Tiger Woods Foundation Announces Expansion of Tiger Woods Learning Center

Two Washington D.C. Campuses Planned for Wards 6 and 7 in Fall 2010

WASHINGTON, June 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Tiger Woods Foundation announced today that it will open two Tiger Woods Learning Center campuses in Washington, D.C., (TWLC-DC) in the fall of 2010. The Foundation developed and finalized the campus model, which allows the Tiger Woods Learning Center to have an immediate impact in the local community through a partnership with the Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools.  

"I'm excited we are moving forward on this initiative in the Washington, D.C. community," Tiger Woods said. "The two campuses will bring the best of our curriculum to some very deserving kids. A lot of people have helped to make this happen, and I'm very grateful for their support."

The two TWLC-DC campuses will be located at the Cesar Chavez Public Charter School (TWLC-Capitol Hill Campus) in Ward 6, and the Cesar Chavez Public Charter School (TWLC-Parkside Campus) in Ward 7. The TWLC –DC spaces and curriculum will be custom-built for the young people in that community, providing students in multiple wards access to innovative programs and the latest technology. 

"The creation of the TWLC-DC campus model evolved from an extensive research and development phase," Greg McLaughlin, president and CEO of the Tiger Woods Foundation, said. "There are many great reasons why we've chosen the campus model, but foremost among them is the ability to bring our high-quality programs to the young people of the District in 2010." 

Since announcing its intention to build a Learning Center in D.C. in 2007, the Foundation has funded several multi-year studies and researched numerous locations to determine the most beneficial model for the D.C. community. During this research phase, the Foundation evaluated the effectiveness and viability of the campus model, in which the TWLC operates from a space within an existing school or community center.  

TWLC-DC is excited to partner with Cesar Chavez, a charter school system that is committed to preparing kids to succeed in college.  Chavez has a rigorous academic curriculum, unique public policy program, top-notch faculty and a supportive learning environment.

Each campus will be run by TWLC-DC staff and the curriculum will focus on career exploration in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and communications, as well as provide mentoring and teacher training. The two TWLC-DC campuses are slated to open in October 2010 and will immediately begin serving the students of Cesar Chavez and the surrounding community. In addition to these locations, the Foundation is evaluating the addition of more TWLC-DC campuses - including a partnership that will serve DCPS students, as well as exploring the possibility of selecting a site to construct a stand-alone facility.   

Students attending the TWLC-DC will experience a technology-rich, innovative and highly motivated environment that has been integral to the success of the Southern California location. Activities include building and launching rockets, landing planes via flight simulator, exploring space and creating their own films.  

Joining Tiger Woods and his Foundation in supporting the TWLC-DC through generous contributions are Microsoft, Booz Allen Hamilton, MTM Builder/Developer Inc., Dean Morehouse and several anonymous donations. 

In February 2006, the Tiger Woods Foundation opened the first Learning Center in Orange County, Calif., which to date has served more than 45,000 young people through its innovative programs. Sample classes include forensic science, aerospace, engineering, robotics, biotechnology, video production and graphic design. 

Since 2007 the Tiger Woods Foundation has provided programmatic grants to more than 80 local D.C. area youth organizations, and awarded 15 local students with a college scholarship as part of the Earl Woods Scholarship Program.  

SOURCE Tiger Woods Foundation