Join us on the course to creating access and opportunity. Help drive change with SHSGA.

At the Solomon Hughes Sr. Golf Academy (SHSGA), we are dedicated to creating communities of increased access, representation, and opportunity, our tool of choice for driving change, golf.

Founded to honor the legacy of Solomon Hughes Sr., a Black golfing pioneer whose journey was marked by exclusion yet defined by dignity, SHSGA is committed to opening doors for future generations of golfers and their communities.

WHY: THE GAME OF GOLF

Golf has long been a game shaped by precision, patience, strategy, and integrity. But it has also been a game marked by exclusion, particularly for Black youth and communities of color. The high cost of play, limited access to instruction and courses, and the absence of diverse role models, all contribute to a lack of representation in the sport.

Valuable lessons learned:

  • Provides life skills: mindfulness, emotional control, confidence, healthy risk-taking, and decision-making.

  • Reinforces core values such as diligence, resilience, and integrity.

  • Opens doors to global educational, professional, and entrepreneurial networks, including fields like business leadership, finance, tech, and hospitality.

We believe every young person, regardless of family origin or income, deserves the chance to engage in this life-shaping game and the expansive world it connects to.

Our programs are built to do just that: Nurture future generations of confident, thoughtful leaders both on and off the course.

Access to golf remains out of reach for many young people due to systemic barriers, with costs for coaching, equipment, and course time often totaling thousands each season.

Participation in structured athletic programs significantly boosts social-emotional development, building self-esteem, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation. According to the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, physically active youth demonstrate improved cognitive performance, better classroom behavior, and are 15% more likely to attend college. Regular physical activity is also linked to improved mental well-being, including lower rates of sadness and self-harm among students who exercise consistently.

SHSGA delivers free, holistic programming that reimagines access to the game. Offering resources, representation, and relationships to help youth grow on and off the course. Through intentional mentorship, hands-on instruction, and culturally grounded experiences, we empower young people to see themselves in the game, and in the possibilities it holds for their futures and their communities.

SHSGA maximizes impact and reach through two distinct program opportunities.

Fellowship student spotlight

Robin

“SHSGA exposes us to things that might not have been a possibility if we were on our own. We’ve met people I never thought I would have met in my life. It is about making those connections and keeping them. Keeping them in your heart and in your mind knowing they will support you, that is everything. SHSGA’s introductions and exposure will last our whole life”

Fellowship student spotlight

Elijah

2023 St Paul Conference Golf Champion 

“The Fellowship Team feels like a home away from home almost. It's like a big family. It helps us get out of our comfort zones and puts us in situations we’re not always in during everyday life. It has grown my confidence and my ability to build relationships and talk to people I wouldn’t usually talk to.I don’t know if a couple of years ago I would even wanted to play golf. Now that I am here I am enjoying it I want to be out of the course everyday. SHSGA has created this mood that you should be open and able to try new things in life.” 




Fellowship Parent Testimonials

“This program is shaping my daughter in many ways through Golf.  She is now caddying and learning so much about future possibilities for College.  Not to mention learning from the leaders and other players.”

“This is his second year and we are truly blessed to be part of this program. He takes what he's learned and applies in his daily life. Thank you.”

“She is growing in so many ways through this program especially being in her second year.  As a parent it is so rewarding to see that and also see the diversity within the program…we could not be happier with this program. Everyone works so hard and puts individual attention to the players.  Thank you!”

“I feel that the program has helped my child develop himself as an athlete and make him feel more confident in himself.”

FELLOWSHIP STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: LEADERS OF TOMORROW  

Emma Yu, an active junior at her school, is a dedicated leader and founder of AAPI Youth Voices, a nonprofit amplifying youth voices and celebrating cultural diversity. Her leadership earned her the honor of speaking at the Capitol on API Day alongside Governor Tim Walz.

 An author of two books, she was honored with the 2024 Rising Star Award by the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans for her remarkable contributions and impact as a young leader under 25. 

Emma continues to inspire her peers and community by championing the power of youth to drive meaningful change.

 COMMUNITY PROGRAMS SPOTLIGHT

Conway Center Simulator & Kidz Time

During the school years of '22-'24, SHSGA conducted weekly learning sessions at the Sanneh Foundation’s Conway Center as part of their after-school Kidz Time program. 

These 120-minute sessions were an excellent opportunity to introduce a large number of youth to the game. Initially, students used SNAG equipment to learn the fundamentals in the gymnasium but as the year progressed, we transitioned to the SHSGA x TSF golf simulator.

Summer Camp Sessions

SHSGA holds bi weekly learning sessions at the Highland Golf Course in St. Paul as part of their free Summer Camps program in collaboration with First Tee, the Sanneh Foundation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

These 60-minute sessions are an excellent opportunity for Fellowship students to take on leadership roles as instructors but also an amazing opportunity for large groups (20-30 per session/hour) to have exposure and instruction around golf fundamentals in a progressive and welcoming learning environment.

2024 Program Cost

PROGRAM                                       COST STUDENT COST

Fellowship Programs

  • Play Costs         $4,800 $0

  • Gear Costs                                          $8,000 $0

  • Meals Costs                                        $4,800 $0

  • Staffing Costs                                    $32,000 $0

  • Equipment Costs                             $11,200 $0

  • Wellness Programming                   $11,200 $0

  • Stipend                                              $14,000

Community Programs

  • Equipment                                        $5,000

  • Staffing                                               $24,000

  • Large-Scale Community Events $10,000

TOTALS                                                     $125,000 $0

2026 Into The Future Use of Proceeds

  • Community Programs - $50,000

    Year round Conway programming, Simulator build, community event expansion. expanded school partnerships.

  • Fellowship Team - $100,000

    Team growth to 20 students.

  • Year-round Fellowship expansion - $50,000

    Weekly after school study sessions, year-round team activities, competitive play, team retreat.

  • Mentorship Program expansion - $10,000

    Program growth to 20 participants, weekly sessions and additional programming opportunities.

  • Org. Development/Independent 501(c)3 status - $35,000

    Completion of 501(c)3 status, fundraising development, employee compensation packages.

Our partners

SHSGA provides all programs to students at no cost.

This is thanks, in part, to strategic partnerships with local teaching professionals, brands, and organizations whose gifts of time, treasure, and talent lower our costs by half. 

These partnerships ensure that all students have access to year-round practice amenities, top tier coaching and community connection. 

We need your support.

We are raising an ambitious goal of $250,000 to sustain the natural growth of the Solomon Hughes Sr. Golf Academy through the end of 2026. These funds will directly support our Fellowship and Community Programs. Helping us provide free, high-quality golf instruction, mentorship, leadership training, and expanded opportunities for youth across our region. Your support will allow us to meet increasing demand, deepen our impact, and ensure that SHSGA remains a vital and accessible resource for young people and their families.

The Drive To $250k

How Can You Help?

Treasure
 Your financial contribution directly fuels our mission. Every gift, big or small, helps us provide transformative experiences for our youth.

Time
 Support us by hosting information sessions, organizing member events, volunteering at fundraisers, or helping spread the word online. Your time is powerful.

Talent
 Got skills in fundraising, communications, or campaign strategy? We’d love your expertise to help elevate and expand our reach.

Join us in Driving Change

For any questions & partnerships

Email:

info@shsga.org

greg.jameel@shsga.org