First Tee Sponsored Scholarship Opportunities
Deacon Palmer
Named after Arnold Palmer’s father Deacon, this annual $2,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years based on academic performance, is given to a maximum of two graduating high school seniors each year. Applicants must have been active participants for at least TWO years. Nominees must have at least a 2.5/4.0 GPA and have demonstrated exceptional merit, citizenship, academic achievement, as well as service and commitment to the mission of First Tee – Pittsburgh. Applications are released on March 1, 2024 and must be submitted by May 6, 2024. Awardees are announced in late May each year and recognized at the annual Tee It Forward dinner in September.
Morty Gurrentz
This annual $5,000 scholarship, funded by Joan and Rodger Gurrentz, is renewable for up to four years based on academic performance, and will be given to one graduating high school senior each year. Applicants must have been active participants for at least TWO years. Nominees must have at least a 3.0/4.0 GPA and have demonstrated exceptional merit, citizenship, academic achievement, as well as service and commitment to the mission of First Tee – Pittsburgh. Applications are released on March 1, 2024, and must be submitted by May 6, 2024. Awardees are announced in early June each year and recognized at the annual Tee It Forward dinner in September.
Strauch Internship
Commemorating Paul Strauch, pronounced “Strow,” this paid internship is for participants ages 16 and older, who embody the “character, precision, compassion and honesty” demanded by the game of golf. Interns can earn up to $2,000 working throughout the summer at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course, assisting the staff for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Interested applicants must submit an essay by May 1, 2024, outlining how they feel they can contribute to the chapter as an intern, in addition to having a valid work permit and transportation to and from the facility.
Bob Ford Leadership Award
Created by the former Oakmont Country Club Head Professional, this annual one-time $5,000 scholarship is given to a graduating high school senior who best exemplifies the leadership qualities Bob Ford demonstrated throughout his career. Applicants must have been active participants for at least THREE years as of March 1, 2024. Participants submit an essay by Monday, August 19, 2024, outlining the impact First Tee – Pittsburgh has had on their life, which is reviewed by the scholarship committee. Finalists for the award MUST BE available to interview with Mr. Ford in person in late August at a date and time to be determined by mutual agreement.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
Frank B. Fuhrer Jr. Junior Golf Scholarship
The Tri-State PGA Reach, the 501(c)3 Charitable Organization of the Tri-State PGA, invites graduating high school seniors to apply for the Frank B Fuhrer Jr Golf Scholarship. This scholarship, named in honor of long-time Western Pennsylvania businessman and golf supporter Frank B Fuhrer Jr, will award a one-time $5,000.00 scholarship to one male and one female who exemplify strong leadership, work ethic, sportsmanship and an interest in the game of golf.
Girls Golf (LPGA & USGA)
We are proud to announce that we have $135,000 in scholarship money available for eligible high school seniors. This makes it the largest amount available in LPGA Foundation history, thanks to amazing partners like the Chevron Corporation. The LPGA Foundation administers several scholarship programs for young women who enjoy the game of golf and plan to attend college in the fall. Qualifications for all scholarships include strong academic programs, community service and recommendations. The LPGA Foundation’s structure also allows for the establishment of endowed scholarships in honor or in memory of individuals who made a significant difference in the world of golf.
Carl A. Bongiovanni Scholarship
Carl A. Bongiovanni was a lifelong resident of Allegheny County, and continuously involved with his community in a number of capacities. He was the owner and president of Bon Tool Company, located in Gibsonia, PA, from 1994 until his sudden passing on January 26, 2017. The scholarship was made possible by the outpouring of love and donations at the time of his passing and by an annual fund-raising golf outing.
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide students with funding for continuing their education in the building / construction trades at a post-secondary institution. The scholarship is worth $2,000 / year, sent directly to the educational institution, for as long as the student is enrolled in the program (maximum of 3 years). The scholarship will be awarded during the finalist’s institution’s award ceremony or some other relevant event/function. Scholarships have been awarded to 18 recipients since its inception.
Gals on and off the Green Scholarship
The GALS (Growing, Achieving, Learning, Succeeding) Scholarship is for females only, and was established in 2013 by Jackie Sorrenti, the founder of Gals on the Green, and a former Board Member with the First Tee of Pittsburgh. The scholarship is for up to $2,500 annually and can be renewed. Applications are available online.
West Penn Golf Association Scholarship
Founded in 1941, this is open to participants who have worked at a WPGA member club for at least two years. The program typically has 10-12 students receiving aid and is renewable for up to four years if students maintain a cumulative 2.8 GPA or above. Applications from eligible high school seniors must be submitted to the WPGA by late November, and final interviews are done in April.
Western Golf Association & Evans Scholars Foundation
The Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship is a one-year full tuition and housing scholarship, renewable for four years, but only available to caddies. The Evans Scholars Program provides academic, professional, and social resources that help students maintain a cumulative 3.3 GPA and a 98 percent graduation rate. During the 2023-24 academic year, there are a record 1,130 Evans Scholars currently enrolled at 24 universities, and over 12,040 young men and women have graduated since 1930. Applications are available online beginning August 1 each year, and must be completed by October 31, when the review process will begin. All decisions are finalized by April 1. Complete details are available on their website at www.wgaesf.org. Contact Coach Martin King-Smith ([email protected]) for more information.
NOTE – Victoria Slawinski caddied at Oakmont Country Club and became the first participant from First Tee – Pittsburgh to earn an Evans Scholarship in January 2019. She graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in December 2023.