Glenville High School, located in the heart of the East-Side of Cleveland, serves a community facing real economic challenges. The surrounding neighborhood, Glenville neighborhood, exhibits a median household income around $26,400. Over half of its children live below the poverty line, and many households fall at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
At Glenville High School itself, nearly the entire student body is minority (99%), with test scores and graduation rates in recent years reflecting the obstacles faced by many families in this community.
In 2024, Drive Fore The Future recognized both the challenge and the opportunity, donating more than $20,000 worth of golf resources to support Glenville High School’s golf program. This investment was more than equipment, it was a vote of confidence in the students, giving them access to a sport that is too often out of reach for youth in under-resourced communities.
Building on that support, 2025 saw renewed commitment. Drive Fore The Future returned to supply two additional sets of clubs (to welcome newcomers), fresh golf balls, polos, quarter-zips, and four new pairs of golf shoes, generously donated by an anonymous professional player who wanted to contribute. The foundation also offered etiquette training from a local pro, in hopes for students to gain not only the technical tools but also the knowledge and confidence often associated with golf culture.
For many Glenville students, this support makes the difference between being sidelined and stepping onto the green. The donations mean access to quality gear, proper footwear, and the chance to learn the traditions and etiquette of golf - all of which help level the playing field with peers from more affluent districts.
Such contributions speak to more than just athletic equipment. They offer dignity, opportunity, and a sense that these young athletes matter. They reinforce the idea that despite economic disadvantage, students at Glenville deserve the same chance to learn, grow, and compete in golf.
As Glenville High School’s golf team heads into its next season, they do so better equipped and more empowered, thanks to Drive Fore The Future’s ongoing commitment. Students now carry clubs, shoes, and more importantly, confidence. And for a community where over half of children live below the poverty line, that can make all the difference.
