At First Tee — Greater Akron, we help kids and teens discover what’s inside them, guide them to strengthen it and mentor them to put it into action in everything they do.

“At the age of 10, I had no idea how influential the First Tee program would be in my life. What started out as a fun opportunity to learn the game of golf became a platform to develop valuable skills that have shaped my personal growth and interaction with all individuals. The lessons I learned on and off the course continue to guide me through both the triumphs and challenges of life. I could not have asked for a better group of mentors to model the way in the pursuit of integrity and perseverance.”

– Julia Davenport, First Tee – Greater Akron alumna

By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

Your donation to First Tee — Greater Akron allows us to continue creating experiences that empower kids and teens. Our work at First Tee is not about improving your golf score… it’s about strengthening what you bring to everything you do, including golf.

Kids become a better version of themselves when they have the space to be who they are, surrounded by passionate people who guide them to see what they are capable of. In Summit County we build these opportunities and experiences through 6 program locations (Mud Run, BigShots Golf Firestone, Brookledge, Raintree, Lake Anna YMCA and Riverfront YMCA), 62 school program partners (30 of which are APS) and community partnerships (Akron Community Centers, Tiretown Golf Club, Akron Urban League and many more).

As an organization, we reached over 18,000 kids/teens in 2023!

Want to make a difference in the lives of young people?

Lend your support to First Tee – Greater Akron:

  • $1,500 – sponsor 20 kids in our program
  • $750 – sponsor 10 kids in our program
  • $450 – sponsor one kid for a year of programming
  • $150 – sponsor two kids in our program
  • $75 – sponsor one kid in our program
  • General – please select a contribution amount that suits your financial abilities

First Tee - Greater Akron BBB Business Review