More than 100 public schools in Georgia will begin to deliver The First Tee National School Program as part of their physical education curriculum this school year. The program expansion, which will include 13 Atlanta Public Schools (APS), is happening in association with Georgia Power, the largest subsidiary of Southern Company.
The announcement was made Wednesday at the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola, where representatives from The First Tee, Southern Company, Georgia Power, APS and Georgia AHPERD (Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) were present.
The First Tee National School Program is an extension of the programs offered by local chapters, including The First Tee of Atlanta and The First Tee of East Lake. The program seamlessly introduces elementary students to golf skills and Nine Core Values within the physical education instructional setting. The program is aligned with and meets national standards developed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).
“We appreciate the investment in our students by exposing them to golf in a way that not only advances their physical education curriculum, but also enhances their character development,” said Atlanta Public Schools Associate Superintendent Steven W. Smith.
The First Tee National School Program’s expansion in Georgia was made possible through a partnership with Georgia Power. Extending their longstanding relationship with the PGA TOUR and golf, Southern Company is The First Tee’s Education Patron.
“Southern Company’s customer-focused business model is guided by SouthernStyle – the company’s value proposition that includes Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance and Total Commitment,” said Southern Company President of External Affairs Christopher C. Womack. “The character education lessons taught through The First Tee National School Program – honesty, judgment, respect and responsibility – are consistent with the principles to which employees of Southern Company and our subsidiaries aspire.”
Over the coming months, P.E. teachers in the 13 selected APS elementary schools (to be determined) will receive The First Tee National School Program curriculum, professional development training and age-appropriate equipment.
“We’re proud to help bring the very successful First Tee National School Program to students in Atlanta Public Schools,” said Metro East Region Manager Mitchell King, Georgia Power. “Georgia Power has a strong history of encouraging new education initiatives across the state and we look forward to continuing to support the work of The First Tee in Atlanta and other communities.”
Earlier this year, First Tee implemented the same program at 34 schools in Savannah, and 39 in Augusta and Waynesboro. Other schools will be identified this fall. Nationwide, there are more 5,800 schools in 800 school districts participating in The First Tee National School Program.
“We are grateful for Southern Company and Georgia Power’s commitment to The First Tee,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee. “Expanding this program allows for a significantly greater number of students to benefit from the introduction to a life-long sport and its inherent values.”
For more information about The First Tee program in Atlanta, visit www.thefirstteeatlanta.org or www.thefirstteeeastlake.org. For more information on The First Tee National School Program, visit www.thefirsttee.org/nsp.
(Photo from l-r: Atlanta Public Schools Associate Superintendent Steven W. Smith, Charles Drew Charter School Students Tai Ross (5th grade); Sarai Dobbs (5th grade); Myles Baker (5th grade); Georgia Power Metro East Region Manager Mitchell King.)
Photo Credit: Sharise Darby
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