TGR Foundation has a lot to celebrate as 2024 comes to a close. Working together as one team, we have impacted the lives of young people who need us most through expanded programming at our TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, new opportunities for students in Philadelphia and Los Angeles and ongoing support from our community. Â
During the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 10,000 program participants were supported through the TGR Learning Labs, our national programs and community outreach. Â
Through our partnerships with school districts and community leaders, we recognize the challenges of limited opportunities, low student engagement and mental health and are working together to improve outcomes. Â
While we actualize our mission to empower students to pursue their passions through education, we are meeting such challenges with innovation, collaboration and a commitment to supporting students from under-resourced communities.Â
In 2024 we continued providing free programs and resources for students in the safe, inspiring environment of the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim. Students are continuously uplifted by caring mentors while participating in hands-on, project-based learning and real-world experiences. Three areas of focus drive our transformative impact year-round:  Â
- STEAM educational enrichmentÂ
- Health & well-being opportunitiesÂ
- Career & college readiness programsÂ
At TGR Foundation we’re committed to closing the opportunity gap while addressing a decline in engagement among students as they get closer to high school graduation. Studies have shown the impact of opportunities like STEAM educational enrichment can broaden perspectives and create motivated learners.  Â
In Anaheim we engage fifth and sixth-grade students in fun, interactive STEM projects through multi-day field trips, in addition to mobile outreach and one-day field trips that help students explore new subjects while learning about potential career paths. We also launched clubs and other experiential learning events for students interested in specific careers from multimedia and esports to health care. By providing more exposure and opportunities for students to explore their interests, we’re enhancing student engagement and helping them build excitement for their futures.  Â
Educators nationally have a shared passion for empowering the next generation through the power of education. That same care is weaved throughout our programs as students attend the Learning Lab whether after school, in the summer or during the school day. Our staff takes the time to get to know our members, investing in a meaningful relationship that has a lasting impact. A recent survey of members showed 73% of students feel there is an adult who cares about them at the TGR Learning Lab. Â
We know that prioritizing the health and well-being of our students leads to healthy lifestyles and cultivates confidence, self-advocacy and persistence. Outside of our comprehensive approach to student empowerment, we introduce students to avenues of healthy activity through our youth golf program, social-emotional learning and recreational activities. When students are healthy, they are able look beyond present circumstances to actively build a brighter future. Â
Career and college readiness is essential to ensuring our students are prepared to meet opportunity with the skills and aptitude needed to thrive. Monthly workshops, summer intensives, career-connected learning opportunities and our award-winning Earl Woods Scholar Program provided real-world exposure to careers along with preparation for students nearing graduation and the workforce. After completing these programs 89% of our students reported feeling better equipped to achieve their career goals. Â
In 2024 we also expanded our College & Career Bound Academy to Los Angeles and Philadelphia, enhanced our career-connected learning initiatives and welcomed our newest cohort of Earl Woods Scholars. These programs and the lasting impact they have on students would not be possible without the support of our educators, donors, partners and volunteers.  Â
Through our partnership with DoD STEM, we continued to invest in educators through the Anaheim Learning Lab in addition to expanding our efforts to bring STEM Studio, our cornerstone educator professional development program to Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Through our ongoing professional learning opportunities, educators nationwide are equipped with the tools, resources and best practices to better engage their students in STEM education and prepare them for their future. Â
Through our many partners, including Providence, Find Your Grind, Cobbs Creek Foundation and the Kimmelman Family Foundation, we are producing meaningful outcomes through our programs that have a positive impact. Their support is also vital to helping us grow and open new TGR Learning Labs in Philadelphia in 2025 and in Los Angeles in 2026. As we look to the future, we plan to bring state-of-the art facilities, caring adults and high-quality programming to more under-resourced communities across the country. Behind our expansion is the desire to positively impact more youth. Â
Tiger, our board of governors and I are energized by all we have accomplished together and for what’s to come in the new year. Our unwavering commitment to serving young people from under-resourced communities who need us most will continue in the years ahead. We’re grateful for everyone who joins us in our mission to empower students to pursue their passions through education.   Â
Visit TGRFoundation.org to learn more about our impact in 2024 and ways to get involved. Â
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Sincerely, Â
Cyndi CourtÂ
CEO, TGR FoundationÂ