Application Deadline: March 19, 2025

Overview: 

First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is a five-day learning and empowerment academy. Participants selected to attend will participate in important conversations embracing topics of self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. First Tee invites its partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice, to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches. 

The experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position our teens to be Game Changers in their current and future communities. The academy is the ultimate tribute to Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a fearless champion of change.

Participant Selection: 

Up to 72 Participants 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• 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 two years 
• Participants who attended the Game Changers Academy previously are not eligible to apply
• Each chapter may nominate up to three participants 
  • Chapters with 100+ active participants ages 14-18 recorded in Salesforce as of 12/31/24 may nominate up to five participants  
• If selected, the participant must be able to travel to Minneapolis, MN 7/8-7/12, 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
• Letter of Recommendation
• Headshot
• Chapter Participation Survey (to be completed by a chapter representative and uploaded by the participant)
• Participant Bio Form
• 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.

Below is a copy of the application you will need to complete online; please refer to the application below to make sure that you have all of the information you need to complete your application online. 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 March 19, 2025.

Selection Process: 
Following the closing date of March 19, 2025, a selection committee will review the applications and identify up to 72 participants that will be invited to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy.  These participants will be notified on May 13, 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 University of Minnesota. 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 $500 to assist with the cost of airfare. Participants who live within 150 miles of Minneapolis, MN 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.