In its first year of operation, the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab has grown into a place where students across Philadelphia can learn, build new skills and prepare for their futures. From welcoming its first students to celebrating its first graduating class, these six milestones offer a look at how the Lab empowers students to pursue their passions through education.
1: Breaking Ground
On July 17, 2023, Cobbs Creek Foundation united its partners and members of the community for the groundbreaking of the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus. The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab was scheduled to be the first facility of the community development project to open to the public.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction on a 30,000-square-foot education facility designed to expand access to learning opportunities for thousands of students across Philadelphia.
Members of the Learning Lab have access to STEAM education, college access and career readiness programs. Dynamic classes include robotics, cyber security, artificial intelligence, multimedia design and more.
2: Doors open to students
On April 1, 2025, the TGR Learning Lab welcomed its first class of students to access new educational opportunities.
Students from St. Francis de Sales School became the first to experience the Lab through a field trip, marking the beginning of a new chapter on the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education campus.
Students explored the facility, engaged in hands-on learning experiences through makerspace t-shirt printing, drone flying, rocket launches and more.
In partnership with the Cobbs Creek Foundation and generous donors, including the Smilow Foundation and the Woodland family, the Lab continues to empower the next generation to learn, grow and prepare for their futures.
3: TGR Foundation Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting
On September 8, 2025, Tiger Woods and distinguished guests united on the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education campus to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting of the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab.
The ribbon-cutting marked the opening of TGR Foundation’s second full-service TGR Learning Lab and a major step in expanding educational opportunities to more students.
Fatima Choudry, an alumna of the TGR Learning Lab , moved the audience as she shared the organization’s impact on her journey and how it’s created “a second home filled with hope and possibility” for her and her peers.
4: Programming expands to early elementary students
Through summer camps, after-school courses, events and community resources, the Learning Lab created opportunities for students in grades 1-5 and their families, building on pre-launch programming and the fifth-grade model of the flagship Lab.
Elementary programming quickly became more than after-school learning. Through 15 Community Fests, STEAM programs like LEGO Robotics and celebrations including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth and Girl Power, students and families found opportunities to learn and belong.
With the support of partners, donors and volunteers, the Lab became a trusted resource for families beyond the classroom. From meal distributions and clothing drives to Penn Dental services and other community resources, families found support throughout the year.
Today, elementary education has become a community-informed program shaped by the needs of local families. This academic year, 295 students in grades 1–3 have enrolled in the Lab’s elementary programs, participating in hands-on learning experiences throughout the year.
5: The start of middle school programming
On April 7, 2025, the Lab hosted its first session of free middle school programs, encouraging students to explore new interests, discover their passions and prepare for their futures.
With programming across more than 15 STEAM subjects, middle school students explored coding, podcasting, golf, drone flying, zoology and more, discovering new interests and passions through hands-on learning.
Learning also extended beyond after-school programs. More than 6,000 students participated in hands-on field trips at the TGR Learning Lab, engaging in project-based STEAM workshops that strengthen classroom learning through creativity, collaboration and problem-solving.
Friday Nights @ the Lab and Open Exploration Time provide even more opportunities for students to explore the Lab, experiment with cutting-edge technology, create projects like podcasts and bring their own ideas to life.
6: High School Students Prepare for College and Career Success
The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab offers career and college readiness programs that prepare students for what’s next through career exploration, college planning and real-world learning experiences.
Industry Days connect students with local partners and working professionals through hands-on learning experiences focused on career exploration. By bringing the workplace into the classroom, students gain firsthand exposure to STEAM careers while building meaningful connections with professionals.
Members have also achieved significant achievements throughout the Lab’s first year. Through the License to Fly program, three high school students earned their FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification. Students studied aviation regulations, airspace, weather and drone technology before earning the industry-recognized credential.
Twenty-two members of the Tiger Robotics team represented West Philadelphia at the 2026 FIRST Championship, where the team earned the FIRST® Rising All-Star Award during its inaugural season. The award recognizes emerging teams with exceptional promise and places Tiger Robotics among the world’s most promising FIRST Robotics programs.
On June 3, 2026, the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab celebrated 24 graduating seniors during Senior Recognition Night, marking the Lab’s first graduating class. The Class of 2026 was recognized for its achievements as students prepared for college, careers and the next chapter of their journeys.
As we celebrate our first year of memories and milestones, we’re grateful for the support of our community and look forward to empowering more students through education at the TGR Learning Lab.
For more information or ways to get involved visit Philadelphia.TGRLearningLab.org.
