Birmingham, Ala. (June 5, 2013) – The First Tee, in partnership with Alabama Power, is proud to announce that elementary school students in all 30 Birmingham City Schools will soon have access to The First Tee National School Program as part of physical education instruction. 

The schools will implement The First Tee National School Program in the 2013-2014 school year, thanks to Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, through an extension of the company’s longstanding relationship with the PGA TOUR. Southern Company is The First Tee’s Education Patron.

“Birmingham City Schools is so pleased to be partnering with The First Tee and Alabama Power for the benefit of students at these 30 elementary schools,” said Craig Witherspoon, Birmingham City Schools’ superintendent.  “We have a strong and long-standing partnership with Alabama Power, particularly in the area of character development . The First Tee program not only provides us an opportunity to build on the work we’ve started, it provides a unique learning opportunity in a sport that many of our children are not traditionally exposed to.”

P.E. teachers in these elementary schools will receive professional development training over the coming months to deliver The First Tee National School Program within their current physical education program. The noted program provides character education and health lessons along with basic golf instruction.

The character education lessons taught through The First Tee National School Program – honesty, judgment, respect, and responsibility – are consistent with the principles that guide the employees of Alabama Power and its parent, Southern Company. Alabama Power’s and Southern Company’s customer-focused business model is guided by SouthernStyle – the company’s value proposition that includes Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance and Total Commitment.

Nationwide, there are more than 2.6 million students at 5,300 schools in 800 school districts participating in The First Tee National School Program, which helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity. 

Alabama Power has long supported education initiatives leading to a better-trained, highly motivated workforce, which helps ensure a sound economic future for Alabama.

“We are proud to be associated with The First Tee organization and to help bring this very successful program to Birmingham-area students,” said John Hudson, vice president of public relations and charitable giving for Alabama Power Foundation. 

For more information about The First Tee National School Program, please visit www.thefirsttee.org/nsp. 

About The First Tee 
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools, at other youth-serving locations and on military installations.    

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 7.6 million young people in all 50 United States and four international locations. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation and its Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.

Media Contact: 
Jane Fader
The First Tee
904-940-4330
jfader@thefirsttee.org