How TGR Foundation Empowered Andrés Cuamani’s Journey
Andrés Cuamani still remembers his first day at the TGR Learning Lab fondly. A 5thgrader at Dr. Peter Marshall Elementary School, Andrés spent a week at the Anaheim-based learning lab studying forensic science with his classmates. From surveying clues at a mock crime scene to studying fingerprinting techniques, Andrés experienced a different kind of learning. But what he really left with was the realization that there were countless opportunities awaiting him.
From 7th– 12thgrade, Andrés was a regular in the building, taking after-school classes from aerospace engineering to golf, and forging lasting, impactful relationships with the teachers. At the age of 16, Andrés became a volunteer at the learning lab and soon after, he became an official employee, landing his first job as a golf range attendant. When he realized his passion for teaching coupled with a desire to lend support to students like himself, Andrés took on an added role in Academic Support, a job he still has today.
Scholar Voices: Creating social change through the lens of theatre
My love for theatre started when I was three or four years old and my godmother took me to see a musical, in my hometown of Boston, MA. I do not remember the name of the show or really what it was about, but I was fascinated by the colors and music. Something about seeing the performers act, sing and dance gave them this magical glow on the stage. My young and impressionable mind had concluded that to be so talented you had to have super abilities, and I knew I would be a part of that magic one day.
Scholar Voices: Discovering a New Path to Career Success
Ever since I was a little boy, I loved science. Although I come from a rural, mountainous Chinese village called Qian Yang Cun in Fuzhou, I dreamt of becoming a scientist. I always knew I wanted to use science to help people. As a child, I would collect plants and soil from around the mountain and mix them together to create my own “panaceas,” ready to cure dying plants and insects along my path.
Scholar Voices: Life as a student, intern and resident in Singapore
“Go chopethat table—it’s open lah!” These are words I heard every day this past summer as I entered the Singaporean hawker centers in search of chicken and rice, like every other local during mealtime. Singaporeans flock to these large hawker cafeterias to fill up on delicious foods that cost about $4 a dish. These food […]
Medical Congress solidifies career aspirations for Earl Woods Scholars
Joining top students across the United States with interest in pursuing careers as physicians, medical scientists, engineers or technologists, Earl Woods Scholars Kayla Fisher and Jesenia Vargas recently had a unique opportunity to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.
The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Through the program, the Congress honors, inspires, motivates and directs students on their journey to success and helps them stay true to their dreams.
Kayla and Jesenia reflected on their experience and its impact on their professional outlook.
Earl Woods Scholar Program hosts Class of 2023 for pre-college retreat
As the newest member of TGR Foundation’s Earl Woods Scholar team, I hit the ground running this summer, taking part in one of our hallmark events, Pre-College Retreat. In July, our team welcomed 21 scholars from Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Orange County to the annual retreat in Southern California. Spanning three days, the Pre-College Retreat is an integral college-access program designed to prepare our scholars, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college, for their first year on campus.
Aptive Environmental partners with TGR Foundation to support Earl Woods Scholars
With a deep-seated commitment toward environmental responsibility, Utah-based Aptive Environmental is expanding its philanthropic reach into the education sector as it turns its generosity toward TGR Foundation and the Earl Woods Scholar Program.
Scholar Voices: Perspectives of fear from Los Angeles to Boston
I was accepted into Boston College on one condition; I would have to complete their summer transition program. I agreed and made my way to Boston during the summer of 2018. During the first week of the program, I experienced an incident that I have still not been able to shake, over a year later.
Earl Woods Scholars attend Global MindED conference, share key takeaways
In early June, Earl Woods Scholars Michelle Bravo and Cristian Carrasco had an exciting opportunity to attend the Global MindED conference in Denver, Colorado. Committed to creating a diverse talent pipeline through cross-collaboration, the conference united hundreds of educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and first-generation college students, like Michelle and Cristian. Over three days, the scholars attended numerous panels, keynote presentations and workshops, including a discussion on educational equity featuring TGR Foundation’s Vice President of Programs and Education, Dr. Katherine Bihr. Michelle, a rising senior at The City University of New York’s Lehman College, and Cristian, a rising junior at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) share their takeaways from the conference.
