TFTSV Bridges the Gap

Some major challenges facing public schools are: Classroom Size, Poverty, Family Factors, Bullying, Student Attitudes and Behaviors, and Student Health. The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s youth development program helps bridge the gap by teaching our participants The First Tee Nine Core Values, Nine Healthy Habits and 4 Life Skills for use both on and off the course. Our coaches work with the students to help them apply what they learn in their golf class to their school life. The games in our classes are designed to be fun, educational and promote self-discovery. Our 3 tips for having fun are Be Patient, Be Positive and Ask For Help which we encourage participants to take to the classroom too. From Grades 2 through 12, youth progress through 5 different levels of age appropriate First Tee curriculum and are required to pass an assessment to progress. All participants start at the PLAYer level regardless of age. The pinnacle of The First Tee is completing Ace and The First Tee of Silicon Valley is very proud of our 56% retention rate – one of the highest amongst all First Tee chapters across the US. Here is a snapshot of what Life Skills our participants learn at each level:
  • PLAYer (2nd grade & up) – Tee up for the first time and learn the game of golf and The First Tee’s Code of Conduct: Respect for Myself, Respect for Others and Respect for my surroundings.
  • Par (3rd grade & up) – Focus on interpersonal and self-management skills on and off the course.
  • Birdie (5th grade & up) – Emphasis on setting goals and making them a reality.
  • Eagle (7th grade & up) – Learn resilience, conflict resolution, and future planning.
  • Ace (9th grade & up) – Put it all together and hone in on setting goals, career, education, and giving back to the community.

Mentors and Instructors Attended Training

Saturday, August 28th saw 20 mentors attend the pre-fall season training. The mentors that attended were 10 adults and 10 juniors (under 18); 12 were new to volunteering and 8 were returning volunteers. Coach Matt and Coach Chris led the training with a mind towards coaches noticing where the participants are in their Comfort/Stretch/Panic zone.  Understanding these zones goes a long way towards building rapport with the participants and helping them to feel comfortable in class. The mentors took turns being the coach then the participant as they walked through a weekly lesson using the Try-Show-Try-Play model. The fall instructor meeting was attended by 12 of the fall coaches and focused on the fall goal of “Be more intentional with your coaching.” The instructors made and flew paper airplanes to demonstrate learning through doing vs learning through showing.  They discussed the FAR method – Focus, Ask, Reward, and how this can help students understand both the golf skills and the core values each week. The instructors also reviewed the parent/participant survey results from the Summer season. The results showed an increase over previous seasonal survey in these areas:
  • “I intend to take another class.”
  • “I had fun.”
  • “I felt part of the group.”
  • “My coach cared about me.”
Mentors
Instructors

TFTSV Attends the AACSA Block Party

On Saturday, August 3rd, the African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) in partnership with the Antioch Baptist Church presented the block party at 6th and Julian Street in San Jose.  The church celebrated 125 years this year. The event had bounce houses, face painting, community resources, food, a DJ and more.  Mayor Liccardo stopped by to tour the church and meet with the community members. The First Tee of Silicon Valley had a booth and games set up for attendees to try out golf. We had volunteers Trevor, Krisha, Twish and Linette on hand to show folks how to hold the clubs and play the games. They passed out a choice of TFTSV-branded fanny or back packs to the high score getters of the day. “Community events such as this are wonderful ways to introduce folks to the game of golf while supporting our community.” Said Julie Donnellan, Operations Coordinator.

TFTSV DRIVE Has Positive Impact on Franklin Elementary!

