Driving impact for 25 years

The Hero World Challenge was created by Tiger Woods and his father Earl as a way to make a positive impact on the lives of kids from under-resourced communities. First played in January 2000; the tournament has become an annual staple on the PGA TOUR schedule, with Tiger serving as host. Since that first playing at Grayhawk Country Club in Arizona, the tournament has grown in stature and impact on and off the course, raising funds and awareness for Tiger’s nonprofit, TGR Foundation.

The Hero World Challenge and TGR Foundation have enjoyed parallel success over the past 25 years. As the event has grown, so has TGR Foundation’s impact. In 2001, Tiger made the important decision to focus his foundation’s work on providing access to education and to create a “safe space where kids can learn, grow and chase after their dreams.” From that vision came the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, CA along with the Earl Woods Scholar Program.

Now, 25 years later, TGR Foundation remains committed to empowering students from under-resourced communities to pursue their passions through education. Through hands-on learning experiences in safe and inspiring learning spaces, the Foundation offers programs and resources that help students prepare for their futures and unleash their fullest potential.

“When I was a kid, my parents instilled in me the importance of making a difference in someone’s life every day. At TGR Foundation, we strive to do just that—impacting young lives in meaningful ways, one day at a time.” Tiger Woods, Founder, TGR Foundation

TGR Learning Lab Anaheim: A Hub for Student Growth

Inspired by Tiger Woods’ vision, the flagship TGR Learning Lab Anaheim has served over 200,000 students across Southern California. This state-of-the-art facility is not just a learning center, but a community where students are empowered to gain critical skills, build confidence and discover new career pathways.

Through dynamic STEAM education programs (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), career exploration, and mentorship, students receive the tools and support they need to excel academically and professionally.

Key programs include:

• Elementary School Programs: Introduces young students to foundational STEAM concepts and careers.
• Middle & High School After-School Programs: Focused on deeper academic engagement and career exposure.
• Career Readiness Programs: Prepares high school and college students for higher education and the workforce, helping them navigate the college application process and find internship and job opportunities.

Expansion and Impact: TGR Learning Labs in Philadelphia and Los Angeles 

Building on the success of TGR Learning Lab Anaheim, the foundation is expanding its reach and impact. TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia will open in spring 2025, providing educational resources, mentoring and career readiness programs to students in West Philadelphia. The Lab will be a part of the Cobbs Creek campus, providing local youth with exposure to the game of golf, career opportunities and life skills. 

In 2026, TGR Foundation will open its third Learning Lab in Los Angeles. This new Lab, located at Lulu’s Place, will be a cutting-edge youth center offering comprehensive academic, athletic, and wellness programs in partnership with the Kimmelman Family Foundation and the United States Tennis Association. With dedicated spaces for health and wellness provided by Providence, this new campus will empower families and students to pursue both educational and personal growth.

In addition to its TGR Learning Labs, TGR Foundation has expanded its award-winning Earl Woods Scholar Program to serve more students, including a Philadelphia cohort. In addition to annual financial support, the program offers holistic support to primarily first-generation college students, preparing them to thrive academically and personally. With a 98% graduation rate, one of the highest in the country, the program is driving a legacy of impact students from under-resourced communities.

Champions For Youth: A Legacy of Impact

Among the many students impacted by TGR Foundation are Evelyn Alonso and Sammy Mohammed —two remarkable individuals whose stories reflect the transformative power of education program offered by TGR Foundation.

Evelyn Alonso, an alumna of the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim, graduated as valedictorian of her high school and is now a sophomore at Yale University. Through the Earl Woods Scholar Program, Evelyn was not only able to access the resources necessary for applying to top colleges but also gained the confidence to pursue higher education at an Ivy League school.

“Without TGR Foundation, I never would have thought I could get into Yale. I’m so grateful for the confidence and tools I gained through the Earl Woods Scholar Program.”

Sammy Mohammed, who first discovered his passion for computer science through the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim, went on to attend Stanford University as a member of the Earl Woods Scholar Program and is now an engineer at Google. His story exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to support first-generation college students and help them succeed in the classroom and in the workforce.

“TGR Foundation really shaped the trajectory of my life. The Learning Lab gave me the access I needed, and the Earl Woods Scholar Program provided invaluable mentorship and guidance as I pursued my goals.”

Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation

Inspired by Tiger Woods’ legacy, TGR Foundation is empowering more students to find and follow their passions on their path to success. We invite you to join us in making an impact—supporting students, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for the next generation.

Learn more at TGRFoundation.org.