Drive Your Future Academy
More than one in four girls (27%) are dropping out of high school, and these numbers are worse for girls of color. These dropout patterns result in severe economic consequences for girls and their families. Compared to their male peers who drop out of school, girls who do not complete high school experience higher rates of unemployment, earn significantly lower wages, and are more likely to rely on public support programs to provide for their families.
Based on feedback from female teen-age participants across the chapter network, two of the top three ways to increase female participation, retention and progression are to (1) provide more female role models, and (2) develop more all-girls opportunities.
MassMutual Financial Group surveyed 401 executive business women, and 82% reported playing organized sports during their youth.
The First Tee presents John Deere Drive Your Future Academy, which provides a unique opportunity for female participants from across the chapter network to play golf with and learn from successful female role models in a variety of professional fields.
On June 19-22 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA, girls will focus on topics such as goal-setting, college and career readiness, financial responsibility and how golf can play a role in their future success. The long-term benefit of girls participating in sports, such as golf, goes beyond the physical and emotional.
MassMutual Financial Group surveyed 401 executive business women, and 82% reported playing organized sports during their youth. According to the survey results, playing organized sports helped create better business women.
Paula Creamer helping out at a First Tee event.
Similarly, research by the Women’s Sports Foundation suggests that sport participation can have a positive influence on future business success. More specifically, the Women’s Sports Foundation found that “80% of the female executives at Fortune 500 companies identified themselves as former ‘tomboys’ – having played sports.”
As a result of their participation with The First Tee and the game of golf, female participants will be more motivated to succeed in school, and be better prepared for college and careers.
To get your daughters and granddaughters involved with the First Tee, visit their website!