Purpose

First Tee Innovators Forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Selected participants have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, First Tee Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities. 

Key Commitments

 Collaborating with Others
 Pursuing Goals

Learning Objectives

  • Effectively communicate the intention of their community service project
  • Implement problem-solving techniques in both academic and professional scenarios
  • Seek out and leverage feedback from peers and mentors

2026 Event Information

Date: November 15-19, 2026
Location: Amelia Island, FL

Selection Process and Application

Application Release: May 13, 2026
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
Participant Announcement: September 9, 2026
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 32

Eligibility

  • Each Chapter may nominate up to two participants
    • Chapters with 100+ active participants ages 14-18 recorded in Salesforce as of December 31, 2025 may nominate up to four participants 
  • Participants must be between 14 and 18 years old (applicants must reach 14th birthday by the first day of the event date and not have reached their 19th birthday by the event’s conclusion) 
  • Classified as an eighth grader, high school freshman, sophomore, or junior as of spring semester 2026 (high school seniors at the time of the application deadline are not eligible to apply) 
  • Entered in Salesforce and has been an active participant for a minimum of two years 
  • Participants who previously attended the First Tee Innovators Forum are not eligible to apply 
  • If selected, the participant must be able to travel to Amelia Island, FL on November 15 – 19, 2026

Participant Stipends

Tier-Based Stipends – Stipends will be determined on the actual cost for selected participants’ airfare to travel to National Participant Opportunities. The maximum allotted stipend will be noted in event applications and participants will receive up to that amount. Stipend amounts will be communicated out to Chapters prior to each event, with stipends being paid to Chapters via ACH 3 to 4 weeks after the event. Participants who drive to events will not receive a mileage stipend. Those within 150 miles of the event location will be required to drive and are not eligible for a stipend.

Headquarters Contact

Event & Application Lead

Phillip Wemyss
Coordinator, Events
(904) 787-7507
[email protected]