We are helping teens take an active role in building their future
Ace guides teens to game plan what’s next with experiences that help them stand out on a resume or application, and helps them stand prepared for whatever path they choose next.
Through a series of four hands-on projects, participants are guided to explore who they are and what paths could be possible, create goals and an action plan, and build real-world assets to kickstart their next step. Ace participants begin with many questions and uncertainties and leave with confidence, greater perspective and vision for their next step.
In this program, participants will:
- Integrate their knowledge & skills into planning for their future
- Invest in their community
- Explore who they are and where they want to go next
- Investigate future paths (education & career)
- Craft their goals & create a game-plan
- Build kickstart assets for their next step
Eligibility
To be considered as qualified for Ace, it is required that participants:
- At least 14 years old or entering high school;
- Minimum of 3 years in the First Tee Program (do not need to be consecutive)
- Minimum attendance at 2 sessions per year; and
- Are assessed ready by chapter personnel
Ace Project Overview
Ace participants must successfully complete four projects over a minimum of 1-2 years in order to achieve the Ace designation.
Project 1 | Enjoy Golf for Life
The goal of this project is to challenge Ace participants to improve their golf game based on their Personal Par and future golf goals, whether they see golf as a social game or a competitive opportunity.
Project 2 | Give Back To The Community
The goal of this project is to support Ace participants to serve and give back to First Tee and their greater community.
Project 3 | Plan For Life & Career Possibilities
The goal of this project is to support Ace participants in the exploration of their interests, identification of strengths and personality type, and the creation of tools that will assist them as they look ahead to the future and possible career paths.
Project 4 | Explore Educational Opportunities
The goal of this project is to support Ace participants as they explore options and opportunities related to college and other vocational and educational preparation beyond high school that can help them achieve their career and life goals
Participant Recognition & Rewards
Ace is the highest achievement at First Tee. Ace participants will receive local recognition, as well as various rewards from First Tee headquarters and chapter. Benefits of reaching the highest level of completion at First Tee include:
- Achieving the top level of First Tee program (less than 1% of First Tee participants in the network achieve Ace)
- Discovering a deeper understanding of self and creating game plans for the future in regards to golf, volunteerism, career, and education.
- Recognized at a national level for accomplishment
- Featured in network publications, social media and website
Getting Started
Learn how to get involved in the Ace program by contacting the Program Director – Ben Walker ([email protected])
Previous Ace Participants
Libby Chamberlin (2020)
Abigail Laake (2020)
Owen Mockabee (2022)
Gabby Greene (2023)
Grace Kehoe, First Tee – Greater Charlotte
“My favorite component of the Ace program involved the in-depth reflection on how I was able to apply the life skills I had learned throughout First Tee programming. Gauging the effectiveness of my interpersonal skills, self-management skills, and goal-setting skills, was the most eye-opening and challenging of the Ace Program components. It gave me the opportunity to assess my strengths and weaknesses. As I completed my projects, I was able to evaluate how I could improve and ultimately become a better version of myself in the future.”
Matthew Lewallen, First Tee – Greater Dallas
“I am immensely grateful for the Ace program for improving my golf game and, more importantly, enriching my life with enduring friendships that continue to be a source of joy, support, and personal growth. The experience of positively impacting our communities through the skills and values instilled by the First Tee program was eye-opening. It made us appreciate the depth of our commitment and the significance of giving back.”
Michelle Xie, First Tee – Silicon Valley
“Taking the time during the Ace program to not only define my specific goals, but also define the steps to achieve those goals made everything feel so much more attainable and under my control. Since First Tee, I have graduated from Harvard, where I also played on their women’s golf team. I’m currently a software engineer, and in a full-circle moment, I use most of the same structure I learned in Ace to create and define my goals at work, which I review with my manager every other quarter. ”