IRVINE, Calif.— [February 7, 2026] — TGR Foundation, established by Tiger Woods in 1996, celebrated the 20th anniversary of its flagship TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, California today with a special event for the community, “Beyond 20: Celebrating 20 Years of Driving Dreams Together.” The occasion, marking the opening of the first TGR Learning Lab in 2006, is one of the signature moments in TGR Foundation’s year-long 30th anniversary celebration, presented by EY.
Beyond 20 highlighted the impact of two decades of transformative educational programs, mentorship and community support at the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim. Throughout the event, guests enjoyed interactive activities, fun games, giveaways, a historical timeline of the Learning Lab and previews of its innovative science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) programming and more. Current students and families were able to connect with staff and community leaders and learn more about the programs and resources offered through the Lab. Numerous community partners participated in the event, including Angels Baseball, Automobile Club of Southern California, Genesis Motor America and Providence, providing access to resources along with interactive activities and innovative technology for all guests in attendance.
The event also served as an opportunity to gather alumni, former staff and key stakeholders who have played a significant role in the Learning Lab’s impact in the Orange County community since 2006 including:
- Hrag Hamalian, President Learning Labs and National Programs, TGR Foundation
- Gyla Bell, Sr. Executive Director, TGR Learning Lab Anaheim – an original staff member since 2006
- Alma Gutierrez, TGR Learning Lab alumna and current Director, TGR Foundation’s Earl Woods Scholar Program
- Carlos Leon, Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem and TGR Learning Lab alumnus
Alumni gathered for an intimate luncheon at the start of the event, celebrating the dynamic shared experience and close bonds that are forged at the TGR Learning Lab. One of those alumni, Jose Valdez, who was an original member and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with founder, Tiger Woods, in 2006 attended, stating, “The experience at the TGR Learning Lab set the groundwork for everything I have accomplished so far. The staff empowered me and the programs helped me understand what I wanted to do for my career. It has been life changing.”
At 2:10, a special dedication was held to close the event, recognizing the date the Lab first opened its doors, February 10, 2006. During the dedication, Gyla Bell shared “Today we are not just celebrating 20 years since we opened the TGR Learning Lab. We’re celebrating thousands of stories of students who walked through our doors unsure of what was possible and left believing in themselves. Stories of families who found not just programs, but a community. And stories of mentors, educators and leaders who chose to invest their time, talent and hearts into young people. None of this impact would be possible without visionary leadership of our board, staff and all those who have supported us from the community.”
Mayor Pro Tem of Anaheim, Carlos Leon, presented a proclamation on behalf of the city to Gyla Bell to celebrate the TGR Learning Lab’s impact over 20 years. “I am a product of the Learning Lab,” said Leon. “It helped me expand my horizons and see what’s possible. I wouldn’t be here today representing my community without this place.”
TGR Learning Labs were born from Tiger Woods’ vision to create a safe space for students to “learn, grow and chase after their dreams.” The Labs provide opportunities, experiences and mentorship that help students discover their passions and develop a plan for their future.
When Woods officially opened the inaugural TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim on February 10, 2006, he called it “the best day of my career.” The grand opening was attended by Tiger and local leaders, including then Anaheim Mayor, Curt Pringle and Anaheim Union High School District Superintendent, Sandy Berry, along with hundreds of students, educators and community members. Standing adjacent to the H.G. “Dad” Miller Golf Course, where he once practiced as a teenager, Woods further reflected on the moment, saying: “This is by far the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. This is bigger than golf, because we will be able to shape lives.”
Two decades later, the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim remains a cornerstone in TGR Foundation’s mission to empower students through education. Since opening its doors, the Anaheim Lab has served more than 200,000 young people through programs centered on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) educational enrichment, along with college access and career readiness programs that spark curiosity, creativity and personal growth.
Looking ahead, the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim serves as a model for educational innovation, influencing programming at the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab in West Philadelphia on the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus, which opened in 2025, as well as three additional Learning Lab campuses currently in development in Los Angeles at Lulu’s Place, Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia. The future campus in Atlanta, announced on January 14, was made possible through a $20 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, while the Augusta location will be developed in partnership with the Augusta National Golf Club.
About TGR Foundation
TGR Foundation is a leading education nonprofit founded in 1996 by Tiger Woods. With a commitment to providing opportunities that unlock the unlimited potential in the lives of young people from under-resourced communities, its mission is to empower students to pursue their passions through education. In 2026, TGR Foundation is celebrating 30 years of driving dreams together. Through its TGR Learning Labs and signature education programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) educational enrichment, career and college readiness and health and well-being, TGR Foundation has served more than 217,000 students. For more information, visit TGRFoundation.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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