Mike Hoffman, retired chairman and CEO of the Toro Company, and Tami Hoffman, donated $1 million via its Michael J. and Tamara Rae Hoffman Family Charitable Gift Fund to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s (GCSAA) First Green program, the hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education program.
This story was originally published by Golf Inc. magazine.
The Mike and Tami Hoffman “STEAM Ahead” Initiative will fund the addition of arts to First Green, which will elevate it from a STEM curriculum to a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum. The arts curriculum also includes aspects such as graphic design and architecture.
Founded in 1997, the GCSAA First Green program is the only education and environmental outreach program using golf courses as learning labs. Since its inception, GCSAA First Green has reached over 11,000 students in the United States and Canada through learning labs that bring the classroom to life on the golf course. The program also gives students a first-hand look at the important role superintendents play in their communities.
Within the last two years, the program has expanded to the U.K. and Australia.
“Tami and I are pleased to be able to amplify the message of GCSAA’s First Green,” said Mike Hoffman. “It is such an innovative program that not only introduces the many benefits that golf courses provide to their communities and the knowledge and skill needed to manage them, but it also shows students that the golf industry is a viable career path with many opportunities.”
In addition to adding creative arts stations to the GCSAA’s First Green field trip lineup, the Mike and Tami Hoffman STEAM Ahead Initiative will also enhance First Green by expanding First Green Liaisons (GCSAA members who serve as mentors and promote the program) to power more field trips.
The enhancements will be rolled out later in 2024.
“GCSAA is deeply appreciative of the Hoffmans’ generous gift,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Throughout his career at Toro, Mike made an indelible mark on the golf industry, and he’s continuing that legacy and making a difference in the lives of the thousands of students who participate in GCSAA’s First Green field trips every year.”