First Green is an innovative STEAM education program from GCSAA

Lawrence, Kan. (April 28, 2026) – Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation has again provided $10,000 grant to the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), to help fund First Green, which turns golf courses into classrooms via hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) field trips.

Founded in the Pacific Northwest in 1997 prior to GCSAA assuming leadership in 2018, First Green is the only STEAM education and environmental outreach program that uses golf courses as living laboratories. 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. From 2018 through 2025, members have hosted 429 field trips with 24,832 students reached in 47 states.

“There are few organizations that we support that positively devote their energy to growing the game of golf through education like the GCSAA Foundation and its First Green program. The residual effects of this program are immeasurable, and these young adults will forever hold golf a little closer to their hearts,” said Doug Myslinski, Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation director.

With this gift, Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation continues to be recognized as a member of the Foundation’s Platinum Tee Club. It is also now recognized in Governor’s Club level for organizations contributing between $50,000-$99,999 since 1987 in the Cumulative Giving Program.

“GCSAA is grateful for another generous donation from Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation supporting the First Green program,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Thanks to Wadsworth Golf Charities, even more students will learn about the golf course management profession and benefit from the hands-on experiences provided through First Green.”