The annual Earl Woods Scholar Program Pre-College Retreat kicked off on Wednesday, July 8, welcoming rising freshmen from seven regional cohorts.
It was incredibly rewarding to welcome 21 scholars to the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim. This year’s event was especially meaningful as we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Earl Woods Scholar Program while also welcoming scholars from our two newest regions: Atlanta and Augusta, Ga.
Throughout the three-day retreat, scholars participated in workshops focused on financial literacy, mental health, campus safety and networking.
Representatives from Providence, Experian and California State University, Fullerton led engaging sessions while sharing their expertise and helping scholars prepare for an exciting new chapter in their college and career journeys. As many of scholars are first-generation college students, these conversations provided valuable insight into what they can expect during their first year of college and the resources available to support their success.
“This is truly life-changing,” said Daniel Jammal, a rising Dartmouth College freshman from the Los Angeles cohort. “The most valuable workshop was the financial literacy one, because as a first-gen, I think it’s really hard to build that generational wealth that I want to provide for my future kids or to provide for the communities that I belong to and give back to others.”
Having been part of the program for the past decade, it was inspiring to see scholars come together from Orange County and Los Angeles, Calif.; the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia); New York; Philadelphia; and our newest regions. Watching them connect, share experiences and begin building lifelong friendships was a powerful reminder of what makes this program so special.
Building community is another cornerstone of the Earl Woods Scholar Program. Our goal has always been to create a safe, welcoming space where scholars feel seen, supported and connected. For some, it was their very first time flying. Upon arriving in California, they were warmly welcomed at the airport, and by the time everyone had arrived, the group had already begun to bond. It quickly began to feel like home. On the second day, scholars participated in an escape room challenge, and for the first time, every team escaped.
“This was an amazing experience,” said Keva, a rising freshman attending the University of Virginia with plans to become an attorney. “I absolutely love my cohort, whether it’s the southeast region or the best class—2030. The most valuable aspect [of the program] is the people. It was like a big hug.”
To close out the retreat, we hosted our inaugural Ultimate Scholar Scavenger Hunt throughout downtown Anaheim. While the activities were filled with fun and friendly competition, they also reinforced the importance of teamwork, communication and the strength of our scholar community.
For more information about the Earl Woods Scholar Program and ways to get involved, visit TGRFoundation.org.
