Application Deadline: April 16, 2025

Overview: 
In partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, First Tee has developed two national participant opportunities that build on the 5-week Leadership Series conducted at local PGA TOUR Superstore locations. 

*Please note that the application for both the Leadership Academy and Leadership Summit is combined. By submitting this application, participants will be considered for both national opportunities, with the possibility of being selected to attend one of them. If you have attended one of the opportunities listed below, then you will only be considered for the opportunity you have yet to attend.

• First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore (Atlanta, GA)
  Event Dates: June 16 – 21, 2025

Overview: The academy provides selected teens insight on how successful teams perform. The curriculum explores leadership concepts focusing on (1) building a successful team by recognizing values and identifying strengths/weaknesses, (2) leading a team by developing authentic relationships and empowering others, (3) supporting the team by developing awareness and acting with humility, and (4) assessing based on comprehending and identifying the teams need and supporting through innovation and advocacy. The academy provides an opportunity for teens to explore team dynamics that enhance their future performance as they collaborate with peers and adult mentors. Activity-based workshops are facilitated by leaders from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore, and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

• First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore (Emigrant, MT) 
  Event Dates: August 4-8 (Week 1); August 11-15 (Week 2)
  
  Overview: The summit is designed for teens to explore leadership concepts including (1) building authentic relationships by developing awareness, (2) growing through challenge via positive risk taking, and (3) developing positive self-identity through dynamic outdoor and teambuilding activities. Set in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana, each teen is challenged to build on their current strengths and values in an intimate setting which provides community building, inspiration and connection with their peers, adult mentors, and the outdoors. Activity-based workshops are facilitated by leaders from PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, West Creek Ranch, and First Tee headquarters.

Participant Selection: 

• Leadership Academy in Atlanta, GA: Up to 48 participants will be chosen to attend based on the process outlined in the following pages.
• Leadership Summit in Emigrant, MT: 40 participants will be chosen to attend based on the process outlined in the following pages.
  **Requests to switch from the Leadership Academy to the Leadership Summit will NOT be considered.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Participants must be from a First Tee chapter that is in a PGA TOUR Superstore market
• Participants must have completed the 5-week First Tee Leadership Series in their local chapter/store market.
• Participants must be between 14 and 18 years old (applicants must reach their 14^th birthday by the first day of the event date and not have reached their 19^th birthday by the conclusion of the event).
• Classified as a high school freshman, sophomore, junior or senior as of spring semester 2025
• Entered in Salesforce and has been an active participant for a minimum of one year
• Participants can only attend each national opportunity once.
• Participants cannot attend the Leadership Academy in Atlanta, GA and the Leadership Summit in Emigrant, MT in the same year.  
• If applying, participants must be able to travel to Atlanta, GA from June 16-21 or to Emigrant, MT from August 4-8 and August 11-15 (selected participants for the Leadership Summit will only attend one week of programming)

Application Process: 
By submitting this application, participants will be considered for both national opportunities, with the possibility of being selected to attend ONE of them. 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)
• Letter of Recommendation
• Headshot
• Participant Bio Form
• Supplemental Information Form for West Creek Ranch
• Social Media, Code of Conduct and Model Release Form
• Liability Form

Applications 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 April 16, 2025.

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.

Selection Process: 
Following the application closing date of April 16, 2025, a selection committee made up of First Tee chapter network staff, coaches, and select staff members at both First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters will review the applications. Participants for both national opportunities will be notified by May 7, 2025.

Travel and Stipend Information: 

First Tee Leadership Academy in Atlanta, GA
All ground transportation, lodging and meals will be provided for the duration of the program. All participants will be staying at Georgia Tech. Participants will be sharing a room with one other participant and will be assigned to gender specific floors.

• First Tee will provide each participant who will be flying a stipend of up to $700 to assist with the cost of airfare. Participants who live within 150 miles of Atlanta, GA will be required to drive to the event and will not be eligible for a transportation stipend. 

First Tee Leadership Summit in Emigrant, MT
All ground transportation, lodging and meals will be provided for the duration of the program. All participants will be staying onsite at West Creek Ranch in their own rooms and will be assigned to gender specific cabins. 

• First Tee will provide each participant who will be flying a stipend of up to $1,000 to assist with the cost of airfare. Participants who live within 150 miles of Emigrant, MT 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.

Alumni Chaperones:
First Tee alumni will serve as chaperones and will monitor participants, perform bed checks each night, enforce the curfew, etc.

Questions: 
For questions regarding the First Tee Leadership Academy or Leadership Summit, please contact Nicolette Scalf. 

Nicolette Scalf
Senior Manager, Events
nicolettescalf@firsttee.org