Johnson & Johnson Supports Values-Based Educational Programs Through Sponsorship of The First Tee

May 9, 2012

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.–- The First Tee, a nonprofit youth development organization that helps young people develop character and learn life skills through golf, plans to greatly expand the capacity of its programs and deepen its impact on young people through a new Johnson & Johnson sponsorship.  The sponsorship helps accelerate The First Tee’s stated goal of reaching 10 million more young people by 2017, and continues a long-standing commitment to children by Johnson & Johnson. The company plans to become the inaugural Legacy Partner of The First Tee.

The announcement was made today at THE PLAYERS Championship by Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive of The First Tee,  Tim Finchem, commissioner of the PGA TOUR and chair of The First Tee Board of Directors, and Michael Sneed, vice president, Global Corporate Affairs, Johnson & Johnson.

“At this time, one in four public high school students do not graduate on time in the United States,” said Barrow.  “The First Tee is providing young people the opportunity to learn life skills and build character to help them be successful in school and in life. We are appreciative that Johnson & Johnson chose to sponsor The First Tee as we carry out our ambitious efforts to reach 10 million additional young people over the coming years.”

“Johnson & Johnson and The First Tee share a common commitment to developing lifelong values in today’s youth,” said Sneed. “The First Tee is already positively impacting the lives of millions of young people through its efforts in communities and schools across the country and in select international locations.  Our goal with this contribution is to help significantly expand its reach and impact.”

In July 2011, The First Tee launched The First Tee Campaign for 10 Million Young People, an effort to reach 10 million additional young people between 2011 and 2017. With the Johnson & Johnson sponsorship, The First Tee home office will administer a matching grant program for chapters, providing $1 for every $2 raised by The First Tee chapters up to $10 million through 2015.  The First Tee will also continue to grow the National School Program, which seamlessly introduces golf and core values to elementary students during physical education classes.

The First Tee reaches young people on more than 700 golf courses, at more than 4,700 elementary schools in 650 school districts and 120 military installations.

For more information about The First Tee and The First Tee Campaign for 10 Million Young People, visit www.thefirsttee.org.