Go in the Schools

Nothing is more important to The American Go Foundation than supporting go instructors in schools and after-school programs. We support these programs in the following ways:

Free Classroom Starter Set


The AGF will provide the following equipment to any American school or after-school programs wishing to start a go program:

  • Six 9x9/ 13x13 playing sets (plastic board and stones)
  • 12 The Way to Go introductory booklets
  • 1 CD-ROM loaded with shareware and other information and materials

NOTE: To receive the Starter Set or other AGF equipment, programs must submit the Funding Application Form. Please state what specific equipment you are requesting as well as any questions you may have.

The applicant for an AGF Starter Set should be a teacher or advisor over the age of 18. The AGF will contact students who apply to help them develop their school go program.

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

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

Free Book for Organizers

Go As Communication by Yasuda Yasutoshi Pro 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.

The American Go Foundation will send a free copy of this inspiring book to the go teachers who request 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 and $500/class. The hourly match is $10 in year two and $5 thereafter.
  • $200/program in matching funds is also available for equipment and books for a student library.
  • Matching funds are available for the purchase of a demo board.
  • Matching 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 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.

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.