First Tee - Silicon Valley

First Tee – Silicon Valley offers golf games that are used to deliver both golf and life skill curriculum. Volunteer coaches assist in these golf games as part of the program’s structured sessions for youth.

• Ages: 7–18 years old
• Schedule: Sessions for grades 2 to 12 meet once per week for 1.5 hours over an 8-class session or season that runs 8–10 weeks, with Spring (March–May), Summer (June–August), Fall (September–November), and Winter (December–February) options

First Tee – Silicon Valley states that it develops youth through golf and enables kids and teens to build strength of character for new challenges. The program integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum and offers active learning experiences that focus on inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. It also states that it makes programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

Volunteer coaches assist in delivering the life and golf skill curriculum through golf games, and no golf experience is necessary for volunteers. Volunteers commit 2.5 hours a day, once a week, for an 8-lesson season and choose from several session options by season, location, day of the week, and time. Volunteers are asked to help at least 2 of the 4 seasons and at least 6 of the 8 sessions each season, and they attend a 2.5-hour golf and life skill mentor training prior to each season. Additional junior volunteer requirements are that they must be or have been a First Tee – Silicon Valley participant, must be at least 14 years old and in 9th grade or higher, and may only teach Grades 2–4 and Grades 5–6 sessions. Volunteers must complete background checks, Safesport Training, and, for adults, Mandated Reporter Training, and they review and sign handbook, waiver, and policies documents.

Testimonials from volunteers describe their experiences with the program. Tracy notes that while it is good to see golf skills improve, it is even more rewarding to see participants learn and apply life skills in daily life. Mark explains that he started coaching to help kids learn golf and found it especially meaningful to see their life skill growth. Tarika shares that coaching allows her to meet and interact with many new people. Catherine says that volunteering has helped her hone leadership, patience, and collaboration and makes her feel like she is making a positive impact in her community. Amanda describes volunteering with First Tee as amazing, says it feels like a huge family, and notes that she developed relationships with coaches, volunteers, and participants.

Last updated March 19, 2026.