Free community event showcases hands-on STEAM learning, student leadership and resources for Philadelphia-area families
PHILADELPHIA — [August 29, 2026] — TGR Foundation and Cobbs Creek Foundation today celebrated the first anniversary of the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab with “It’s Fun to Be One: Celebrating One Year of Driving Dreams Together.”
The free, family-friendly event on the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus featured interactive activities, food, giveaways and recognition of student success. A Community Resource Fair connected families with M&T Bank, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Cobbs Creek Foundation and other organizations, while Learning Lab staff helped guide students and families through registration for fall programming.
As TGR Foundation marks its 30th anniversary in 2026, its Learning Labs continue Tiger Woods’ vision of creating safe spaces for students to “learn, grow and chase after their dreams.” The Labs provide experiences and mentorship that help students discover their passions and plan for the future. In its first year, the Philadelphia Lab has served more than 12,000 students through free, hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) programs, college access and career readiness support.
During the day, attendees explored surface tension through a bubble blast, designed custom sneakers, created music using Soundtrap, tested their financial literacy and built birdhouses. Families also met members of the award-winning Tiger Robotics Team.
“Celebrating the one-year anniversary of TGR Learning Lab feels incredible. We accomplished so much in just a year,” said Meredith Foote, executive director, TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia. “What I’m most proud of is the student accomplishments that were made possible through our staff. We had members earn their EMT and FAA Drone piloting certifications, in addition to seniors who earned scholarships to Drexel, Temple and Spelman College. There’s so much that we were able to accomplish in just such a short time, and we’re just getting started.”
Vincent Loua, a South Philadelphia resident and rising senior at West Catholic High School, has taken courses in robotics, computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing and drone piloting, along with healthcare workshops. A member of the inaugural Tiger Robotics CAD team, Loua helped the team earn the FIRST® Rising All-Star Award at the 2026 FIRST Championship.
He also earned his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification and served as a Learning Lab intern, leading 3D printing and design workshops for middle school students. Loua plans to study mechanical engineering at Drexel University after graduating in 2027.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities, friendships and confidence I’ve gained through the TGR Learning Lab and the robotics team,” said Loua. “What our team has been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time is incredible.”
Alumna Corrine Schultz, an Upper Darby resident and 2026 homeschool graduate, has taken Learning Lab classes in college preparation and architecture. As a member of the Tiger Robotics CAD and outreach teams, she competed at the 2026 FIRST Championship. She now helps teach middle school 3D printing workshops and will study engineering at Drexel this fall.
“As I head to Drexel for my freshman year, I am reminded of everything we accomplished together on the Tiger Robotics team,” said Schultz. “Our hard work took us from winning Rookie All-Star awards to competing against teams from around the world at the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) World Championship in Houston. Being part of this team helped me develop valuable skills, overcome challenges and become more confident.”
In addition to its Learning Labs in Philadelphia and Anaheim, TGR Foundation will open additional Learning Labs in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia, over the next several years. The expanded network is expected to provide hands-on learning and career preparation opportunities to more than 50,000 young people each year.
About TGR Foundation
TGR Foundation is a leading education nonprofit founded in 1996 by Tiger Woods. With a commitment to providing opportunities that unlock the unlimited potential in the lives of young people from under-resourced communities, its mission is to empower students to pursue their passions through education. In 2026, TGR Foundation is celebrating 30 years of driving dreams together. Through its TGR Learning Labs and signature education programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) educational enrichment, career and college readiness and health and well-being, TGR Foundation has served more than 217,000 students. For more information, visit TGRFoundation.org or connect on Facebook, X and Instagram.
