About the Program
At First Tee, we believe that helping young people build strength of character is fundamental to success in life. Our active learning experiences are all about ensuring young people build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience, so when they face new challenges they are equipped to overcome them.
Going beyond our core programs, the enhanced First Tee College Scholarship Program is designed to provide further support, life skill development and mentorship of our alumni through their journey. Higher education continues to be a critical factor in unlocking opportunities for young people to thrive, and First Tee is committed to their success.
First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years.
The program is open to graduating high school seniors planning to attend college the following year. Applicants must be active members of First Tee chapters and will be considered based on financial need, academic performance, chapter involvement, volunteerism and other criteria.
2024 Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the First Tee College Scholarship Program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
- Must be classified as a high school senior as of December 31, 2022
- Minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
- Intent to attend a four-year accredited college or university in Fall 2023
- If selected, the participant must be able to attend the Pre-College Retreat and the annual Winter Workshop
Chapter and Community Participation
- 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
Previous Scholar
Antonio DelCastillo, Class of 2022
First Tee – Orange County alumnus
- 18-year-old incoming college freshman at the University of Alabama, where he plans on going the pre-med track.
- Antonio has been involved with First Tee for five years, where he teaches life skills and golf to younger participants and was recognized as the chapter’s Junior Volunteer Coach of the Year in 2019.
- He was selected as a Scholar from a national pool of more than 300 candidates based on his participation in the inaugural PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Series and First Tee Leadership Summit.
- He is a member of the boys’ golf team and National Honor Society at his high school.
- Prior to the pandemic, he spent time volunteering at retirement homes in the community hosting Bingo nights.
- Antonio’s career aspirations include becoming a neuro-orthopedic surgeon or anesthesiologist.
- 4.65 GPA
“As part of First Tee for five years, I have reaped the benefits of learning and using the values I learn and applying them to school, sports, and my life. First Tee is the only reason that I started to play golf, I found my passion for golf through First Tee. Now that I have been playing golf for five years I see the benefits of the values and fundamentals I built when I started.”
Questions?
Please contact our Program Manager, Jason Reddick at (714) 833-8221 or email [email protected].