served 1,383 kids and teens in First Tee programs, 184 special needs students and 135 veterans.