Member Programs

The EARL WOODS NATIONAL YOUTH GOLF ACADEMY is composed of several youth organizations and programs. At Kansas State University, each group participates in the summer session of the golf academy which introduces the game of golf to the youth involved.

Upward Bound First Tee Academy: Upward Bound came to Kansas State University in 1973. One of it key organizers was the current Executive Director of the Earl Woods National Youth Golf Academy, Mr. Veryl Switzer. This program focuses on serving 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders enrolled in Junction City, Manhattan, Riley County, Westmoreland, and Wamego High Schools. Upward Bound students benefit from the wide variety of opportunities extended such as living on the K-State campus for six weeks in the summer, being tutored by KSU students, visiting vocational schools, attending career workshops and many other developmental activities. Upward Bound students gain leadership development, establish career goals, and a better understanding of themselves while enhancing academic performance and obtaining a high school diploma.

Upward Bound Math and Science First Tee Academy: Upward Bound Math and Science is a relatively new program to Kansas State University. UBMS came to K-State in 1996 created to serve high school students from economically and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. It seeks to prepare students for the successful completion of secondary and post-secondary degrees that lead to careers in the fields of math or science. During the academic year, UBMS provides intensive tutoring, educational field trips, and the prestigious Presidential Classroom. In addition, the summer programs are also very intensive and full of opportunities for UBMS students to continue to develop academically.

Gear-Up I and Gear-Up II First Tee Academy: Gear-Up I and II are also relatively new additions to the Educational and Personal Development Unit of Kansas State University. These are federally funded programs designed to encourage middle school and high school students to pursue a post-secondary education at a 4-year university or college or a 2-year community college. Both programs provide tutoring services, academic advising and workshops, mentoring, college campus visits, career exploration and a host of other important services. The Gear-Up I program is geared towards students who started 7th grade in the year 1999-2000 while Gear-Up II is geared towards 6th graders who started their academic year in 2000. Both programs serve middle school students in Junction City, Kansas.

YMCA Scholars First Tee Academy: The YMCA Scholars will participate for the first time in the First Tee Academy in the summer of 2001. This program focuses on integrating the YMCA's mission and initiatives into the central themes of Educational and Personal Development by serving low income or under-represented youth from the greater Kansas City area. The program will allow YMCA participants to participate in a 2-week summer residency with daily instruction, recreational opportunities, and social/cultural programming as well as daily instruction in technology, the Earl Woods National Youth Golf Academy, and one academic field trip. Participants will also be mentored by select college students and an Adjunct Coordinator to help build mentoring relationships between participants and community/business leaders, area college/technical school faculty, and other interested citizens.