CDW supports chapters, coaches and technology advancements
PONTE VEDRA, Florida and LINCOLNSHIRE, Illinois – First Tee, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, has welcomed CDW as its newest Trustee.
As a global leader in technology products and services for business, government, and education, CDW’s investment will support essential technology enhancements to meet the evolving needs of the coaches, kids and families that First Tee serves.
“CDW is proud to stand behind First Tee as a Trustee,” said Anand Rao, chief marketing and digital officer for CDW. “Part of our support will help the organization to modernize its technology.
“This aligns very well with CDW’s aspiration to achieve equity by closing the digital divide that persists in traditionally underserved communities. In our connected world, CDW believes every person should be able to experience the unlimited possibilities that technology unlocks.”
First Tee has embarked on a multi-year re-investment to modernize and enhance the organization, including curriculum, brand and technology evolutions. As a Trustee, CDW will support virtual coach trainings to ensure nationally trained coaches are empowered to deliver First Tee’s enhanced character-building curriculum at chapters across the country.
In addition to the trainings, CDW will make a significant impact on a local level through chapter grants in select markets. These grants will be utilized to support technology advancements and upgrades, including devices, connectivity and security.
“CDW is helping us break the barrier of connectivity between chapter leaders, coaches, and families,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “The impact of their support will be long lasting as we continue to evolve and reinvest in our character building programs to ensure we reach kids and families in new and innovative ways.”
The Trustee designation comes following a week of inspirational and empowering golf activities hosted by CDW for First Tee – Greater Detroit participants during the Rocket Mortgage Classic. The week kicked off recently with an unveiling of a new Trackman golf simulator at Durfee Innovation Society, a program location for the chapter, followed by a junior clinic on Tuesday featuring PGA TOUR player Gary Woodland among other notable golf personalities.
“Creating positive, long-term community impact is only possible when we work together,” said Todd Krieger, Interim Chief Executive Officer, First Tee-Greater Detroit “We’re thankful for partners like CDW who are helping us create fun and safe spaces for our kids to build their confidence and further explore their interest in golf and the opportunities it can provide.”
Launching in 1997, First Tee is celebrating 25 years of enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.
By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.
To learn more about First Tee, please visit https://firsttee.org/.
