The New Jersey Golf Foundation Launches the Rutgers University Student Military Veterans Golf Series Presented by RWJBarnabas Health and Horizon BCBSNJ
Bedminster, N.J., May 23, 2019… The New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJGF), the charitable arm of the New Jersey Section, PGA of America, in conjunction with the Rutgers University Office of Veterans and Military Programs and Services, kicked-off the Student Veterans Golf Series presented by RWJBarnabas Health and Horizon BCBSNJ for the Spring and Summer 2019 Semesters.
Inspired by PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of the NJGF, this innovative program – which debuted as a pilot program during the fall 2018 semester – was created to support student military Veterans as they transition into civilian life.
The program is being offered on Friday’s from 1pm – 3pm at the Rutgers University Golf Course, where student Veterans receive golf instruction (driving, chipping , putting) from PGA Professionals, as well as important networking skills designed to enhance their career prospects after graduation. Led by Lisa Jensen, PGA Head Professional/Manager at Rutgers University Golf Course, and supported by decorated U.S. Army Veteran Jose Sagal, a Rutgers graduate who was recently named a PGAWORKS Fellow, the series help Veterans assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction the game of golf provides.
“Golf has become a therapeutic part of the rehabilitation process for many Veterans, as the game is proven to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being,” said Chris Hunt, Executive Director, NJGF. “Building off PGA HOPE, this new program was created to leverage the game of golf to provide a pathway that positions student Veterans for success as they explore career opportunities.”
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse Universityand Student Veterans of America published a 2017 research the strengths and challenges Student Veterans face as they transition to higher education communities. The research highlights that Student Veterans, on a national average, maintain higher GPAs (3.34 vs. 2.94) than traditional civilian students. Additionally, once Student Veterans start college, they are more likely to persist and graduate at higher rates (53.6% vs. 39.2%) as compared to non-veteran students. However, Student Veterans also face challenges such as lack of existing networks for academic and professional advice, facing the uncertainty of belonging with their college peers, and dealing with day-to-day struggles associated with a variety of physical and mental health-related challenges connected to their military service.
Hunt adds, “The social aspects of the game are immeasurable, and this program provides the camaraderie Veterans experienced while in the military, as well as important networking and career development skills that will help shape their future.”
To complement the weekly golf instructional sessions at Rutgers University Golf Course, the program will include a career fair and golf outing in the Fall of 2019. Here, student Veterans will have an opportunity to compete on the course and network with executives from corporations as they explore career opportunities upon graduation.
About The New Jersey Golf Foundation
Founded in 2004, the NJGF is the charitable arm of the New Jersey PGA Section. With a focus on 3 core pillars (youth, military, special needs), the NJGF is committed to impacting lives and communities through the game of golf. Led by PGA Professionals, the NJGF hosts a dynamic line-up of programming that provides access for individuals from all backgrounds to experience the game of golf. Signature programs include, Golf In Schools, which is run annually at more than 200 schools, impacting more than 110,000 boys and girls (K-8), PGA Junior League featuring more than 80 teams and 1300 kids under the age of 13 throughout New Jersey, and PGA HOPE, the flagship military program that introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.njgolffoundation.org.
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Jared Minski
Mastro Communications, Inc.
jared@mastrocomm.com
(732) 469-5700
