At the TGR Learning Lab, learning doesn’t slow down when the temperatures drop. Throughout the winter months, students across grade levels from early elementary to high school have been building skills, exploring new passions and achieving milestones that reflect the Lab’s commitment to hands-on learning and future-focused opportunities.
From aviation certifications to robotics competitions and creative workshops, the season has been filled with moments that demonstrate what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity.
Taking Flight: Students Earn FAA Drone Pilot Certifications
One of the most exciting accomplishments this winter came through our License to Fly program. Three of our high school students successfully earned their FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification, a credential that allows them to operate commercial drones.
Through the program, students studied aviation regulations, airspace navigation, weather patterns and drone technology. Earning this certification is no small feat; many professionals spend months preparing for the exam.
For our students, it represents more than a test passed. It’s a tangible step toward careers in fields like filmmaking, engineering, mapping, public safety and emerging drone industries.
Watching students take control of the skies was a powerful reminder that the future of technology is already taking shape right here in West Philadelphia.
Robotics Team Prepares for Competition
Across the hall, sparks were flying, figuratively and literally, as our high school robotics team prepared for its first robotics meet of the season.
Recently named Preseason Rookie Team of the Year, the team has been hard at work designing, building, and programming their competition robot. With just weeks before the competition, students have spent long afternoons refining circuits, testing mechanisms, and troubleshooting code.
“I love that I can push myself to solve problems and become who I want to be,” shared Alysha, a member of the robotics team. “You never know what you’re capable of until you try.”
Moments like these highlight what makes robotics such a powerful learning experience; students aren’t just learning engineering concepts, they are applying them in real time.
Middle School Workshops: Learning by Doing
For our middle school students, winter brought a variety of hands-on workshops designed to build both life skills and creativity.
In a carpentry workshop, students learned how to safely use tools while constructing their own small wood projects. The class introduced concepts like measuring, structural design and craftsmanship — skills that combine math, patience and creativity.
Meanwhile, our Dorm Room Cooking workshop focused on practical culinary skills members can take with them into the future. Using simple ingredients and minimal equipment, they learned how to prepare quick, healthy, essential skills for their journeys through college and beyond.
These workshops give students a chance to explore interests that might one day turn into careers, hobbies or lifelong skills.
Inspiration at Every Age
Even our youngest learners found inspiration throughout the season.
Our 3rd–5th-grade students were greeted each week with stories highlighting innovators, scientists, and trailblazers who helped shape our world. Through classroom conversations and creative projects, students explored what it means to make a meaningful impact and how their own ideas can help shape the future.
One highlight came during a Saturday Community Fest, where students explored the story of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel to space. After learning about her journey, students created their own spacecraft designs and imagined the worlds they might one day explore in celebration of Black History Month.
It was a reminder that imagination is often the first step toward discovery.
Building the Future
Whether earning aviation certifications, preparing robots for competition, building projects with their hands or imagining new worlds to explore, our students continue to prove what happens when young people are given the tools, mentorship and confidence to dream big.
At the TGR Learning Lab, winter wasn’t just a season; it was a launchpad.
After witnessing the determination, creativity and courage our students show every day, one thing is certain: The future is in very capable hands.
To learn more about upcoming programs or opportunities, view the Learning Lab catalog or visit Philadelphia.TGRLearningLab.org.
