TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia marks first anniversary after serving 12,000 students

TGR Foundation says its Philadelphia Learning Lab has reached more than 12,000 students since opening in 2025 at the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus. The milestone adds to the nonprofit’s broader expansion plan, with new labs slated for Los Angeles, Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia.

Why it matters: - The Philadelphia lab is TGR Foundation’s second Learning Lab and a test case for scaling a model that combines STEAM learning, college access and career readiness. - More than 12,000 students have already used the free programs, showing strong demand in West Philadelphia and beyond. - The campus is part of a longer-term expansion plan that aims to serve more than 50,000 young people annually across multiple cities.

What happened: - TGR Foundation marked the first anniversary of the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia on September 8. - The facility opened in 2025 at the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus in West Philadelphia. - Tiger Woods joined students, community leaders and supporters for the ribbon-cutting on September 8, 2025. - The 30,000-square-foot lab offers free programming for elementary, middle and high school students across Philadelphia.

The details: - The program mix includes hands-on STEAM courses, college preparation, career exploration, mentorship, golf and related offerings. - TGR Foundation began pre-launch programming in local schools during the 2024-2025 academic year. - Students explored robotics, 3D printing, podcast production and video production with support from staff, volunteers and mentors. - High school students took part in college and career programming tied to healthcare, golf and finance. - Through the Lab’s License to Fly program, three students earned FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification. - Students also earned EMT certifications and scholarships to Drexel University, Temple University and Spelman College. - The Tiger Robotics team reached the 2026 FIRST Championship in Houston. - Twenty-two students represented West Philadelphia and won the FIRST Rising All-Star Award. - On June 3, the lab held its first Senior Recognition Night for 24 graduating seniors. - Two graduates were 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 the Smilow Foundation and the Woodland family.

Between the lines: - The Philadelphia launch extends a model that TGR Foundation says has worked in Anaheim for 20 years. - Hrag Hamalian, CEO of TGR Foundation, said Philadelphia shows the Learning Lab approach can move beyond one city and connect exploration to skills, credentials and careers. - The anniversary also lands in 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. - The flagship Anaheim Learning Lab also marked its 20th anniversary this year. - TGR Foundation says it has served more than 240,000 students since its founding. - The broader nonprofit materials say TGR Foundation has served more than 217,000 students through its Learning Labs and signature education programs.

What’s next: - TGR Foundation plans to open additional Learning Labs 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 each year. - More information about Philadelphia programs is available at Philadelphia.TGRLearningLab.org.

The bottom line: - Philadelphia has become the latest proof point for TGR Foundation’s push to turn free, hands-on education spaces into pathways to credentials, college and careers.