Free Classroom Starter Set

The AGF will provide the following equipment to any American school or community program serving youth 18 and under.

  • 3 vinyl 9x9/13x13 boards and three vinyl19x19/13x13 boards
  • 3 full sets of plastic stones
  • 12 The Way to Go introductory booklets
  • 10 posters (5 each: 11x17 and 8 ½ x 11)
  • 1 AGA Starter CD loaded with shareware, commented games for beginners, and more
  • 2 sample issues of Go World magazine
  • 1 pad of kifu paper for recording games (250 sheets)
  • 5 9x9 cardboard sets

NOTE: To receive the Classroom Starter Set or other AGF equipment, programs must submit the Project Application Form.

The applicant for an AGF Starter Set should be a teacher or advisor over the age of 18. Students who need help with starting a club will be assigned an AGF Mentor to help them develop their school Go program. E-mail us for help if you need it.

Click here to download and print out the application form in Word format.

Click here to download and print out the application form in PDF format.

Please e-mail to agf@usgo.org. If you are not able to attach the file, you may fax it to 212.662.5501

The AGF believes that Go offers a uniquely flexible activity for healthy growth and development.

In the classroom, it serves as a valuable tool to teach and supplement core curriculum content in math, social studies and other subjects.

Go clubs in after-school programs can offer organized competition and the chance to compete online in The US School Team Championship and The US Youth Go Championship.

Strong players can aspire to play in The Redmond Cup, even to represent the US in the World Youth Goe Championship. Active student organizers can win The AGF College Scholarship. All students who play derive unique benefits from their experience.

If you're thinking of introducing Go in your classroom or after-school program, send an e-mail with your "snail mail" address to agf@usgo.org. We'll send you a FREE AGF Sampler including a CD with more than 300 MB of valuable material; an instructional booklet; a cardboard playing set; and more. Just mention the "AGF Sampler" in the subject or body of your message.

If you already have a few interested students, send in a Program Application Form. As soon as your application is approved, you will be eligible for free equipment, matching funds to help you get the supplies you need, special vendor discounts, privileged access to The AGF Online Teacher Store, and more.

The American Go Foundation supports teachers and after-school programs in the following ways.

Free Classroom Starter Set: Basic equipment for up to 24 players is available at no charge to qualified programs.

Free Book for Organizers and Teachers: Go as Communication

Free downloads: Videos, lesson plans, posters, download everything you need to get started at no charge.

Matching Grants for Equipment and Salaries: The AGF offers approved programs up to $200 in matching grants for equipment, and up to $1000 to match salaries of newly hired Go instructors in after school-programs and community settings such as libraries and youth centers.

AGF Education Store: Approved programs can order supplies at discounted prices.

AGF Teacher of the Year Award: An outstanding Go teacher receives an all-expenses paid trip to The US Go Congress.

AGF College Scholarship: A $1000 award to a student who has make an outstanding contribution to promoting Go, especially in underserved areas.

Special Vendor Discounts: Most major Go vendors offer special discounts to AGF-approved teaching programs.

Lesson Plan Cooperative: Teachers develop and share lesson plans that link Go to core curriculum elements.

Mentoring: All programs receive guidance from an experienced organizer, who will contact you upon approval and provide support as needed.

Free Book for Organizers

Go As Communication by Yasuda Yasutoshi professional 9-Dan (Slate & Shell Press 2001) presents a whole new way of looking at the game of Go. When Yasuda Sensei became concerned about social problems among young people, he began visiting Japanese schools, teaching children a simplified version of Go, which he called "First Capture Go." Seeing immediate positive effects, he expanded his efforts to homes for the elderly and then to institutions for the mentally and physically handicapped. This book is the record of a surprising discovery, namely, that "First Capture Go" can have enormous educational and therapeutic value, even with senior citizens and those suffering from developmental delays and other disabilities.

The American Go Foundation will send a free copy of this inspiring book to any Go teacher who requests one. To submit your request, please send the following information by e-mail to agf@usgo.org.

  • Name, address, phone, e-mail
  • Describe your past and current teaching activities - where do you teach? How many students?
  • Do you plan additional teaching activities?

We look forward to hearing from you!

Matching Grants for Teaching Programs

To encourage local schools and after-school programs to set up funded Go educational and extracurricular programs, the American Go Foundation will provide matching grants as follows to support establishment of new programs:

  • We will match salaries of up to $15/hr in the first year for classes that average more than 15 students per class, up to $1000/teacher/year and $500/class/year. The hourly match is $10 in year two and $5 thereafter.
  • $200 per program in matching funds is also available for equipment and books for a student library.
  • Matching funds are available for the purchase of a demonstration board.
  • Direct funds are available for small tournament prizes up to $50/year.

Programs must submit a year end report to the AGF with (at least) number of students, level of play, basic teaching method, and a short narrative of the highlights of the year/semester

The Board reserves the right to waive any and all of these limitations for programs which serve more students and/or are demonstrably effective in developing players who participate outside class or participate over time. There is no AGF reimbursement for transportation costs or travel time.

Other teaching programs (college, adult, institutional and mixed ages) may apply for matching grants for teaching, books, or equipment. They will be considered and awarded based on the program, community support, and the availability of funds.

Click here to learn more about our teacher support program.

Teachers who receive support will receive 1099 forms if required by Federal law.

The American Go Foundation College Scholarship

The American Go Foundation has created a competitive, merit scholarship program of $1000 to recognize high school students who have been important youth organizers and promoters for the Go community. Students vying for the AGF College Scholarship must complete the AGF College Scholarship Application and describe their accomplishments and volunteer work in a short essay. Letters of recommendation may also be included. Students who have started clubs and promoted Go in areas where there is not a current, strong Go community will be considered more highly than those that have assisted in already established areas. Those applicants whose enthusiasm and ambition spread Go in under-served areas have greatly helped the American Go community. Strong players who spend much of their time voluntarily teaching will also be considered, although the award is focused more on Go promoters and organizers who have continually contributed during their Go career.

Click here to download the scholarship form.

Directed Funding from Local Sources

Local sponsors can support your educational or cultural activity and deduct the contribution from their taxes by giving an earmarked grant to the AGF. Contact agf@usgo.org for more ifnormation.