Application Deadline: July 16, 2025

Overview: 
First Tee Innovators Forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Selected participants have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, First Tee Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities. 

Community Service Project Expectations & Timeline:

During the First Tee Innovators Forum, teens will design a service project to implement in their local communities. Selected participants will be required to complete preparatory work before the in-person event in October, where they will further develop their projects. Following the Forum, participants will join two virtual check-ins—in January and March—to share progress and receive guidance. A final project report will be due approximately six months after the event.

Participant Selection: 
Up to 32 participants 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Participants must be between 14 and 18 years old (applicants must reach their 14th birthday by the first day of the event date and not have reached their 19th birthday by the conclusion of the event)
• Classified as an 8th grader, high school freshman, sophomore, or junior as of spring semester 2025 (high school seniors at the time of the application deadline are not eligible to apply.)
• Entered in Salesforce and has been an active participant for a minimum of two years
• Participants who previously attended the First Tee Innovators Forum are not eligible to apply
• Each chapter may nominate up to two participants 

** Chapters with 100+ active participants ages 14-18 recorded in Salesforce as of 12/31/24 may nominate up to four participants **

• If selected, the participant must be able to travel to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 10/2-10/5, 2025

Application Process: 
Applications will be submitted online at https://firsttee.smapply.org; please follow the instructions in the “Quick Start Guide” on how to complete this process. Please contact your chapter representative if you have difficulty with the application process. The online application will consist of the following: 

• Application Code
• Participant General Information
• School & Community Activities Chart
• Three (3) Short Answer Essays
• Chapter Participation Survey (to be completed by a chapter representative and uploaded by the participant)
• Participant Bio Form
• Letter of Recommendation
• Headshot
• Social Media, Code of Conduct and Model Release Form
• Release of Liability Form 

Policy on the Use of AI in Event Applications:
To maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of the application process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as text generators or automated writing assistance, is strictly prohibited when completing event applications. Applicants are expected to submit original responses that reflect their own thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. Submissions found to include AI-generated content may be disqualified. We value authenticity and encourage all applicants to share their unique voice and genuine enthusiasm in their applications.

Online application must be submitted by the First Tee participant. Applications submitted by a parent, guardian or Chapter Representative will be automatically disqualified. First Tee will not accept paper applications, emails, or correspondence from families of participants. The deadline to apply online is July 16, 2025.

Selection Process: 
Following the closing date of July 16^th, a selection committee made up of First Tee headquarter and chapter staff will review the above items and identify up to 32 candidates that will be invited to the Innovators Forum by assigning point values to the categories.  Participants will be notified on forum selections by September 10, 2025.

Travel & Stipend Information: 
All ground transportation, lodging and meals will be provided for the duration of the program. All participants will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Mayo Clinic. Participants will be sharing a room with one other participant and will be assigned to gender specific floors.  First Tee alumni will serve as chaperones and will monitor participants, perform bed checks each night, enforce the curfew, etc.

First Tee will provide each participant who will be flying a stipend of up to $600 to assist with the cost of airfare. Participants who live within 150 miles of Jacksonville area will be required to drive to the event and will not be eligible for a transportation stipend. Stipends will be sent directly to the Chapters following the conclusion of the event. 

Questions: 
Phillip Wemyss
Coordinator, Events
phillipwemyss@firsttee.org