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STEM partnership is launched

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KEITH KENT

KEITH KENT

BIGGA and the GCSAA are collaborating to have BIGGA exclusively present GCSAA’s First Green STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education programme in the UK.

Founded in 1997, First Green is the only STEM education and environmental outreach programme using golf courses as learning labs.

The First Green curriculum helps students apply their classroom knowledge in an outdoor setting. Using STEM concepts connected to golf course management and conservation, students find new inspiration in their schoolwork and learn about the possibility of a career in golf or a STEM-related field. Since its inception, First Green has reached students in the United States and Canada through learning labs that bring the classroom to life on the golf course. First Green also gives students a first-hand look at the important role greenkeepers play in their communities.

As part of the multi-year agreement, GCSAA will provide branding, training, insight and curriculum advice to assist BIGGA with establishing First Green in the UK. The two associations will share best practices and updates to ensure students will be part of programmes offering the best possible experience and learning.

This initiative was announced as part of BTME in a joint event attended by representatives of GCSAA and BIGGA.

“First Green is a brilliant tool with all the assets, lesson plans and resources that any golf course needs to host an event. We’re thankful to the GCSAA for the incredible work they have done to develop the programme and also for enabling us to bring it to the UK, where I am confident it will be a huge success,” said Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO.

Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO, explained that STEM education opened the door to a wide variety of career paths.

“While our number one goal for First Green is to support the education growth of students, we also contribute to golf’s sustainability. Over the years we have collaborated on many initiatives with BIGGA. This enables our two associations to seamlessly bring the GCSAA’s First Green programme to the UK.” n thefirstgreen.org

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