The Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation (CCRYF) welcomed Josh Meurer as the Chi Chi Academy’s new Director on June 5. Josh has been an integral part of the 14 member Academy team for the past ten years and has been recognized by the State of Florida for the past two years as a High Impact Teacher, based upon his students math scores.
“We’re delighted to have a person with Josh’s exceptional education skills. He is committed to creating a positive learning atmosphere for at risk kids” says Fred Whaley who is a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Around the campus Josh is known for his creative and masterful ways of motivating students to improve their academics and life skills ensuring they are better prepared to graduate from high school.
As a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit, the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation operates both the Chi Chi Academy and The First Tee of Clearwater in partnership with the Pinellas County School District and the City of Clearwater.
The Foundation’s 25 year old Academy is a privately supported public school that serves up to 95 4th-8th grade students deemed at risk by guidance counselors in the Pinellas County School District. These students need additional 
assistance to prepare successfully for high school graduation or they may be at risk of dropping out of school. The students go to school within an operating public golf course business on a 170 acre complex located at 3030 North McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater. The complex is used as a living classroom offering students small classes and a hands-on authentic business environment linking their classroom work to the real business world. The golf course itself delivers the lessons about science and wildlife. It’s a creative way of preparing kids to graduate from high school successfully and for the game of life. The First Tee of Clearwater offers a life-skills curriculum through golf for over 2,200 kids in North Pinellas County including summer camps and year round junior golf programs. A big plus for the programs is 25% of the business proceeds from the Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club and the Chi Chi Sports Complex are used to help fund these educational programs. For a campus tour and information call Cary Stiff at 727.726.8829 x 202 or please visit www.chichi.org to learn how you may support and/or volunteer.
For more on this great organization plan to attend there annual golf tournament see details here.
by Laura Tobe
Volunteer and Communications Specialist
Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, Inc.