Inside TGR Foundation’s(Tiger Woods Charity) Learning Lab Model: Education, Measurement, and Dura...

Stephen Garten sits down with Cyndi Court to mark the TGR Foundation’s (https://tgrfoundation.org/) 30th anniversary and unpack how the foundation evolved from golf clinics into a scaled education model centered on “Learning Labs.” Cyndi explains how TGR built a repeatable program framework, standardized curriculum, and modern measurement systems before expanding to new cities. The conversation also covers durable skills, partnerships that actually work, earned revenue through events, and what makes a strong nonprofit board.


Key topics covered

• The origin story of TGR Foundation (1996) and Tiger Woods’ family values of “sharing and caring”
• The post 9/11 shift toward education and deep community investment
• What a “Learning Lab” is, and why it is not a school or a drop-in center
• Program pillars: STEAM, health and well-being, career and college readiness
• Why TGR added the “A” in STEAM, creativity and curiosity in the AI era
• Scaling responsibly: standardization, tech infrastructure, and measurement before expansion
• How TGR measures outcomes, including durable (soft) skills
• Partnerships: how to say no, avoid mission creep, and use guiding principles
• Earned revenue and sustainability through TGR Live events
• Leadership lessons and building an engaged board that understands nonprofit economics
• How listeners can volunteer and support the Learning Labs

TGR Foundation timeline and growth

• 1996: Foundation launched as Tiger turns pro
• Early years: Golf clinics and introducing golf to youth from under-resourced communities
• Post 9/11: Tiger refocuses foundation on education and invests deeply in his hometown community
• Anaheim Learning Lab: First flagship model, 35,000 sq ft, operating for 20 years
• Philadelphia Learning Lab: Opened April 1, 30,000 sq ft on Cobbs Creek campus
• Planned expansion:
• Los Angeles: Early 2027 (Lulu’s Place campus)
• Atlanta: Later 2027 (with proximity to Atlanta Technical College)
• Augusta: Early 2028 (in partnership with Augusta National)

What makes the Learning Lab model different

• Structured programming, not a hangout
• Free access for kids and families
• Multiple delivery formats:
• School field trips (plus teacher professional development)
• After school programming (critical hours for youth safety)
• Summer camps (preventing summer learning loss)



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About Charity Charge

Charity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com (https://www.charitycharge.com/) .