How TGR Foundation transformed my relationship with professional development
I vividly remember the day I signed up for STEM Studio in desperation for better professional development opportunities while attending a mandatory training that was so terrible, I would have preferred to be at the dentist than in that room. TGR Foundation was a life preserver.  Â
My initial experience in STEM Studio was so invigorating, it inspired my new journey of professional development. It always places me in the position of an engaged learner. I still use many of the strategies from my initial STEM Studio training in 2018 and keep returning for more.
College Bound Academy prepares high school seniors for path to higher education
As high school seniors approach the end of an era and work toward their college and career goals, getting started can often be overwhelming. This summer students across the country gathered for three sessions of our annual College Bound Academy. Through the program, more than sixty students participated in various workshops and activities to gain […]
Pre-College Retreat prepared freshmen Earl Woods Scholars for successÂ
Each summer before freshmen Earl Woods Scholars begin their collegiate journeys, the program’s pre-college retreat, designed to prepare them for success, provides an array of information and resources throughout the three-day experience. Â
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Joining three cohorts of 18 students from southern California and Washington D.C., the retreat took place primarily at the flagship TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, CA. Â
TGR Foundation exposes elementary students to computer science, Raspberry Pi
With support from Broadcom Foundation, TGR Foundation partnered with the Centralia Elementary School District to pilot a two-week course introducing fifth and sixth graders to computer science using the Raspberry Pi. From February through May, TGR Foundation’s flagship TGR Learning Lab instructors were joined by Centralia Elementary School District access coordinators to visit all schools in the district and implement the curriculum with students. Through the program, more than a thousand students were exposed to computer science concepts and developed computer science skills using the Raspberry Pi.
Scholar Voices: My path to becoming an NBA Project Engineer
As a basketball fan, I was always curious about working for the National Basketball Association. The paths to NBA careers beyond the court aren’t as visible as those like Facebook or Google, but I believed it was possible if I built my experience and connections.
My job search process was untraditional for careers in the technology industry. The positions I thought I’d receive a response from, I didn’t, but I received unexpected interest from several companies including the NBA. I found my position through LinkedIn, and a recruiter contacted me for an interview. I went through a swift interview process that ended with an offer I accepted. After finishing my master’s program and taking a well-needed break, I began my role as a Project Software Engineer on the Stats Technology Product Development team.
Scholar Voices: Celebrating the class of 2022Â Â
As I approached graduation and reflected on the Earl Woods Scholar class of 2022, it became clear to me that the story of our college experience is one of resilience.
Each of us has endured countless struggles and tragedies and emerged much stronger and wiser. We have overcome every single obstacle that has come our way, from national distress to a global pandemic. Each of us is so much more than the worst thing we’ve ever experienced and nothing, not even the most formidable forces, can keep us down.
TGR Foundation provides free summer learning opportunities for students, educators
As the 2021-2022 academic year comes to a close, TGR Foundation is gearing up for another busy summer, filled with activities for students and educators.
How volunteers impact TGR Foundation’s students, programs and mission
Over the past two years serving as the volunteer coordinator, I have interacted with the TGR Learning Lab volunteers and interns, from recruitment to supervision. I have enjoyed the working relationships that have blossomed. My philosophy when supervising anyone is to allow meaningful interactions and effective communication. By doing so, I have gained much knowledge of who our volunteers are, what their goals are and what ambitions they have. Doing this allows me to be more knowledgeable about how to support them in their roles best and share any opportunities that will enable them to grow and prosper. Â
Scholar Voices: Why I chose to start my path to becoming a doctor at Brown University
Through personal outreach, an internship with the American Heart Association and personal health adversities in my family, I found an interest in cardiology. As I learned how crucial the heart, lungs and their connecting vessels are to human health, I developed a desire to help those in need of heart and lung operations.
During my junior year, I had the absolute honor of being accepted into QuestBridge’s College Prep Scholars and the Earl Woods Scholar Program. I saw an immense connection in the way the resources from both programs were distinct, yet both were critical in constructing me as a strong holistic candidate. The Earl Woods Scholar Program provided an unmatched individualistic and personalized support system wherein I had mentors and advisors that I could turn to at any time. It was set to help me achieve any vehicle for success, in my case both the QuestBridge and UC processes. Anybody who’s seen the work of the EWSP can vouch for the fact that all staff involved are the most dedicated and hardworking people.
TGR Foundation, Discovery Education launch free educator professional learning seriesÂ
TGR Foundation is excited to launch a new educator professional learning series on its free digital platform, TGR EDU: Explore. Comprised of six no-cost modules, the series provides educators of all levels and experiences with tools and resources to create authentic, student-centered learning opportunities that help students connect to real-world STEM careers.
Working with Discovery Education, TGR Foundation set out make professional learning opportunities more accessible so educators can learn at their own pace. With a wide variety of tools and resources already available on the award-winning TGR EDU: Explore platform, expanding the professional learning resources through the series was a natural fit.
