First Green is an innovative STEM education program from GCSAA
Lawrence, Kan. – Washington Golf (WA Golf) has donated $13,000 to the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), to support First Green, which provides hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education at golf courses.
Prior to GCSAA assuming leadership of First Green in 2018, the WA Golf had been a long-time supporter of the program, which had its origins in the Pacific Northwest, and this is their third large donation to First Green in recent years. Founded in 1997, First Green is the only STEM education and environmental outreach program that uses golf courses as learning labs. Each field trip averages 75 students who learn about golf and the environment. For most students, these “outdoor classrooms” represent their first exposure to a golf course.
“First Green has done so much to introduce the game of golf in a fun and educational manner for kids in the Northwest, and we are proud to continue our support as it makes an impact nationwide, WA Golf’s Executive Director Troy Andrew said.
With this donation, WA Golf joins the Foundation’s Platinum Tee Club, which recognizes organizations that donate $5,000 or more. They also move up to the Governor’s Club level of the Foundation’s Cumulative Giving Program for donors who have contributed $50,000 – $99,999 since 1987.
“Through the support of friends like WA Golf, First Green is able to introduce students to golf, the profession and show the important role golf courses play in communities,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “We thank WA Golf for their generous gift.”
For more information about GCSAA’s First Green, visit www.thefirstgreen.org.
About GCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org