Franklin Elementary became a TFTSV DRIVE partner in the Fall of 2018 and continued to deliver the DRIVE curriculum to their participants throughout the academic year. Franklin Elementary is located in east San Jose and is a Title 1 school meaning most of their participants are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Their afterschool program is delivered by Catholic Charities CORAL program, run by Paula Laura. The youth leader/coach at the school is Kyle Ouellette. Kyle had tried to introduce his students to golf by purchasing clubs with his own money, but the equipment he purchased had its limitations especially in a school setting. Still Kyle believed in golf and the value it could bring to his students. According to Kyle, “the majority of the students would have never been given the opportunity to be a part of this program, swing a golf club, set foot on a golf course, or even know what golf is. It was a personal achievement for me to be able to see the life skills and core values being brought to the children.” With each DRIVE lesson, Kyle delivered the Nine Core Values into the games every Friday. Over the months of running DRIVE, Kyle noticed his students were progressing, not just with their golf skills but with their behavior. He said, “Our students began to have in depth and passionate conversations about how they see and use the core values in their school setting. Even our students with behavior issues were speaking up and demonstrating our core values with one another.” The Core Values also helped establish a supportive and positive culture and community. “These kids go through major bullying and come from families that endure a lot of hardships. It is such a joy to see that this program has impacted them in such a positive way and became a safe space for them to learn and have fun,” he elaborated. DRIVE was a positive force for students, especially those that as Kyle said, were not comfortable coming to school. For those students “DRIVE was their motivation and something positive to look forwards to.” Not only did the students benefit from the program, but according to Kyle “the impact was also felt by the parents and teachers. They have expressed their appreciation in the positive change that they have seen in their kids.” At the conclusion of each DRIVE cycle, he rewarded the students by taking them on a field trip to our affiliated golf course, Rancho del Pueblo where TFTSV staff set up a typical TFTSV class for the students to enjoy. Over the seven months of DRIVE, Kyle saw an enormous turnaround with his DRIVE students and thanked TFTSV for the impact it had the children!” Over 100 of his students experienced DRIVE classes and after the field trip, several of the students signed up for our 8-lesson golf course session. The First Tee of Silicon Valley team thanks Kyle, Ms. Paula and Franklin team for their outstanding dedication to their youth. TFTSV and Franklin will continue to partner and bring DRIVE to more participants in 2019/2020!
For more information on our DRIVE program please visit our Youth Outreach page. If you would like your organization or school to consider adding DRIVE, please contact your school’s principal or your program’s site director and have him/her contact  Chris Moreno-Hunt. If you are interested in becoming a coach and giving back like Klye, it is not too late. Please visit our Volunteer page. If you are interested in joining a TFTSV 8-class golf course session like the Franklin students, please visit our Youth Classes page. Registration is open now until August 27th. Our 8-class golf course program is open to all and has affordable scholarships starting as low as $20.

Joyce Taylor Eagle Award 2019 Recipient is Nicholas Ngai

The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and scholarship was presented to Nicholas Ngai at The First Tee of Silicon Valley 2019 Invitational Fundraiser on Sunday, July 21st at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Nicholas was selected based on his good character, academic achievement and life-skill level. In his speech to the Invitational attendees he stressed that his favorite core value was integrity which has shaped the young man he has become.  The purpose of the award is to provide a graduate the financial hope of attending college. It has been made possible by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago. Thank you to all our Invitational supporters that help fund our programs: Altria, PhRMA, AERA, Noteware & Rosa Government Relations, Chevron, Borrego Health, SDGE, Sempra Energy, SAGA Foundation, Intuit, CDA, Niemela – Pappas & Associations, Anheuser Busch and Bill Powar. Nicholas has been a participant of The First Tee of Silicon Valley since 2011 and has completed all 4 projects at the Ace Level.  He is a graduate of Valley Christian High School and will attend UC Berkeley in the Fall to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.  Nicholas was a dedicated Administrative Volunteer, PwC Financial Literacy Attendee, and SAP Career Day Attendee. Joyce Taylor (1957–2010) was a woman known for her intelligence, warmth, and elegance. She graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman, OK, with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. Joyce became a highly successful and respected business woman and community leader with a long career in telecommunications. In 1997, she was promoted to Regional President, Bay Area, and then Senior Vice President, External Affairs-Northern California, AT&T, where she oversaw legislative, governmental and external affairs activities in Northern California. Joyce worked extensively with Bay Area business and community-based organizations. Her support of the Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo junior golf program was instrumental to its growth and success. In 2005, the program became The First Tee of Silicon Valley to develop the character of youth through golf throughout Santa Clara County. Joyce’s support helped to build a solid program that has reached over 66,000 youth from 2005 to 2019.
Past Recipients 2011 — Melissa Vicencio 2012 — Ryan Ramboyong 2013 — Richard Espinoza 2014 — Isabelle Castro 2015 — Thai Hoang 2016 — Graciela Lacy 2017 — Juan Herrera 2018 — Isabel Suizo 2019 — Nicholas Ngai

TFTSV Attends PAL Jr. Giants Awards

On August 3rd, 2019, TFTSV attended the Jr. Giants Award Day, coordinated by Police Activities League of Redwood City. Over 200 students attended the event, bringing together youth enrichment organizations with the Redwood City PAL community and honoring the outstanding achievements of PAL students. PAL invited TFTSV to set up golf games and a registration table for participants and families at the Jr. Giants. The goal was to allow participants an opportunity to try golf and register for the upcoming Fall Session. Each Friday beginning September 6th, PAL will be providing van transportation for students to attend the Fall TFTSV 8-class session at Baylands Golf Links. For some, Friday’s class will be their first ever time on a golf course. For our returning participants this will be their second or third session with TFTSV. If you also are interested in joining our upcoming 8-class session in September, please visit our Youth Classes page. Our 8-class program is open to all and has affordable scholarships starting as low as $20. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer coach and giving back, it is not too late. Please visit our Volunteer page.

