TGR Foundation’s STEM Studio empowers 133 educators through free summer professional learning program

TGR Foundation's Free STEM Studio Professional Learning Series Gives Teachers the Tools to Bring Hands-On STEAM Learning Into Their Classrooms

IRVINE, CA, UNITED STATES, August 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- TGR Foundation welcomed 133 educators to its free STEM Studio professional learning program this summer, equipping them with tools and strategies they will bring back to classrooms that collectively serve more than 17,000 students.

Hosted in partnership with DoW STEM, STEM Studio helps K–12 educators strengthen how they teach science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), giving them opportunities to try new approaches and take practical applications back to their students. This type of professional development isn’t always readily available, especially in the under-resourced communities served by TGR Foundation. A national study funded by the National Science Foundation found that only approximately one-third of high school science teachers received 36 or more hours of science-focused professional development over a three-year period.

“When we empower educators with the right tools, strategies and support, they can create learning experiences that feel real and relevant to their students,” said Eric Moore, Vice President of Programs at TGR Foundation. “STEM Studio is about helping educators make those connections, bring learning to life through hands-on experiences, and unlock the potential of every student.”

STEM Studio helps K–12 educators strengthen how they teach science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), giving them opportunities to try new approaches and take practical applications back to their students. Marking its 10th year since the program launched, TGR Foundation offered 13 STEM Studio sessions in Anaheim, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, in addition to virtual sessions for educators nationwide, providing 156 hours of training throughout the summer. Many educators took advantage of more than one opportunity, with 30 percent participating in multiple sessions.

“I’ve had a great experience, and what I really like about STEM Studio is that it's providing educators with an accessible way to teach STEM content in a world where there are a bunch of constraints like time, curriculum and money,” said Alex Kezar, a Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. “I absolutely loved STEM Studio. I'm going to be bringing all the activities back to my classroom.”

STEM Studio is a signature program of TGR Foundation’s national educator professional learning strategy. Valued at more than $400 per participant, the multi-day training is provided at no cost to educators with support from DoW STEM. The series includes four levels that build on one another as teachers explore inquiry-based and student-led learning. All participants received interactive training, networking, support and instructional materials to use in their classrooms, while educators participating in the Los Angeles cohort had the opportunity to earn professional learning credits toward salary advancement.

In 2026, TGR Foundation also introduced Building Inquiry Innovators, the fourth level of STEM Studio. In the session, teachers first experience open-ended inquiry as students before developing lessons and activities of their own. Participants also explore the eight domains of an entrepreneurial mindset, including curiosity, creativity, problem-solving and adaptability.

“The real impact of STEM Studio happens when educators take what they’ve learned and make it their own,” Moore said. “They bring new ideas back to their classrooms, create opportunities for students to explore and solve real-world problems, and help students see themselves as future STEM professionals. That’s how we create learning experiences that can have a lasting impact beyond the TGR Learning Labs.”

Since opening its flagship TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, California, in 2006, TGR Foundation has provided nearly 7,500 educators across Southern California, Philadelphia and beyond with free professional learning and support to prepare students for success in school, careers and life. To learn more about upcoming events for educators, visit TGR Foundation’s Professional Learning hub.

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.

Daniel Scali
TGR Foundation
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