Initiative was founded in 1996 as a means to provide more for children who have less
IRVINE, Cal. (April 28, 2018) – In fall 2016, Tiger Woods set a professional evolution in motion with the launch of TGR Ventures (pronounced ‘T-G-R’), an umbrella brand that marked the next chapter in the golfer, businessman and philanthropist’s legacy. Now the evolution continues as the Tiger Woods Foundation renames itself as TGR Foundation, A Tiger Woods Charity—the next phase in a longstanding plan for the educational nonprofit.
“Over the last 21 years, my foundation has grown to be larger than just me, and today I’m excited to announce our new name, TGR Foundation, that reflects this growth,” said Woods. “TGR Foundation belongs to the community and the students we serve. We’ve accomplished so much over the years, but we’ve just scratched the surface. I look forward to the next stage of our journey.”
Founded in 1996 as a means to provide more for children who have less, TGR Foundation will continue to transform young lives across the country and around the world with its innovative STEM-based curriculum, college-access programs and digital initiatives.
“The evolution of the Tiger Woods Foundation to TGR Foundation has been in the making for some time now,” explains foundation President & CEO Rick Singer.” The foundation took its first steps towards the transition to TGR in early 2017 with the launch of TGR EDU: Explore, an interactive, digital campus created in partnership with Discovery Education. We’re excited to be continuing a process we began over a year ago and to drive forward our initiative to reach millions of kids worldwide.”
Along with the launch of TGR EDU: Explore, early 2017 saw the unveiling of TGR EDU: Create, a program aimed at providing professional development and resources for educators involved in the vital subjects of STEM education and college access.
Having served more than 165,000 students since opening its doors in 2006, the Tiger Woods Learning Centers were renamed as the TGR Learning Labs last year. The learning labs remain a safe space, offering hands-on STEM-based classes and college-readiness programs to young people in Anaheim, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, New York City, NY, Stuart, FL, and the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA.
A bedrock of the foundation for over a decade, the Earl Woods Scholar Program (EWSP) announced an expansion plan last year, to double its current number of scholars. Reinforcing its plans for growth, EWSP will expand into the Los Angeles market this year. To date, EWSP has helped nearly 200 scholars attend top universities around the country and boasts a 98% graduation rate.
“While the foundation’s name has changed to reflect its scale, reach and growth, our core focus of guiding underserved youth remains the same,” said Dr. Katherine Bihr, Vice President of Programs & Education for the foundation. “As we expand the scope of our programs, we are confident that under our new name, TGR Foundation, we will continue to be synonymous with quality education and the transformative work we are known for.”
Under his vision, Woods will continue to guide TGR Foundation in the important work of equipping low-income students with STEM and college-readiness programs and the mindset to persevere, so they can, in turn, thrive in school, their communities and the working world for years to come.
About TGR Foundation, A Tiger Woods Charity
For over 20 years, TGR Foundation has been unwavering advocates for the transformative power of education. We have a universal vision: giving students in need the right resources for lifelong success in school, their communities and the working world. We are pioneers in positive youth development, encouraging self-advocacy skills in young people. We foster a growth mindset, instilling in students the power to persevere and define their own path.
Through our award-winning STEM curricula, college-access programs, digital platforms and educator professional development, TGR Foundation offers underserved students the tools and support needed to thrive in school and beyond. For more information, visit TGRFoundation.org.