New STEM Skills Advancement Class Improves Cesar’s Game

Silicon Valley is a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers and innovators. However, comparatively fewer under-served students pursue expertise in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) because they have not had positive exposure. Due to a high demand for these jobs and shortage of a skilled workforce for these disciplines, TFTSV believes it is important to expand our curriculum to provide opportunities and encourage TFTSV youth engagement in STEM. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum uses golf activities as a way for our participants to explore how STEM connects to and impacts our Nine Golf Fundamentals. STEM classes are set to a problem-solving framework which fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of golf while inspiring STEM careers.
  • Participants experience hands-on activities that foster learning of practical STEM concepts valuable for golf, life, and career choices
  • Classes are taught by specialized instructors in a structured approach for problem solving that follows “IDEA” steps
  • 1:8 teacher to student ratio in ensure the curriculum is delivered with a high level of retention
  • Offered to Par, Birdie and Eagle Class Levels (3rd – 12th grades) during all 4 seasons
Cesar is a 10th grade student at TFTSV. His father Dominic called Coach Matt and said, “I took Cesar to hit some golf balls yesterday evening and he had a very difficult time using his irons to hit the balls on the range. He was very upset and feels that he is not improving. I am on disability from a stroke so we don’t have a lot of money for extra lessons. Is there anything you can do to help him improve his game?” Coach Matt advised Dominic to enroll Cesar in TFTSV Birdie STEM Skills Advancement Class for 8 weeks in the Summer and apply for financial assistance ($20 – $40 for 12 hours of instruction). He explained that he has seen improvement with other students that have taken the class because it has given them a different perspective for improving their golf techniques and on course strategies. After taking the STEM class, Cesar’s father exclaimed, “Cesar’s game has greatly improved, I used to be able to beat him but now he beat me by 10 strokes on 9 holes!”
Here’s what other participants shared with Coach Matt about their STEM experience:  “My favorite part is testing the hypothesis of the day through experiments.”  “The stimpmeter taught me about friction which improved my putting.”  “Learning about the 6 degrees of freedom helped me understand the importance of a balanced swing.”  “Creating and testing the topography map showed me how to read greens and identify careers that use this skill.” 
Registration for the September STEM Skills Advancement Class as well as Golf Play and Golf Practice is open now through August 27.  Contact us if you would like to sponsor or underwrite our STEM Classes.

TFT’s 2019 NorCal Regional Cup

On July 31st, The First Tee of Silicon Valley competed in the 2019 TFT NorCal Regional Cup at Poppy Ridge Golf Course. Joining Silicon Valley were The First Tee of Monterey County, Contra Costa, Tri-Valley, Sacramento, Central Valley, San Francisco, and San Joaquin. Each team brought 6 players to compete and represent their chapter in an aggregate team competition. Representing The First Tee of Silicon Valley were Dylan Chang, Gracie Lacy, Isaac Chang, Mitchell Fong, and Rachana Ajjarapu. “I’m proud of the way you conducted yourselves and how you demonstrated the core values that we all try to exhibit every day.  While the course and conditions were challenging, your perseverance and integrity were on point and I enjoyed sharing the day with you all. I am a strong believer of the “we help make better people” in our chapter.  While golf is fun and important, the real goal is to help equip each of you with the tools to meet the challenges in the path of life.  Your parents who support your golf and are the origin of your personal values deserve a heartfelt thank you from yourselves and from me, so please take a moment to put everything in perspective and thank them for being there for you.” said Jeffy Chang, Ambassador and Volunteer coach.

