Expansion Over The Years
The first home for Chi Chi's Kids was near downtown Clearwater at the par three Glen Oaks Golf Course . From these roots, the Foundation combined formal education and learning about the real world of business on a golf course. In 1989, the Foundation built the Chi
Chi Rodriguez Golf Club on Clearwater city property with privately generated funds.
1979
Afternoon School Program begins with 17 at-risk students with help from area teachers and volunteers. Their golf and academic program takes place at local golf courses.
1984
The par 3 Glen Oaks Course is leased from the City of Clearwater for $1.00 per year. The course provides the first permanent campus allowing expansion of the Afternoon School Program to 60 Chi Chi Kids, ages 5-15.
 1987
Construction begins on the Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club, in north Clearwater. The new campus will provide expansion capabilities and increase the effectiveness of the Afternoon School Program.
1990
Performance Toyota Golf Program is started and provides golf instruction, a golf facility, and golf equipment to Kids from other local service organizations, some of whom are mentally or physically challenged.
1992
The James Lodge is opened. Located at the Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club, the Lodge provides a warm, homey atmosphere and additional expansion for the Afternoon School Program. The Kids now have a full sized kitchen, computer lab, library, counseling room, photo lab and game room.
1993
The Modesta Robbins Partnership School opens at the Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club. The first privately supported public school, it offers a full academic curriculum for 36 at-risk fifth grade students. Presented with authentic learning opportunities within the golf club business, students flourish into confident, capable, lifelong learners.
1994
The first class of 36 fifth graders of the Modesta Robbins Partnership School graduates. The class, which began the year with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 1.91 ends the year with a GPA of 2.51. Students use reading, writing and math skills to plan and implement a successful golf tournament for adults as part of their "Final Exam."
1995
With a $2.3 million operating budget, the Foundation now serves over 450 children ages 5-17 in its four programs. We thank you for supporting our efforts to touch the lives of thousands of Kids over the past 16 years.
2007
Many thanks to Executive Board members Frank Chivas and Fred Whaley for providing the leadership as we commenced phase I of our expansion plans. New landscaping, four portable classrooms, and additional space in the Bob James Education Center (aka James Lodge) was created. These new spaces have allowed our newly christened Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy to double the number of school students served and double the number of participants in our after-school program. We also expect to grow our First Tee program with larger summer camps and offer a variety of junior golf learning opportunities. We look forward to serving more young people who want to complete their Bright Futures Scholarship hours and other civic hour needs through our Community Service program.
Construction has begun on the ¼ acre area behind the pro shop. The area will serve as a student training center with a target green, sand bunker and practice mats with a variety of short game shots. This area has been named the Progress Energy Practice and Learning Area and is set to open for the students the first of November.
2008
The Public School added an 8th grade class, making our school available for 100 children who are at risk for dropping out of school in the future. Students can now attend the Academy from 4th grade to 8th grade. This allows five years for the students to get back on track with their grade levels and re enter their regularly zoned High School.
The program impacted over 1,000 students and participants this year alone with the efforts of The First Tee of Clearwater's summer camp and outreach programs.
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