Seattle chapter returns for fourth summer
Glenview, Ill. – The Western Golf Association’s (WGA) Caddie Academy – Seattle chapter is returning for its fourth summer, with 14 female high school students from the state of Washington selected to take part in the unique summer work program that begins on June 16.
Caddie Academy provides work opportunities to promising high school students from underserved communities who ultimately hope to pursue the Evans Scholarship – a full tuition and housing grant to college.
Chosen participants will work daily at Broadmoor Golf Club, Overlake Golf & Country Club and Seattle Golf Club – while living together for seven weeks at the University of Washington Evans Scholarship House in Seattle. During the summer, they also have a chance to attend social and leadership events, health and wellness activities and college prep opportunities.
Participants of the Caddie Academy are selected during their freshman year of high school, based on outstanding academics, leadership and character. After successfully completing three summers on the golf course, they will become eligible to apply for the Evans Scholarship their senior year.
In February, five graduates of the Cadde Academy – Seattle chapter were awarded the Evans Scholarship; they are the first class to earn the college scholarship since the Seattle caddie program launched in 2021. The names of the five winners can be found below.
In 2024, the Caddie Academy has grown to include more than 150 participants across five regions nationwide. In addition to Seattle, there are chapters in Chicago, Illinois, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Columbus, Ohio; State College, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled to see the inaugural class of the Caddie Academy – Seattle go on to earn the Evans Scholarship,” said Sarahi Ortiz, manager of Caddie Academy and Scholarships at the WGA. “These newly awarded students will return this summer to continue caddying and help mentor the younger participants through this life-changing work program.”
Tadelech Dollarhide of Port Townsend is among the first class of Evans Scholars to come from the WGA-run program. “Caddie Academy encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and take the initiative to talk to the adults around me,” she says. “I grew from a shy girl, who hardly spoke to adults, to initiating conversation with the golfers.”
More than 175 graduates of the Caddie Academy have gone to earn the Evans Scholarship. For more information on the WGA Caddie Academy, please visit wgacaddieacademy.org. Below is a full list of Caddie Academy graduates from Washington who earned the Evans Scholarship and will begin college this fall.