The Big “D” Memorial Scholarship Recipient is Andres

The Big “D” Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Andres Herrera on July 19, 2019 at the annual Big “D” Memorial Golf Tournament at DeLaveaga Golf Course in Santa Cruz.  The golfers attended to remember Dennis Big “D” Kettmann and their generosity provided the proceeds to underwrite a special scholarship for a The First Tee of Silicon Valley chosen participant. Andres has been a participant of The First Tee of Silicon Valley since 2013 and is currently at the Ace level.  He is attending Santa Teresa High School and will be a Junior in the Fall.  Andres’ excellent life skills made him the top candidate for the award.  This scholarship will provide the financial means for Andres to attend college to study Sports Management. Andres gave a speech to the 120+ people in attendance for dinner at the Big D Memorial Tournament.  He shared how The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s core value Perseverance has helped him overcome challenges in golf and life. He discussed how TFTSV provided opportunities and lessons for him to become more outgoing and confident. TFTSV Ace class helped him plan for college and career. Dennis’s son and co-organizer of the Memorial Tournament, Matt Kettmann, learned the game from Dennis and knows that he must be smiling wherever he is knowing that his memory is now helping young people with The First Tee of Silicon Valley fall in love with golf too.
Recipients 2015 —Clare Brady 2016 —Juan-Pablo Roa and Ralph Kho 2017 —Juan-Pablo Roa and Ralph Kho 2018 —Justin Lam 2019 – Andres Herrera

PGA TOUR Superstore Club Drive Saturday, August 10th

Time for a new set of clubs! Bring your used clubs to the PGA TOUR Superstore in East Palo Alto on Saturday, August 10th from 1pm to 5pm. Collecting used clubs enables The First Tee of Silicon Valley to pursue our mission to impact the lives of under-served youth by providing education programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.  These donations allow us to provide the necessary equipment for those on financial assistance to participate. Bring your used clubs in good condition and less than 10 years old to the PGA TOUR Superstore (1751 East Bayshore Road, East Palo Alto, CA  94303) on Saturday, August 10th from 1pm to 5pm. What We Accept
  • Clubs: full sets, usable drivers/putters/fairway metals, and iron sets (Junior sets preferred)
  • New bags, balls, towels, tees and ball markers
We are not able to collect clothing (hats, shoes, socks, jackets) or equipment (pull/push cards, training aids, travel bags, used bags).  

TFTSV PAL and SAL students attend first class at Baylands Golf Links!

On June 21st, TFTSV in partnership with the Police Activities League and the Sheriffs Activities League held the first of 7 classes for 24 students at Baylands Golf Links. Our partnership started with both programs in October of 2018. With funding and support from the SAGA Foundation’s President, David Bartoshuk, TFTSV began working with PAL and SAL of Redwood City to bring DRIVE to their programs and schools. Our partnership began with DRIVE clinics held at Taft Elementary, Garfield Elementary, Fair Oaks Elementary, Connect Charter School and Hoover Elementary. Students who enjoyed the DRIVE clinics and wanted to continue their golf experience then attended our 8-week sessions at SportsHouse, an enclosed soccer & recreational facility in Redwood City for the Winter and Spring. Beginning this Summer, 24 of those students had van transportation to Baylands Golf Links thanks to the financial backing of The Saga Foundation, and the coordination and assistance from the PAL staff led by Program Director, Anthony Gomez. For most of the 24 participants, this was the first time they had ever been to a golf course. TFTSV Program Manager, Chris Moreno-Hunt, said “We are thrilled to have the students continue their TFTSV classes and experience at a real golf course. The road to this point was a product of a successful collaboration with multiple dedicated youth and community leaders.  We are grateful for the contributions of the PAL staff, SAL staff and Sheriffs, school leaders at our partnering Redwood City Schools, Redwood City Parks and Recs, Baylands Golf Links, and the SAGA Foundation. Together we are able to positively impact students and will continue to provide a unique Life Skills experience through golf.” TFTSV will continue to collaborate with our community partners and schools with the intention of building a sustainable pathway for students to access golf and golf facilities.

TFTSV Participates in the Spring ARUSD Parent University

On Saturday, June 1st The First Tee of Silicon Valley participated in the Alum Rock Union School District’s (ARUSD) Parent University Family Fun Day.  In addition, the San Jose Police Department Summer Kick Off event was combined with the Parent University to bring over 700 people from the Alum Rock community to connect them with city resources and services. TFTSV set up golf games and an information table for students and parents to play and learn more about our program from our bilingual staff. The events at Arbuckle Elementary also included organized family activities, health screenings, and a resource fair. “TFTSV are proud partners with ARUSD and we are grateful for the invitation to present our program to the ARUSD community.” Said TFTSV Program Manager Chris Moreno-Hunt. “We are committed to reaching out to our communities, opening our doors, and making golf more accessible for everyone.”