News from TTA

GCSAA’s First Green program reaches over 10,000 students; Opens eyes and minds to the wonders of golf course management

Over 10,000 students have participated in the STEM and environmental science focused First Green field trips throughout the United States and Canada. These field trips offer a great opportunity to introduce youngsters to a world many had no idea existed. First Green is a program of the Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSAA) that brings students out of the classroom to a local golf course for a fun, handson field trip to explore the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that golf course superintendents use every day to care for their golf courses.

HOW IT WORKS

Working with GCSAA, host superintendents organize a field trip with a local elementary, middle or high school. The field trips include three to four STEM focused learning stations, plus a putting station. Each station lasts approximately 20 minutes and students rotate through each station. There is no charge for the field trips to the schools, students or golf facilities. GCSAA has microgrants available to assist with transporting students or to cover the cost of supplies or lunch.

The learning stations are available to view on the First Green website, thefirstgreen.org, the website also has many resources such as checklists, sample agendas and tips for reaching out to schools. First Green field trips are truly a community outreach program. Local university extension programs, Audubon Clubs and other neighborhood groups often help lead stations and share their expertise with the students.

10,000 students have been introduced to the world of golf course management – we’d love for more of these to be in Tennessee! Please reach out to Leann Cooper, Senior Manager, First Green and Workforce Development at lcooper@gcsaa.org to learn more about the program.