Scholar Voices: 4 Tips for living and thriving with depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States; around 7% of all U.S. adults have had at least one major depressive episode. Among the most prevalent demographics of MDD diagnoses are college students like Earl Woods Scholars. Individuals between 18-25 are more likely to have depression. Based on my own experiences with depression, I’m hoping that some of these musings alongside tips I’ve learned along the way might help.
TGR Foundation celebrates class of 2019
As caps fly and tassels turn, students around the world celebrate an academic milestone and enter a new chapter of their lives. At TGR Foundation, we took a moment to celebrate with our high school graduates who will soon be starting their freshman year at universities across the nation. Although many students were unsure of […]
Scholar Voices: My journey to college and career success
Although my academic career at Pitzer College has come to an end, my learning journey will not. Two weeks prior to graduation, the foreseeable future was ironically still abstract and difficult for me to grasp. It brought me a feeling of excitement and nostalgia, encouraging me to reflect on my last four years at Pitzer College and six years as an Earl Woods Scholar.
Harvard Scholar to address Tiger Jam guests, highlight Earl Woods Scholar Program impact
For more than 20 years, Tiger Jam has supported TGR Foundation’s educational programs and mission to empower students through education. As Tiger Jam guests head to Las Vegas for Memorial Day weekend, Earl Woods Scholar Chiamaka “Chia” Obilo will join Tiger Woods to share how the foundation and Earl Woods Scholar Program helps students like […]
Scholar Voices: My Semester in Florence, Italy
Within two and a half weeks, I realized the significance and impact of friendship on the other side of the globe. I have had friends back home for years, many of whom I met during my first two years at Stony Brook University in New York. However, the ones I met throughout my study abroad experience in Florence, Italy were memorable. These friends were significant because through them and my short time abroad, I came to realize something about myself and learned exactly how I was meant to live my life.
Earl Woods Scholar Alumnus shares on journey at 19th Annual Tiger Jam
Our 19th annual Tiger Jam at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas was a weekend to remember. From an epic performance by Darius Rucker to star-studded guest appearances by supermodel Kate Upton, musician Kid Rock and many more, celebrities came out in full support of our education programs. In today’s post, we’re looking back at a special moment during the event that stands out as a true reminder of the purpose and impact of our programs. Adrian Arias, the Earl Woods Scholar Program’s first lawyer, took the stage during Tiger Jam’s live and silent auction to give the keynote speech.
Meet Hector Pantoja: An Unrelenting Champion
Determined and driven since birth, Hector Pantoja, an alumnus of the Earl Woods Scholar Program, conquered language barriers, overcame insecurities, proved doubting teachers wrong and excelled through college.
Scholar Voices: My Journey to becoming a Dartmouth College Grad
With graduation on the horizon, I cannot help but reflect on my personal growth over the last four years. College has definitely served as a formative experience in my life – one where I’ve had several opportunities to critically engage with my identity.
Scholar Voices: My Andean Journey through Cusco, The Inca and Peru
The summer of sophomore year can be a very difficult time in the life of the average college student. Between choosing a discipline and finding a career, there is an overwhelming amount of pressure on the student to find a project that will help them further their professional goals. For many, summer plans usually involve taking on internships, doing research or enrolling in summer courses while others decide to work or take trips around the world. During the summer of my sophomore year at the University of California, Berkeley, I had the privileges of doing a little bit of both. Through my Anthropology class, I spent several weeks exploring, working in and experiencing the breathtaking beauty that is Peru.
Farmers Insurance® supports Earl Woods Scholar Program in honor of Stan Smith
Expanding on the long-standing work to help provide support, Farmers Insurance recently selected TGR Foundation as a community organization for the Stan Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Dr. Katherine Bihr shares the power and purpose of a mentor
Last fall,TGR Foundationwelcomed 25 college freshmen to the Earl Woods Scholar Program. Each scholar is matched with a dedicated mentor who will support and guide them through their college years and beyond. The mentorship component of the program has proven to be both valuable and memorable for our students, particularly those that leave home for the first time.