HOUSTON, TX (December 11, 2021) – Today, First Tee of Greater Houston announced a collaboration with AT&T that will improve the digital access and literacy of Houston youth: the launch of Houston’s first AT&T Connected Learning Center at FM Law Park, located at 8400 Mykawa Road.
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and other community and local officials were present at the ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the first Houston-based AT&T Connected Learning Center.
The inspiration for the AT&T Connected Learning Centers began with the recognition that education is vital to the long-term success of our society, yet many students in underserved communities lack the connectivity, devices and educational resources required to succeed in today’s learning environment.
AT&T Connected Learning Centers help students, parents and families overcome these barriers by providing access to high-speed AT&T Fiber internet and Wi-Fi, new Dell computers, as well as engaging education and digital literacy content from Khan Academy, the Public Library Association and more.
FM Law Park is the home of First Tee – Greater Houston, which is dedicated to impacting the lives of young people in the community by providing learning facilities and recreational opportunities. First Tee provides educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
First Tee is linking young people to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through a program called First Tee STEM Links. The STEM Links program supports “School” by bridging participant learning in science and math classrooms to practical experiences in golf. First Tee STEM Links leads participants through nine STEM experiments.
As part of the AT&T Connected Learning Center program, AT&T is providing a contribution to First Tee – Greater Houston in the amount of $50,000 to purchase computer lab equipment and support staff and volunteers. AT&T employees are also taking an active role in the AT&T Connected Learning Centers, providing mentoring and tutoring for students and families.
About First Tee of Greater Houston:
Founded in 2004, First Tee – Greater Houston is affiliated with the national program that began in 1997. Last year, out of 150 chapters in the network, our local chapter served 353,428 youth, leading the nation in the total number of young people reached. First Tee’s missionis to impact the lives of young people in the Greater Houston area by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. First Tee is reaching young people in all 50 states and select international locations on golf courses, in elementary schools and through other youth-serving organizations. First Tee is reaching young people in all 50 states and select international locations on golf courses, in elementary schools and through other youth-serving organizations.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. AT&T Connected Learning is a multi-year commitment to narrow the homework gap, so today’s learners are connected with skills, resources, and opportunities for success in school and in life. Since 2008, we’ve committed $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
When Sara-Grace Chan started The First Tee of Greater Houston in eighth grade, it wasn’t for love of the game.
“My mom knew a lot of business deals take place on the golf course and she wanted to make sure I knew how to play,” said Sara-Grace. “At first I was a shy player and didn’t have much confidence on the course.”
Now a Birdie level player at Quail Valley, Sara-Grace still doesn’t love playing golf – but she does love teaching it. About a year into The First Tee, she began mentoring the younger students and started a teenage volunteer team. Recently, she became qualified to coach.
“I really enjoy teaching kids at the Player level because that’s when they are learning their individuality,” she said. “I’m personally not athletic, so I can relate when they get frustrated and encourage them to practice.”
Sara-Grace credits The First Tee with helping her develop confidence, patience and perseverance – all of which are helpful as the high school senior nears graduation. She knows that whatever path she pursues will include mentoring others.
“Volunteering is a big part of my life and Quail Valley is like my second home,” Sara-Grace said. “I love getting kids involved in golf and even if they don’t enjoy playing, I can still help them find meaning in it.” 
When Tremayne Days learned about The First Tee two years ago, he knew he wanted his daughter Abigail to become involved. At the time she was too young to join the program, so he marked his calendar to sign her up as soon as she was eligible.
“I just thought to myself, what a unique opportunity,” said Tremayne. “I grew up in the inner city in Florida and had always thought of golf as an elite sport. When I saw it wasn’t just about golf but also the nine core values, that sealed it for me.”
An energetic 9-year-old, Abigail plays at the Par level at the FM Law golf course. Tremayne has enjoyed seeing her learn the sport and watching her display sportsmanship. It’s been such a good experience that Abigail’s sister, Helena, has also joined The First Tee.
“I like that they have female instructors and that this isn’t seen as just a boys’ sport or just a girls’ sport,” Tremayne said. “Their best friend across the street plays too, so it’s a social thing for them as well.”
It’s also given this proud dad quality time with his daughters. Tremayne and Abigail recently played golf together at FM Law Park Glow Golf event.
“It’s a very special opportunity for my girls to play golf and learn the core values. It’s a great value,” he said. 
Caliph Banks is a friendly, outgoing 15-year old who enjoys talking to everyone. Having been home schooled since seventh grade, he hadn’t been actively involved in organized sports.
His mother, Constance, was searching a home schooling website when she learned about The First Tee. Not only was the facility just 10 minutes from home, she liked that the program uses golf to teach life skills.
“I thought, let’s give it a try. I felt like it could reinforce what we teach Caliph at home. It was also a good way for him to meet other kids his age,” she said.
After starting the program in 2015, Caliph now plays at the Advanced Par level. As his game has progressed, so has his maturity and sense of responsibility.
“It’s been fun and it helps me with honesty because that is one of the program’s core values,” said Caliph.
His mother sees a positive change in him as well.
“I see him being more responsible and taking more initiative with things that concern him,” Constance said. “I would tell other parents, if you want your children to learn the game of golf and how to be courteous, kind and responsible, then sign up for The First Tee.” 
Josiah Ausbie, is an energetic 11 year-old. When he showed an interest in learning to play golf, his mom Mattie and stepdad Robert signed him up with The First Tee.
While Josiah struggled with the game at first, he soon began to get the hang of it. He is now in his third year and plays at the Birdie Level. While Robert has seen Josiah’s golf game improve, he realizes the impact goes far beyond golf skills.
“Josiah has always been a good kid, but I notice he’s courteous with his teammates and he really participates and asks a lot of questions,” said Robert. “Between golf and school, he stays busy and isn’t roaming around on the streets. That’s a good thing.”