TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia Marks First Anniversary

More than 12,000 students served through free STEAM, college access and career readiness programming since 2025 opening on Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus

IRVINE, CA, UNITED STATES, September 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- On September 8, TGR Foundation marked the first anniversary of the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab. The TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia has served more than 12,000 students through free educational programs since opening in 2025. Located at the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus in West Philadelphia, the 30,000-square-foot facility is TGR Foundation’s second Learning Lab, building on the model established at its flagship TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, California.

TGR Foundation began supporting students through pre-launch programming in local schools during the 2024-2025 academic year. On September 8, 2025, Tiger Woods joined students, community leaders and supporters for the official ribbon-cutting, marking the opening of the building and the launch of its first full year of programming. The Learning Lab offers free programming for elementary, middle and high school students across Philadelphia, ranging from hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) courses to college preparation, career exploration, mentorship, golf and more.

“What has been most rewarding is seeing students come through the doors, try something they may never have experienced before and start to see where it could take them,” said Meredith Foote, executive director of the TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia. “They’ve had the chance to explore everything from robotics and 3D printing to podcast and video production, all with support and guidance from our staff, volunteers and mentors helping them along the way. Seeing students find something that interests them, gain confidence and start to see what’s possible for them is what this Lab is all about.”

High school students participated in numerous college preparation and career-focused programs, with opportunities to earn certifications and connect with professionals across a range of industries including healthcare, golf and finance. Through the Lab’s License to Fly program, three students earned their Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification, an industry-recognized credential for commercial drone operators. Students also earned Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications and scholarships to Drexel University, Temple University and Spelman College.

Another milestone in its first year was the Lab’s Tiger Robotics team reaching the 2026 FIRST^® Championship in Houston. Twenty-two students represented West Philadelphia and the Learning Lab, earning the FIRST Rising All-Star Award, which recognizes promising emerging teams.

On June 3, the Learning Lab held its first Senior Recognition Night, recognizing 24 graduating seniors in the Lab’s first graduating class, with two of those graduates accepted into TGR Foundation's Earl Woods Scholar Program.

The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab was developed through a partnership between TGR Foundation and Cobbs Creek Foundation, with support from lead donors including the Smilow Foundation and Woodland family.

The anniversary comes during a milestone year for TGR Foundation, which was founded by Tiger Woods in 1996 and is celebrating 30 years of Driving Dreams Together, presented by EY, in 2026. Its flagship TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim also celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. TGR Foundation has served more than 240,000 students since its founding.

Additional TGR Learning Labs will open in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia, over the next several years. The expanded network is expected to serve more than 50,000 young people annually.

“For 20 years, our Learning Lab in Anaheim has shown what’s possible when young people have a place to explore interests, develop skills, and connect those experiences to their futures,” said Hrag Hamalian, CEO of TGR Foundation. “Philadelphia gave us the chance to take that proven model into a new community and demonstrate that its impact can extend far beyond Anaheim. As we expand to LA, Atlanta, Augusta and beyond, we’re building on that foundation to create clear pathways from exploration to skills, to credentials, and ultimately careers. Philly represents an important step in our evolution from a successful local model to a national platform for opportunity and mobility.”

For more information about TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia and its free programs, visit Philadelphia.TGRLearningLab.org.

About TGR Foundation
TGR Foundation is a leading education nonprofit founded in 1996 by Tiger Woods. With a commitment to providing opportunities that unlock the unlimited potential in the lives of young people from under-resourced communities, its mission is to empower students to pursue their passions through education. In 2026, TGR Foundation is celebrating 30 years of driving dreams together. Through its TGR Learning Labs and signature education programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) educational enrichment, career and college readiness and health and well-being, TGR Foundation has served more than 217,000 students. For more information, visit TGRFoundation.org or connect on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Daniel Scali
TGR Foundation
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TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia Celebrates First Year of Transforming Lives