August 21, 2019

TGR Learning Labs empower students across the country

TGR Learning Lab Instructors prepare to welcome students at the start of the expanded learning program at Achievement First Prep in New York.

Since launching the flagship TGR Learning Lab in 2006, TGR Foundation has built a robust network of opportunities for students to learn and grow. Programs at the flagship facility in Anaheim, CA have expanded over the last two decades providing more students access to quality education and career connections.

Collaboration and partnerships are a key component of their success. With six satellite campuses across the United States, students in underrepresented communities from coast to coast benefit from high-quality education programs. Although each satellite’s programs are unique to the communities, resources and students served, the core model and curricula were tested and proven successful at the flagship learning lab.

The satellite site serving students at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA, allows TGR Foundation to continue its emphasis on providing access to quality education for a global community including the children of courageous men and women who serve the country.

Students participating in the program at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA showcase robots built using skills gained through the program.

During the 2018-2019 academic year learning lab participants engaged in various self-selected interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses including robotics, wearable electronics, engineering design of musical instruments and video game design.

Students at the TGR Learning Lab in South Florida participated in the engineering design of musical instruments and used what they learned to build personal ukuleles.

With several other after-school activities and interests for students to explore, the expanded learning program offers more than hands-on courses in the classroom. The 21st-century skills developed through STEM courses are supplemented by field trips, internships, guest speakers, opportunities to participate in STEM Competitions and more.

Students participating in the robotics class at Chavez, Capitol Hill built robotic vehicles designed to meet specific challenges using the skills learned throughout the course.

In Philadelphia, TGR Foundation Expanded Learning Programs are offered at two sites including the KIPP Dubois Collegiate Academy and Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School. Students from each school developed inaugural robotics competition teams and participated in the 2019 FIRST Tech Challenge Philadelphia Qualifier at Central High School.

The Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School team advanced to the semi-finals of the competition and began planning and recruiting students to compete again next year. Participating students from KIPP Dubois were recognized for “team spirit” among other rookie teams and received a toolbox to help the team build their robot for the following year.

Robotics Competition Teams gather for a photo after competing in the 2019 FIRST Tech Challenge Philadelphia Qualifier and gaining recognition for their robot designs and team spirit.

Inspired by the foundation’s founder, students at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School celebrated Tiger Woods’ Victory at The Masters in April of 2019 by using their engineering skills to replicate the experience and building a putting green outlined by his initials.

Inspired by the foundation’s founder, students at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School used their engineering skills to replicate Tiger Woods’ winning putt at The Masters in April of 2019.

Through satellite learning labs, TGR Foundation exposes students to careers of today and tomorrow while helping them build a growth mindset, self-confidence, strong relationships with instructors and the skills to succeed.

After summer break our TGR Learning Lab facilitators will continue to support students and work toward goals to keep current participants engaged, recruit new students, collaborate with parents toward student success and continue maximizing student potential while connecting them to relevant careers.

Redefining what it means to be a champion.

 

TGR Learning Lab satellite sites are based in Washington, D.C., South Florida, Philadelphia, New York and the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA. These programs are operated with support from Niagara Cares, Capitol Hill Community Foundation, Bank of America and the Honda Classic. For more information or opportunities to get involved visit TGRFoundation.org, email [email protected] or contact the flagship TGR Learning Lab at 714.765.8000.