First Tee College Scholarship Program

A comprehensive scholarship and mentorship program for First Tee alumni pursuing higher education.

Geographic Scope: National (United States)

Focus Areas:

• Providing financial support to college-bound First Tee alumni
• Mentorship and guidance through higher education
• Professional development opportunities
• Summer internship and employment placement assistance

Eligibility:

• First Tee alumni/recent high school graduates
• Must complete competitive national application and interview process
• Considered based on:
  • Academic performance
  • Financial need
  • Chapter involvement
  • Community service
  • Other criteria

Program Features:

• Financial support for tuition/college costs
• Pairing with trained adult mentor for up to 4 years of college
• Pre-college retreat at First Tee Headquarters (July)
• Annual professional development conference (winter)
• Assistance with summer internship and employment placement after graduation

Key Statistics (as of June 2025):

• 121 current or former members
• 21 college graduates
• 2024 class: 24 scholars selected from 150 applicants
• 2025 class: 27 scholars from 22 unique First Tee chapters
• Average SAT score: 1450 (2025 class)
• Average tenure in First Tee: ~10 years
• First class graduated spring 2024

Additional Support:

• A $5 million campaign (launched 2024) to support an additional 100 First Tee Scholars
• Chevron provides $100,000 annually for First Tee scholarships
• Multiple corporate sponsors and donors support the program

Contact:

• First Tee – Green Valley Ranch
• Colorado Open Golf Foundation
• 20309 East 48th Place, Denver, CO 80249
• Tel: 303-486-8800
• Email: [email protected]

Application Process

Timeline:

• Applications open in early 2025
• Selection typically announced in June

Steps:

1. Complete online application form
2. Submit application materials
3. Selected finalists participate in one-on-one interviews
4. Committee reviews and selects scholars

Application Evaluation Criteria:

• Academic performance (GPA, standardized test scores)
• Financial need
• Chapter involvement
• Community service
• Additional criteria as determined by selection committee

Selection Process:

• Competitive national pool of First Tee teens
• Online application process
• Interview component for finalists

Acceptance:

• Selected Scholars attend pre-college retreat at First Tee Headquarters in July
• Mentor matching occurs before college starts
• Ongoing support throughout college years