A summer golf tournament in Grants Pass is being organized with a larger goal in mind: expanding access to free early childhood education for local families.
Grants Pass School District 7 announced plans to grow its Early Learning program to a second location, supported in part by a new community fundraiser designed to bring residents, businesses, and educators together on the golf course. The district’s inaugural “Tee Up for Early Learning” Golf Scramble will take place Friday, June 5, at Dutcher Creek Golf Course, with proceeds dedicated to opening an additional early learning site scheduled for the 2027–28 school year.
Established in 2023, the district’s Early Learning program operates entirely through donations and grants, filling a gap left by the absence of traditional state funding for preschool education. The program currently provides inclusive preschool services, family playgroups, parent workshops, and kindergarten readiness classes for preschool-aged children living within district boundaries, all offered free of charge.
District officials say early results demonstrate measurable academic benefits. Students who participated in the program have scored higher on mid-year kindergarten reading assessments compared with peers who did not attend early learning classes, reinforcing the district’s push to expand availability.
“Three years in, we’re seeing proof that when we invest in children early, we change their academic trajectory,” said Early Learning Coordinator Annie Blanchard. “Early learning builds confidence and a strong foundation for success.”
The upcoming golf scramble represents the district’s first large-scale public fundraiser dedicated specifically to early learning expansion. Organized as a four-person scramble format, the event invites community members of all skill levels to participate while directly contributing to local education initiatives.
Registration costs $500 per team and includes golf carts, food, and beverages during the tournament. Organizers have set May 25, 2026, as the registration deadline, while local businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to secure participation by April 1 to guarantee event signage and recognition.
Funds raised during the tournament will help support development of a second early learning campus, including construction of an ADA-accessible playground expected to begin later this year. District leaders say the new site will expand enrollment capacity and allow more families access to structured early education before children enter kindergarten.
Every contribution made through the golf scramble carries added significance due to a $100,000 matching gift from the JTMF Foundation. The matching grant effectively doubles community donations, accelerating fundraising efforts tied to the expansion project.
“Expanding our early learning program means expanding opportunity,” Blanchard added. “This event is about giving more children the strong start they deserve.”
Across Oregon and nationwide, early childhood education programs have increasingly relied on partnerships between school districts and local communities to sustain services not fully covered by public education funding. Grants Pass School District 7’s approach reflects that model, combining educational programming with community-driven fundraising efforts.
By centering the expansion effort around a golf scramble, district organizers hope to create an accessible, family-friendly event that encourages civic participation while strengthening long-term educational outcomes for local students.
As planning moves forward, district officials emphasize that the success of the second early learning site will depend largely on continued community involvement. The June tournament serves as both a fundraiser and a public demonstration of local investment in early education, signaling a shared commitment to preparing young learners for academic success before they ever step into a kindergarten classroom.
Registration and sponsorship information for the “Tee Up for Early Learning” Golf Scramble is available through the Redwood Foundation for Education website.