STEAM-education program brings K-12 students to golf courses
LAWRENCE, Kansas — First Green, the innovative STEAM education program from the Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSAA), has reached a landmark milestone: First Green field trips have now taken place in all 50 states.
With the Sept. 8 field trip at City of Alamogordo – Desert Lakes Golf Course in Alamogordo, N.M., First Green has reached students across the country.
GCSAA’s First Green program is the only environmental outreach program that uses the golf course as a living laboratory. It focuses on building a hands-on experience for K-12 students to learn more about wildlife habitat, soil science, environmental sustainability, mathematics, water conservation, water quality, career exploration and more.
Founded in 1997, First Green pairs golf courses with local schools for unique science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) learning opportunities.
“Extending First Green to all 50 states is a testament to the dedication GCSAA members have to their communities,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “First Green field trips not only provide students with the opportunity to get outside and see STEAM principles being applied in a real-world setting, but it also introduces these young people to the career opportunities within the golf industry.”
Each field trip averages 75 students who learn about golf and the environment. For many students, these “outdoor classrooms” represent their first exposure to a golf course. The field trips are of no cost to schools, and GCSAA even offers grants to help fund transportation to the golf courses or any other related expenses.
Since GCSAA took over administration of First Green in 2018, GCSAA members have hosted nearly 30,000 students at their golf courses. In addition to the U.S., First Green events have also been held in Canada, the U.K., Australia and Pakistan.
The field trip at Desert Lakes GC involved 17 high school students from Alamogordo Public Schools and was hosted by eight-year GCSAA member Michael Bradley, superintendent at Desert Lakes.
“It was a privilege to host New Mexico’s inaugural First Green event for the GCSAA,” Bradley said. “The board, membership, and vendors with the Rio Grande GCSAA helped to make the event happen. The help from GCSAA in materials, swag, ideas and appearances for the event were key to this being a success.”
For more information about First Green, visit thefirstgreen.org.