In 2006, the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, founded by golf legend Tiger Woods’ foundation, opened to give 150 local, underserved youth more hands-on opportunities to help with learning in engineering science, technology, engineering and math.
Over the past 20 years, the learning lab on Gilbert Street and Crescent Avenue, in Woods’ former hometown, has ignited the learning passions of more than 200,000 students, expanding from a five-person staff to a staff of 24, along with a network of volunteers.
A family learns how to imprint a design onto a metal coin during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Students test their general knowledge in a quiz game during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
A statue of Earl and Tiger Woods overlooks visitors during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Theodore Pattison, 5, left, reacts after seeing his straw bridge hold up a pile of coins during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Asher East-Vu, 9, learns to use a camera during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Senior Executive Director Gyla Bell speaks during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
A spokesperson from Genesis speaks with a family during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
People arrive during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Families try out the putting area during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Theodore Pattison, 5, tests his straw bridge during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Families try out the putting area during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Chloe Giang, 3, tests her coordination in a game of hopscotch during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Students play the video game Mario Kart during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Families try out the putting area during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
People watch a presentation in the auditorium during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Suong Bui, left, and her son, Liam, 6, examine scientific specimens during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Aiden Silva, 11, left, learns to fly a drone during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
Suong Bui, right, and her son, Liam, 6, examine scientific specimens during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
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A family learns how to imprint a design onto a metal coin during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the TGR Learning Lab, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by William Liang, Contributing Photographer)
While the growth has been exponential and the offerings have evolved, guided by innovations in the fields and the addition of arts to make STEM learning STEAM learning, the core mission of providing underserved youth in grades five through 12 is the same: to provide the tools, knowledge and confidence to identify and pursue their passions.
Alumni, staff and local dignitaries helped celebrate the 20th anniversary over the weekend at the Anaheim campus, which featured tours of its high-tech classroom and giveaways from corporate sponsors.
“Opening the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim 20 years ago was an incredible moment for me, our family and TGR Foundation,” Tiger Woods said in a written statement. “My vision was to create a safe space for kids in my community to chase after their dreams.”
The learning lab now offers project-based lessons in subjects such as computer science, engineering, photography, video game design, robotics, and of course, AI.
The program is also taking a deeper dive into career readiness, said Gyla Bell, senior executive director of the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim.
“We’re really getting kids career readiness skills and helping them get into jobs or secure jobs,” Bell said, as well as into colleges and trade schools.
“Wherever their passion lies, that’s the direction we want to help them go,” she added. “What skills are needed … resume writing, filling out an application, professional emails, social media, interview skills, all of that.”
In 2008, Alma Gutierrez was a student at Western High School in Anaheim, Woods’ alma mater, when, as a member of the Pioneers golf team, she was required by her coach to attend the TGR Learning Lab
Gutierrez, who was among the hundreds who turned out for the celebration, recalls being hesitant at first, assuming the center was merely an extension of school.
“And then when I stepped foot, I was like, no, this is not school,” Gutierrez said. “This is something magical and amazing. And it felt like a safe space to be. And I never left. I started volunteering here.”
Gutierrez rose up from volunteer to her current role as the director of the TGR Foundation’s Earl Woods Scholar Program.
Fidel and Mireya Hernandez and their son, Bruno, were among the many Learning Lab families in attendance for the celebration.
When the couple first enrolled Bruno, then a seventh grader, they acknowledged being hesitant because he is on the autism spectrum. But they were assured, they said, that the Learning Lab offers programs designed to serve youngsters with special needs.
“I love this place,” Mireya Hernandez said. “My son is happy. He’s learning. He’s growing up. And I am a volunteer.”
The TGR Foundation has since opened TGR Learning Labs in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
“I’m proud of the more than 200,000 students we’ve served,” Woods said, “and grateful for the support from everyone who has joined us in our mission.”