Senator Cortese Secures $2.125 Million for First Tee – Silicon Valley to Invest in Youth Leadership and Development

SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San José) has secured $2.125 million in state funding for First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) as part of the Legislature’s 2026 Budget Bill Jr. package. This investment will support programmatic improvements, strengthening a community facility that provides underserved young people with opportunities to develop essential leadership skills through golf.

“Investing in our young people means investing in the places where they learn and build confidence,” said Senator Cortese. “This $2.125 million investment will strengthen an important community facility in East San José and help ensure that First Tee – Silicon Valley can continue providing educational and developmental opportunities for local youth through sport.”

The budget provides $2.125 million to the 501(c)(3) organization, First Tee – Silicon Valley, for improvements to FTSV programming in Senate District 15. The investment will support continued advancements to the East San José facility and help maintain a space where local youth can access opportunities through First Tee’s diverse and expansive services.

“First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) is deeply grateful for Senator Dave Cortese’s long-time, heartfelt commitment to and support of our youth development programs. Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in East San Jose is essential to our instruction, which includes core values, life skills, work skills, leadership principles, and career planning. This investment will enable us to help more kids and teens with additional class options and improved operations,” said President & CEO George Maxe.

FTSV just recently began Fall 2026 classes, which will provide local youth with opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, teamwork, and other essential life skills that extend well beyond the classroom and into their everyday lives.

Image Description: FTSV Teen Leaders Celebrate 25th Anniversary with Board Chairman Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr.

“First Tee has helped me become both stronger as a student and more confident. These skills have already helped me in scholarship interviews and will continue to be essential as I continue my education in college,” said FTSV student Alonso Jose. 

The investment is part of $6.5 million in funding Senator Cortese secured for Senate District 15 through the 2026 Budget Bill Jr. package. This funding provides resources for local organizations supporting youth, environmental sustainability, immigrant families, and affordable housing in Silicon Valley.

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San José and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website at https://sd15.senate.ca.gov. View all Press Releases at https://sd15.senate.ca.gov/news/press-releases.

Select the Google Translation Feature on the website for translations in Spanish, Vietnamese, and 12 other languages. Seleccione la función de traducción de Google en el sitio web para obtener traducciones al español, vietnamita y otros 12 idiomas. Hãy chọn tính năng Dịch của Google trên trang web để dịch sang tiếng Tây Ban Nha, tiếng Việt và 12 ngôn ngữ khác.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Sunshine Borelli

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Phone: 408-391-8834 | Email: Sunshine.Borelli@sen.ca.gov

For Scheduling Interviews

Natasha Waxman, Executive Assistant 

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Email: natasha.waxman@sen.ca.gov

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