First Tee – Greater Detroit is uniquely poised to help improve the lives of young people with support of our local partners and its national organization, First Tee.
Founded nationally in 1997, First Tee’s mission is “to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.” More than 150 First Tee chapters have since formed across the nation, engaging 17,000 volunteers to mentor and develop 9 million children. Each chapter is it’s own locally-funded 501c3 non-profit, and the local Board volunteers their service to govern the chapter and financially support its programs.
Through programming delivered at golf courses, elementary schools, and local youth centers, First Tee teaches participants valuable life skills including problem-solving, time management, teamwork, self-control, conflict resolution and improving relationships within family and community.
It’s about more than golf – and we have the research and results to back it up. Independent research on the impact of local chapters found the following after three years in the program. For these reasons and others, First Tee has found its retention rate is significantly higher than other youth sports organizations:
First Tee Has a Lasting Impact
- 84% of teens and 85% of alumni report that First Tee helped them be a better student.
- 84% of teens and 87% of alumni report that their relationships with coaches were meaningful and grew over time.
- 92% of alumni say they engaged in community service as a First Tee participant and 72% say they still do so today.
- A study performed by researchers at the University of Minnesota showed that First Tee improves developmental outcomes among participants.
2023 Impact Report
Please view our 2023 Impact Report HERE
For more information on First Tee — Greater Detroit programs, please contact [email protected] or call 313-820-3362.
In 2020, First Tee – Greater Detroit became an affiliate of The Children’s Foundation, a leader in improving the health and wellness of children and families in Michigan and beyond. One of the primary focus areas of The Children’s Foundation is youth development, perfectly aligning with First Tee’s mission to build strength of character that empowers youth through a lifetime.
As an affiliate of The Children’s Foundation, First Tee – Greater Detroit is provided with essential support and expertise that allows for expanded programmatic services and development of new tools and methods to fulfill both organizations’ missions to impact more youth.
