Under-Privileged Program: Pro’s In Schools
The Gateway PGA Foundation currently plays an active role in inter-city schools.
Alton Middle School is a school that the Gateway PGA Foundation is honored to be part of. This school features a diverse collection of students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Nearly half of the students are on a food program at the school. The Gateway PGA Foundation and their professionals are driven to provide the game of golf as an outlet for these individuals. A follow-up program has been instituted to bus interested youth to a nearby facility. This opportunity allows for a further understanding of the game of golf. Next session to begin February 7th 2012 and run on Tuesday's and Wednesday's through February 29th from 9 - 11:15 am.
Innovative Concepts Academy is another school that the Gateway PGA Foundation is working in partnership with. This school is the first of its kind in the country. This academy takes kids who have either been expelled from Missouri Public Schools or are in a rocky part of their lives. The goal of the Innovative Concept Academy is to give these young individuals an opportunity where society has closed the door. Because of Missouri Law, students who have been expelled from the public school system are not allowed to re-enter. Innovative Concept Academy and MERS Goodwill have stepped in to do something about these troubled youth. The school contains a police hub inside of the school as well as other preventative security measures for the protection of the teachers and students. The school offers an extensive food program as well as other activities that typically evade these young individuals. The Gateway PGA Foundation looks to their PGA Professionals as true mentors to these under-privileged and troubled youth. By introducing golf, we are able to give opportunity and hope to kids that need it so desperately.
Growth of the Game - Pro’s In Schools
The Gateway PGA Foundation is determined to grow the game of golf. Through a partnership with the Parkway School District, the Gateway PGA Foundation is able to introduce golf to young individuals in grades K-5. New to 2012 the Gateway PGA Foundation will expand its after school proram to the Fulton School at St. Albans. This initiative is exciting as we have seen newly introduced youth transition into excited junior golfers.
CURRENT PROGRAMS
PIERREMONT - The Gateway PGA Foundation will be kicking off the spring after school program at Pierremont Elementary starting Tuesdays in April. This program will run for four weeks beginning April 3rd and finishing up on April 24th from 2:35 pm to 3:35 pm. The program is run for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. We will have registration open to work this program in February 2012. Gateway PGA Members will be paid according to the amount of sign-ups that we receive. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Thank you for helping in our efforts to grow the game of golf.
BELLERIVE - The Gateway PGA will also be running a spring program at Bellerive Elementary on Wednesdays in April. This program will run from April 4th through April 25th from 7:50am to 8:50am. This program is open to students from kindergarten through the fifth grade. Registration to work this program will be available in February 2012.
FULTON SCHOOL - The Gateway PGA will be iniating its first after school progam with the Fulton School at St Albans in the Spring. The four week program will run on March 8th, 15th and April 5th, and 12th from 3:30 to 4:30. The program will be available for students from Kindergarten to 6th grade. The Gateway PGA is very excited to be expanding its program to new schools.
Who is the Gateway PGA?
The Gateway PGA is one of the 41 sections of the Professional Golfers Association of America. These men and women are the professionals who serve the game of golf in Central/Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.
What are they offering?
The Gateway PGA Foundation is offering the opportunity for students of all ages to get exposed to the game of golf. Gateway PGA Professionals will teach the basics of the golf swing while encouraging your junior to embrace this life-long sport.
Who can attend?
Students of all ages. Programs are tailored to meet the level and age of the students.
What are the typical dates and length of the program?
Programs are tailored to be 2 -5 weeks in length. The programs are conducted in the Winter, Spring, and Fall
What time?
The times can be flexible to meet the desires of the school
What Schools are currently involved?
The Gateway PGA Foundation currently administers this program to the Parkway School District and the Fulton School at St. Albans.
Who should I contact if my school is interested in this program?
Joshua Riley, PGA
Executive Director Gateway PGA
PH: 636-532-3355
