News Summary
First Tee – Tallahassee has received $300,000 in state funding to enhance youth development programs throughout the Big Bend region. This investment, facilitated by local legislators and approved by the Governor, focuses on improving outreach and services, particularly for children with special needs. The funding aims to teach valuable life skills through golf, serving hundreds of young people each year and expanding access to inclusive programs.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – First Tee – Tallahassee has secured $300,000 in state funding to enhance its youth development programs throughout the Big Bend region. This significant investment was facilitated by Representative Allison Tant and Senator Corey Simon and received approval from Governor Ron DeSantis.
The funding aims to expand the organization’s outreach and improve its services, particularly for children with special needs. First Tee – Tallahassee’s initiatives are focused on using the game of golf as a vehicle to teach valuable life skills such as confidence, leadership, and resilience to children from various backgrounds.
Chuck Urban, the President of First Tee – Tallahassee, expressed appreciation for the support from Tant, Simon, and DeSantis, acknowledging their commitment to youth programs within the community. The organization has already made strides since its inception in 2022, successfully serving hundreds of young people each year in Leon and surrounding counties.
Overview of Funding and Target Programs
The new funding will specifically bolster programs tailored for children with special needs at locations such as Independence Landing and AcadeMe. Urban emphasized that the resources will enable First Tee to reach an even broader audience, ensuring that all children can benefit from its life-changing initiatives.
Achievements and Community Impact
Since its launch, First Tee – Tallahassee has made notable accomplishments, including:
- Training over 55 physical education teachers in Leon County in the First Tee School Program
- Implementing the First Tee curriculum in 14 local schools
- Establishing an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program to encourage female participation in the sport
- Initiating the Girls Golf Locker clothing donation initiative which supports young female golfers
- Launching the Watson Links Mentorship Program to connect youth with adult mentors
- Organizing the Tallahassee Urban Cup Mentorship Tournament to promote community involvement
Significance of this Funding in Youth Development
This funding is seen as a vital asset to the ongoing efforts to make golf accessible for children facing unique challenges. The programs aim to provide lifelong tools that can help these children thrive both on and off the golf course. The involvement of local leaders like Tant and Simon showcases a continued commitment to supporting youth mentorship and disability rights.
Community Reaction and Future Outlook
The investment by the state has already received positive feedback from local leaders and community members who have recognized the measurable impact of First Tee’s programs. As the organization moves forward with this funding, it aims to enhance its overall impact and effectiveness in the community, ensuring that the programs remain inclusive and accessible for all children, regardless of ability or adversity.
First Tee – Tallahassee’s mission aligns with its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders through golf, aiming to provide enriching experiences that transcend the sport itself. The expansion of programs into more schools and communities is expected to further this mission in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: First Tee Tallahassee Receives $300,000 in State Funding
- Google Search: First Tee Tallahassee funding
- Florida Politics: First Tee Tallahassee Celebrates $300,000 in State Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Development
- Tallahassee Democrat: Big Bend Legislative Delegation Delivers $109M in State Budget Wins
- Google News: Tallahassee First Tee community programs
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
