Students from Connections “Tee Up” with First Tee

To mark the end of Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month, students at Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches participated in golf lessons, thanks to a renewed partnership with First Tee and Drive Shack. On Friday, April 30, close to 50 students on the Autism Spectrum at Connections enjoyed learning more about the game of golf at Drive Shack in West Palm Beach.

Connections, a nonprofit, Title 1 charter school in West Palm Beach provides quality programs for students on the Autism Spectrum or who have related disabilities. Connections has partnered with First Tee since the school was established six years ago; however, the adaptive golf lessons were put on hold due to the pandemic.

“We are excited to restart the program with First Tee and Drive Shack,” said Debra Johnson, Executive Director/Principal of Connections. "Our students need to get back out into the community- and thanks to the exceptional facility and staff at Drive Shack and the professionalism and patience from First Tee- this experience for our students is truly rewarding and memorable."

First Tee is an international youth development organization introducing golf and its inherent values to kids and teens. Through after-school and in-school programs, the organization helps shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through golf. First Tee brings their adaptive golf equipment and games. The lessons for the students at Connections are every Friday on the driving range patio.

About Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches:

Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches has a growing, ongoing waitlist for parents eager to join the school's state-of-the-art techniques and warm, family-centered, supportive environment. In addition to its elementary, middle- and high school-aged curriculum-aligned strictly with State Standards and the Florida State Standards Access Points – Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches offers a nurturing, stimulating aftercare program; an exclusive water safety aquatics program, and a vocational, workforce program armed with strong community business partners opening doors to help prepare its young adult students with real-world experiences, for life after graduation.

To learn more about Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches and/or make a donation, please call 561.328.6044 or visit, www.connectedpb.com.